Theatre's future considered after lease ends early

The Electric Theatre was rented out in 2017, but the leaseholder has ended the agreement

A council has said it will "consider the wider social value" when looking at options for a Surrey theatre's future after its leaseholder handed back the keys.

Operators of the Electric Theatre in Guildford cancelled shows from April onwards after recording a loss of £250,000 in 2023-24.

Venue owner Guildford Borough Council said the theatre was handed back in August and "various groups" had since "expressed interest in using the space".

Council leader Julia McShane said: "We know how important it is to our community, and we are absolutely committed to ensuring it continues to thrive."

The local authority had leased the Electric Theatre to the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) since 2017, when they agreed a 20-year deal.

The ACM, which has a campus in Guildford, said it was "unable to continue to subsidise" the loss-making venue.

It first opened as a theatre in 1997 and was originally an electricity works for the town.

Guildford Borough Council said it would host a roundtable discussion with people who cared about the theatre to "listen to the views of our community".

McShane said the discussion would explore new ideas and "create a sustainable economic plan" for the theatre.

"We are required to consider all potential uses for the site," she said. "However, I want to reassure residents that we will look beyond just financial value.

"We will also consider the wider social value and the unique significance the Electric Theatre holds for Guildford."