The Groundlings Theatre Trust - Portsmouth

The Groundlings Theatre Trust: A Comprehensive Overview

The Groundlings Theatre Trust is a highly regarded and versatile entertainment venue located in the charming coastal town of Portsea, Portsmouth. Situated at 42 Kent St, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3BS, United Kingdom, this establishment offers a unique blend of theatrical experiences, drama education, and event hosting. With a dedicated phone number of 2392737370 and a comprehensive website at groundlings.co.uk, The Groundlings provides detailed information for prospective visitors and partners.

Specialties and Facilities

The Groundlings operates as a multifaceted organization encompassing several distinct areas. Primarily, it functions as a thriving theater company, renowned for its improvisational comedy performances. These shows, deeply rooted in the tradition of Second City and The Groundlings in Los Angeles, are consistently praised for their spontaneity and comedic brilliance. Beyond performance, The Groundlings functions as a respected drama school, offering training and development opportunities for aspiring actors and comedians. Furthermore, the venue boasts a functional function room facility, ideal for private events, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. It serves as a beautifully restored performing arts theater, retaining a distinctly vintage atmosphere that adds to the overall experience. Increasingly, The Groundlings has become a sought-after wedding venue, providing a unique and memorable setting for couples seeking a distinctive celebration.

Location and Accessibility

The location of The Groundlings in Portsea is particularly appealing. It’s easily accessible and offers a pleasant setting. Parking is available on-site, with a wheelchair accessible parking lot, making it convenient for guests with mobility needs. The entrance itself is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. Inside, the venue features wheelchair accessible seating, further demonstrating its commitment to accessibility. The surrounding area of Portsea provides a beautiful backdrop for any event, enhancing the overall ambiance. The ease of access, combined with the appealing location, contributes significantly to the positive perception of the venue.

Points of Interest and Practical Information

Several key features distinguish The Groundlings. On-site parking is a significant advantage, offering a cost-effective solution for visitors. Parking is charged at £1 per hour, with 4 hours costing a mere £4.50 – a remarkably reasonable rate. The venue’s historical charm is also noteworthy; it’s often described as feeling “like stepping back in time in a good way,” suggesting a carefully preserved and authentic atmosphere. The venue is also good for kids, fostering a welcoming environment for families.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

The Groundlings has garnered considerable positive feedback from its patrons. Currently, the company holds 91 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a high level of engagement and customer satisfaction. The average opinion is a commendable 4.5/5, indicating a consistently positive experience. Many visitors highlight the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The vintage aesthetic, coupled with the high quality of the performances, consistently receives praise. The overall impression is one of a well-managed, engaging, and genuinely welcoming venue. The commitment to accessibility, demonstrated through wheelchair access and parking, further enhances its appeal.

Summary

The Groundlings Theatre Trust is a multifaceted entertainment destination in Portsea, offering a unique combination of improvisational theater, drama education, and event hosting. With its convenient location, accessibility features, and positive customer feedback, it stands as a popular choice for entertainment, events, and celebrations.

Keywords

• Theater Company
• Drama School
• Improvisation
• Wedding Venue
• Portsmouth

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👍 Reviews of The Groundlings Theatre Trust

Keith P.

5/5

As we got there very early we were able to park in the carpark. It was about £1 per hour so for 4 hrs parking only cost £4.50. The place it's self was really nice just like stepping back in time but in a good way. Staff are very friendly

Bunk M.

5/5

Very nice historic theatre. Bar is really good with a great mix of fairly priced drinks. Went to see the panto, Rapunzel, and really enjoyed it! Great fun for all the family. All the main cast are amazing, but I have to shout out Rubella and Jojo, who never put a foot wrong and were so good with the crowd! Dancers and secondary cast also knocked it out of the park! The only thing to bear in mind is the stage is up a fairly large flight of stairs, but if that is no worry, I definitely recommend the venue and the show.

Julia M.

5/5

A small, quirky theatre.
You have to go upstairs to the stage area which has round tables and chairs as opposed to normal raked seating.
Unfortunately no actual ventilation in that area.
Nice, friendly, helpful staff.
Very community minded, with children treading the boards for the first time in the yearly Panto.

Liz H.

5/5

My son and I went on a tour of the Groundlings Theatre today. Absolutely fantastic! Best theatre tour we've ever done! The actors taking us around were amazing. Thank you all for a brilliant afternoon. We'll be coming to many performances for sure!

Hazel H.

4/5

Went today to see Puss in Boots with my grandchildren and we really enjoyed it.
So much work must have gone into it
My only negative were the double meaning 'jokes', they were cringeworthy, embarrassing and crude. The show truly did not need them
The rest was so well done and everyone was very welcoming and friendly

Carolyn W.

5/5

A fun night out to raise funds for this beautiful theatre. We played Music Bingo hosted by Miss Hilsea Lido. The staff were so friendly, the drinks are really cheap. We are already booking tickets for their next event.

Tracey M.

5/5

I was fortunate enough to watch Wonderland today at the beautiful Groundlings Theatre. The staff are amazing and so friendly. You order your drinks and snacks from your table and they are priced very well. A beautiful theatre and an amazing production. Look forward to the next one!

Charlotte B.

5/5

Absolutely amazing, venue is fantastic, very old and haunted, has such character! We watched The Grimm Tales and it was unbelievably good, really enjoyed it! The cast were so fantastic and set up was awesome!!! Highly recommend!