Esher theatre

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.

Esher Theatre
AddressCommunity Walk
Esher, KT10
United Kingdom
Coordinates51.370417°N 0.362759°W / 51.370417; -0.362759
Public transitNational Rail Esher
OwnerSwift Entertainment
TypeOff West End theatre
CapacityMain stage: 300
Opened4 September 2021 (2021-09-04)
Website
www.eshertheatre.com

Described as a "multi-faceted entertainment venue for the arts", with "the very best in lighting equipment and sound",[2] the theatre is one of the largest workable stages in Elmbridge.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5]

The theatre was opened on 4 September 2021 with a performance from Leee John from Imagination.[6]

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.[7]

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.[8] It was received well by local critics.[9][10]

In 2023, the venue produced Dick Whttington starring Sinitta as Queen Rat, Sally Morgan as Fairy Bow Bells and Peter Straker as The Sultan.

References
  1. "Swift Entertainment brands", swiftentertainment.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  2. "Esher theatre announces opening date", surreycomet.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  3. "Esher Theatre venue hire", eshertheatre.com; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  4. "Esher Residents - Esher Theatre", esher-residents.com; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  5. "Esher theatre announces opening date", surreycomet.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  6. "The Esher Theatre, what's it all about...", epsomandewellfamilies.co.uk; Retrieved July 13, 2023
  7. "Swift Entertainment - Esher Theatre", swiftentertainment.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  8. "Esher Theatre - Aladdin", whatsonstage.com; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  9. "Aladdin pantomime at the Esher Theatre", essentialsurrey.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
  10. "Aladdin panto Esher Theatre", bedfordshire.redkitedays.co.uk; Retrieved July 12, 2023
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