We’re moving to the Historic Dockyard!

We’re thrilled to announce that Groundlings Theatre & Drama School has found a new home at Boathouse 5 in the Historic Dockyard—just a five minute walk from our current site in Portsea!

It has been an intense couple of years trying to secure our existing building and with that an emotional rollercoaster ride facing the threat of closure. However we’re excited to be moving to a new home in the Grade II listed Boathouse where we can continue inspiring creativity for all ages from 8 to 80! We will continue to offer our cabaret style table seating for performances and best of all - we can now engage even more people as the new space is all on one level with step free access!

With the move to Boathouse 5, the curtain rises on an exciting new chapter. After significant investment from Portsmouth Historic Quarter, the Grade II listed Boathouse 5 now offers an intimate 63-seat theatre alongside a spacious, flexible main hall for larger performances, events, and community programmes as well as brand new toilet facilities — all set within one of Portsmouth’s most iconic historic locations. The transformation of Boathouse 5 follows Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s charitable pledge to conserve, restore and repurpose the historic buildings under its care, making them accessible for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

In our new space we’ll continue to deliver our drama school and performances including:

  • Our annual pantomime—this year it’s Cinderella! Book here [link]

  • Our growing Drama School (now including a new Youth Drama group!)

  • A spot in the National Theatre’s Connections programme in 2026

  • Plus more events, community programmes, and space for local creatives! Stay tuned for more shows to be announced

Thank you to everyone who supported us through the journey—we can’t wait to welcome you to our new home. Let the next act begin!

Our New Home. Boathouse 5

The Historic Dockyard is just a 5 minute walk from our current location and onveniently located next to the train, bus and ferry connections of Portsmouth Harbour and the Hard.

Entry to the Historic Dockyard is free and Boathouse 5 is the large green building on the right as you enter, directly opposite where the HMAS Warrior is docked.

Boathouse 5 is a Grade-II listed building originally constructed in 1807 to provide a mast house at the dockyard, and later used for the construction, repair and storage of small boats.

Boathouse 5 now contains a new 63 seat studio as well as a larger flexible space for staging performances and events which is where Groundlings shall be hosting this year’s pantomime, Cinderella.

FAQ

  • When will you be moving to Boathouse 5?

    Our performances will be starting at Boathouse 5 from December 2025.

    Our drama school will be moving from October 11 2025.

    Our panto rehearsals shall all be in Boathouse 5 when they start at the end of October.

  • Does it cost to get into the Historic Dockyard?

    Entry to the Dockyard is completely free, including when you come to Groundllings at Boathouse 5.

    Just ask for your Historic Quarter Pass at the Visitor Centre—this gives you free access to the wider Historic Quarter (excluding ticketed attractions).

  • Where do I park to go to the Historic Dockyard?

    The easiest way to get to the Historic Dockyard is via Public Transport as the Dockyard is located right next to transport links - Portsmouth Harbour Train Station, The Hard Bus Terminal and the Wightlink and Gosport Ferries.

    If you wish to come by car, there is parking available in the Historic Dockyard Car Park, on Admiralty Road off Queen St, or the Harbor Car park off Havant St or Wickham Street Car Park.

  • Will you continue to offer volunteer opportunities at the Dockyard?

    Yes absolutely! We are always appreciative of the volunteers that support our work and will continue to offer opportunities such as front of house and costume. We are always eager to hear from anyone interested in supporting us with these as well as social media, photography and administration. If you would like to get involved, please do get in touch at office@groundlings.co.uk.

    Portsmouth Historic Quarter also offer volunteer opportunities such as Boats Restoration, Visitor Welcome (front of house, guided tours and pontoon tours) and Porters Lodge Garden Volunteer.

  • Why can’t you stay in the building you’re currently in?

    Groundlings Theatre Trust has less than five years remaining on its current lease, and the new landlords have confirmed that they will not be extending or renegotiating it.

    The building we are currently in, a Grade II* listed property on the Heritage at Risk register, requires significant investment to maintain, improve accessibility, and support future growth. With no long-term security, it isn’t viable for the Trust to invest public or charitable funding into the site they do not own or have a long lease for.

  • Will you still offer the space for weddings and private events?

    We as Groundlings will not be offering weddings and parties however there are a range of stunning, flexible spaces for weddings and celebrations offered inside the Dockyard. For more information visit https://dockyardevents.com/events/weddings/

  • Why didn’t Groundlings buy the current building?

    Groundlings Theatre Trust had hoped to purchase the building,  from its previous owner, with a grant they had secured, but in September 2023, it was sold to property developers before a sale to the Trust could be securedDescription goes here

  • Who are Portsmouth Historic Quarter?

    Portsmouth Historic Quarter manages the buildings, spaces, and heritage craft at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Priddy’s Hard in Gosport. Their mission is to develop these areas into vibrant cultural and creative destinations. With a free Historic Quarter Pass, the public can explore exhibitions, events, and activities within these historic spaces.