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, who has owned it since its opening.
Described as a "multi-faceted entertainment venue for the arts", with "the very best in lighting equipment and sound", the theatre is one of the largest workable stages in Elmbridge. The theatre began its debut season in September 2021, with performances from Harry Hill and Andy Parsons, as well as a production of Tchaikovsky's ballet, The Nutcracker.
History
The theatre's building, just off Esher High Street, built in 1936 used to be home to King George's Hall - a multi-functional conferencing venue, which was available for corporate or group hire. The building had major development, refurbishment and restoration work to turn it into a state-of-the-art performing arts venue. The sound equipement has been provided to the theatre by international company Funktion-One.
The theatre was opened on 4 September 2021 with a performance from Leee John from Imagination.
Since its opening it has attracted an array of comedians, musicians and entertainers to perform there, including; Cliff Richard, Chris Jagger, Harry Hill, Brian Blessed, Sally Morgan, Reginald D. Hunter, Toyah, Zoe Lyons and Milton Jones.
In-House Productions
In addition to playing host to many touring and one-off productions, Esher Theatre also produce several of their own productions, most notably Pantomime.
Pantomime
The 2022 production of 'Aladdin' starred Bobby Crush, Peter Straker and Jan Hunt. It was received well by local critics.
In 2023, the venue produced Dick Whttington starring Sinitta as Queen Rat, Sally Morgan as Fairy Bow Bells and Peter Straker as The Sultan.