Kings Theatre
Looking back at how Theatres Trust has supported Kings Theatre over the years
The Kings Theatre was built in 1907, designed by Frank Matcham, and survived the heavy bombing of Portsmouth during the Second World War. But by the 1990s the theatre was in decline, both in terms of its audience and the physical condition of the building. By 2000, with the lease on the building coming to an end, there were fears that the owner, Hampshire County Council, would choose to demolish the theatre.
Theatres Trust joined forces with passionate local supporters, Action for Kings Theatre Restoration, to save the theatre for the town. The theatre was purchased by Portsmouth City Council and leased to the Kings Theatre Trust Ltd.
Since then, there has been considerable investment in the building to ensure it can continue to entertain its local audiences and Theatres Trust has continued to support Kings Theatre Trust with its plans.
Most recently, we’ve supported Kings Theatre with a project to integrate neighbouring shop units to improve the front-of-house space, make the theatre more accessible, and create a second performance studio. The original Victorian shop frontages will be retained and restored, but everything behind will be demolished to create the space for a much-expanded theatre foyer with a new bar and box office, additional toilets, including an accessible toilet, and a lift. This will provide level access, meaning that wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility will be able to use the primary audience entrance for the first time.
We visited the theatre in 2024, provided detailed feedback on the initial proposals and supported the subsequent planning application. Portsmouth City Council responded positively, granting full planning permission and listed building consent.
We look forward to seeing the new, improved, and expanded Kings Theatre when the work is completed.
This case study was produced as part of our Fifty@50 campaign to mark our 50th anniversary in 2026.
Photo credit: Ian Grundy