The Kings Theatre in Southsea, Hampshire, United Kingdom | Theatre

The dignified and beautiful Kings Theatre in Southsea, United Kingdom, with its Italian Renaissance style of decor, is one of the best examples of the elegant Edwardian playhouses to be found in the United Kingdom,  and it has most
original features intact. Kings Theatre is the result of the vision and business acumen of John Waters Boughton and the architectural prowess of Frank Matcham, one of the greatest of Theatre architects. Although Frank Matcham is very respected and his work is becoming well documented, J W Boughton remains largely unknown outside Portsmouth.

During its 100 years, many productions have visited The Kings Theatre. For example, The Kings Theatre was the venue for the opening of the famous Aldwych Farces. After a short closure during the phoney war at the start of World War II, The Kings Theatre held a large programme of shows and concerts to keep up morale during these difficult years, including the popular musical concerts moved from the bombed Guildhall. Another interesting phase was the presentation of special Flying Matinees, with the London cast direct from their London Theatres for one special afternoon performance in Southsea. Many stars of stage and screen have performed at the Kings, including Sarah Bernhardt, Noel Coward, Sean Connery, Rex
Harrison, Spike Milligan, Ivor Novello and Sybil Thorndike, to name but a few of the great names of the last 100 years.

In summary, we can quote the words of Dame Sybil Thorndike who always loved to act in The Kings Theatre in Southsea because of "the wonderful appreciation of the warm-hearted audiences." Please continue to support The Kings Theatre and help to keep this wonderful Theatre thriving.