Guildford Amateur Theatre Association - GATA

21/08/2026

Update from GBC on the Electric Theatre:

Decisions made by the Executive:

At its June meeting, the Executive agreed several steps to move this project forward. Councillors:

• agreed that the most suitable operating model combines community use with commercial programming and activities

• approved plans to begin the process of selecting a new operator for the venue

• approved funding to appoint an independent industry expert to support our search for a future operator that achieves the best possible outcome for the venue.

What happens next?

We have now appointed, Blue Horizon Ventures, to lead the next phase of work. From September they will:

• develop a project plan, supporting documents, and timeline for the Expression of Interest and market engagement exercise

• identify and engage with potential operators, partners, and stakeholders

• assess responses and provide a summary of market interest and capability, including key opportunities and risks.

Recommendations and reporting

The consultant will help develop a clear, evidence-based recommendation to support the Council’s objectives. We expect to receive the consultant’s report later in the year, with recommendations presented to our Executive (or if required, a West Surrey Shadow committee early in 2027).

The recommendations will set out which option offers the best future for The Electric Theatre and delivers the most sustainable outcome, deliverable solution, and value for money.

Help spread the word

We’ve become aware that some subscribers, particularly Hotmail users, may not be receiving this newsletter.

If you know of people interested in the future of The Electric Theatre, please you can share this update or get them to subscribe. We encourage all subscribers to add [email protected] to their safe senders list to help ensure future updates are delivered.

You can also follow the history and progress of the project on our website: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/TheElectricTheatre

26/06/2026

🎭 The latest on the Electric Theatre after last night’s vote by councillors. GATA has been following developments closely and our acting Chair and Treasurer were there to underline our commitment to ensuring the theatre reopens as an arts venue. 🎭

We’re taking the next step to help secure a bright and sustainable future for The Electric Theatre.🎭

Following an independent assessment, the future of the venue will be shaped by a mix of cultural, community and commercial use, bringing together community benefit, financial stability and value for money.

👉 What's next? We’ll soon launch an Expression of Interest to invite ideas from those keen to run or use the space. This will explore both cultural and commercial opportunities to support this much-loved venue’s long-term sustainability.

26/06/2026

26/06/2026

In just over two weeks, THE REVENGERS TRAGEDY comes to Guildford Castle Keep, from 13th-19th July. As it’s INSIDE the ancient stone walls, you can be sure of keeping cool if the weather is hot but dry if it’s raining! Plus you will be watching this fast-paced shocker, first staged in 1606 at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. With space for just 50 audience, dont wait to book tickets via pranksterstheatre.org.uk. Its horribly hilarious!

25/06/2026

In a world of deadly lies, Elizabeth Proctor’s quiet truth breaks Salem's madness. THE CRUCIBLE OPEN AIR. JULY 15-18

25/06/2026

🚨 CHECK YOUR FLYERS! 🚨

Did you pick up a Sister Act flyer recently?

Take a closer look, because a select number of them have been blessed with a special, secret mark! 🤫✨

If you spot the hidden mark on your flyer, congratulations!

YOU’VE HIT THE JACKPOT!

Here’s what you need to do:

- Bring that lucky flyer with you when you come to the show.

- Present it at the bar to claim a FREE drink on us! 🥂

Grab your tickets, check those flyers, and we’ll see you at the show! 🎭👇

NOT BOOKED YET? Visit gtguk.com NOW!

25/06/2026

🎭 GOOD NEWS FOR THE ELECTRIC THEATRE 🎭

Guildford Borough Council has now reviewed an independent appraisal of The Electric Theatre's future, and there are some very encouraging findings.

✅ The building remains structurally sound and capable of reopening.
✅ The preferred option is a hybrid cultural model, combining community use with stronger commercial programming.
✅ The Council will now begin the process of finding a new operator for the venue.
✅ The report recognises both the theatre's cultural importance to Guildford and the strong support from local stakeholders for its continued use as a theatre and arts venue.

While no final decision has been made, this is the clearest indication yet that the Council wishes to explore a future that retains The Electric Theatre's cultural and community role.

There is an Executive meeting of the Council this evening where these proposals will be outlined and agreed so your GATA representatives will be there - see link below which includes the full report from GBC’s independent theatre consultant, Blue Horizon:

Agenda for Executive on Thursday, 25th June, 2026, 7.00 pm - Guildford Borough Council: https://democracy.guildford.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=132&MId=3288

GATA will continue to represent member groups and champion the value of amateur theatre as this process moves forward.

The future is not decided yet – but this is a positive step forward.

22/06/2026

🚨 BOX OFFICE UPDATE: ARE YOU ON THE LIST YET? 🚨

Curtis wasn't joking during the week, if you aren't on the list, you can't get in.

Several of our performances are already heading toward total sell-outs, so this is your official warning to secure your spots!

🎟️ Get your tickets here: gtguk.com

22/06/2026