Community Survey Planned To Discuss Future of the Troubled Electric Theatre

Published on: 1 Nov, 2025
Updated on: 1 Nov, 2025

By David Reading

Guildford Borough Council will be launching a community survey this month (November) to help guide decisions about the future of the Electric Theatre.

The theatre closed earlier this year, facing extreme financial pressures caused in part by higher energy and employment costs.

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) had been running the theatre since 2017 but revealed that the venue had made a loss “in excess” of £250,000 over the period of a year.

At present the council is assessing the condition of the building to understand what needs to be done before the Electric Theatre can be reopen.

The council said in a statement: “We recognise how important this venue is to many people in the borough. Whether you’re a performer, a regular theatre-goer, part of a local group, or simply someone with ideas for how this incredible space could be used, the council wants to hear from all members of the community.

“If you’d like to be part of the conversation and have not already been in touch with the council, you’re invited to sign up for regular updates.”

The council plans include:

a community survey to be launched this month
informal drop-in sessions throughout November and December
a stakeholder roundtable event in January 2026.

Cllr Julia McShane

Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of the Council, said she hoped people would come together with proposals to help shape the future of the Electric Theatre.

She said: “I’m excited to hear your ideas and see how we can bring this special space back to life. Together we can determine what happens next.”

In early October the Guildford Dragon NEWS reported that Nick Wyschna, founder of Wysch Productions, which includes Guildford Fringe, had formally expressed an interest in taking on the lease.

He said his intention was to reinvigorate the theatre “as a vibrant space for professional productions and community-driven performances.”

Wysch Productions has submitted an Expression of Interest to the council.

People can sign up for Guildford Borough Council’s news updates at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ElectricTheatreSignup