Electric Theatre

Electric Theatre
The Electric Theatre, viewed from across the River Wey
Electric Theatre
Location in Surrey
Address Onslow Street
Location Guildford
Coordinates 51°14′10″N 0°34′39″W / 51.236127°N 0.577431°W / 51.236127; -0.577431Coordinates: 51°14′10″N 0°34′39″W / 51.236127°N 0.577431°W / 51.236127; -0.577431
Public transit Close to Guildford bus station & Guildford railway station
Owner Guildford Borough Council
Operator Academy of Contemporary Music
Type Theatre
Construction
Built 1913 as power station
Opened 1997 (1997) as theatre
Website
www.guildford.gov.uk/electrictheatre/

The Electric Theatre is a theatre located in Guildford, Surrey, England, which has gained a widespread reputation for promotion of the musical arts at all levels from community workshops to concerts by internationally well-known artists.[1]

The theatre is housed in a former electricity works which used to provide power to Guildford town centre. The works lay dormant from 1968 until the building’s potential as a theatre was recognised; 1997 saw the opening of The Electric Theatre in the converted premises.

The Theatre is funded and managed by the Academy of Contemporary Music using professional staff with physical and financial support from volunteers. The Electric Theatre has become a major regional attraction,[2] hosting a youth theatre and festivals such as the Guildford Book Festival and the International Music Festival which alternates years with the Guildford Spring Music Festival.

In 2008 a Family Festival in conjunction with the Prince of Wales' "Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts" took place. The annual Film Festivals show a variety of classic, art house and world cinema.[3]

Additionally, The Electric Theatre has hosted numerous concerts by Folk and acoustic musical acts. These concerts continue under the "Electric Voices" brand and include world-renowned acts such as Dick Gaughan, the Copper Family, Ashley Hutchings, Bill Caddick, Coope Boyes and Simpson and many other leading musicians in this field.

The celebrated guitarist Eric Roche (who taught Newton Faulkner) recorded a live DVD at the Electric Theatre in May 2003, Eric Roche in concert at The Electric Theatre, Guildford.[4]

References

  1. ↑ The Stage / The website for the entertainment industry / Theatre, performing arts, TV and radio
  2. ↑ The Electric Theatre, Guildford - South East England - UK Attraction
  3. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-09-11. Retrieved 2008-01-20. Guildford Borough Council website
  4. ↑ Acoustic Masters website


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