Esher theatre
 | |
| Address | Community Walk Esher, KT10 United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°22′14″N 0°21′46″W / 51.370417°N 0.362759°W |
| Public transit |  Esher |
| Owner | Swift Entertainment |
| Type | Off West End theatre |
| Capacity | Main stage: 300 |
| Opened | 4 September 2021 |
| Website | |
| www | |
Esher Theatre is a theatre in Esher which opened on 4 September 2021. It features a 200-seat main theatre with 350 standing, and is owned by Artistic Director Charlie Swift, of Swift Entertainment,[1] who has owned it since its opening.
Its website describes it as a "multi-faceted entertainment venue for the arts".[2] The theatre is one of the largest workable stages in Elmbridge.[3] The theatre began its first season in September 2021, with performances from Harry Hill and Andy Parsons, as well as a production of Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker.[4]
History[edit]
The theatre's building, built in 1936, is located off Esher High Street. It used to be home to King George's Hall, a multi-functional conferencing venue, which was available for corporate or group hire. A major development, refurbishment and restoration project turned the building into a performing arts venue. The sound equipment was provided to the theatre by Funktion-One.[5]
The theatre opened on 4 September 2021 with a performance from Leee John from the band Imagination.[6]
Since its opening it has presented performances by comedians, musicians and entertainers, including Cliff Richard, Chris Jagger, Harry Hill, Brian Blessed, Sally Morgan, Reginald D. Hunter, Toyah, Zoe Lyons and Milton Jones.[7]
Productions[edit]
In addition to hosting touring and one-off productions, Esher Theatre has mounted several of its own productions, including pantomime.
Pantomime[edit]
The 2022 production of Aladdin starred Bobby Crush, Peter Straker and Jan Hunt.[8] It was received well by local critics.[9][10]
In 2023, it has been announced the venue will produce Dick Whttington starring Sinitta as Queen Rat, Sally Morgan as Fairy Bow Bells and Peter Straker as The Sultan.[11]
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Swift Entertainment brands", swiftentertainment.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Esher theatre announces opening date", surreycomet.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Esher Theatre venue hire", eshertheatre.com; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Esher Residents - Esher Theatre", esher-residents.com; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Esher theatre announces opening date", surreycomet.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "The Esher Theatre, what's it all about...", epsomandewellfamilies.co.uk; Retrieved July 13, 2023
- ^ "Swift Entertainment - Esher Theatre", swiftentertainment.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Esher Theatre - Aladdin", whatsonstage.com; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Aladdin pantomime at the Esher Theatre", essentialsurrey.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Aladdin panto Esher Theatre", bedfordshire.redkitedays.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
- ^ "Dick Whittington Pantomime", visitsurrey.com; Retrieved November 9, 2023