Stephen Morgan MP has made a visit to King’s Theatre in Southsea ahead of the beloved venue’s upcoming restoration.
This £5 million heritage restoration will follow the King’s Theatre’s 118th anniversary, which recently passed on 3 June 2026, and will see the venue undergo its most significant transformation in decades.
Opened on 30 September 1907, what is now the King’s Theatre, then the Albert Road theatre, was designed by the celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham, responsible for the creation of more than 150 theatres across Britain within his lifetime. The Kings Theatre is now one of less than 25 designed by Matcham that have survived to this day.
Over the decades, King’s Theatre’s stage has hosted Sarah Bernhardt, Noël Coward, Morecambe and Wise, and a 1974 film shoot that brought Elton John and The Who into the auditorium for the movie Tommy.
Now, the venue will be undergoing a restoration that will turn the long-derelict Victorian terrace at 24–28 Albert Road into a fully accessible entrance foyer, bar and rehearsal space while restoring the building’s original portico.
These works are expected to cost £4.5 million to £5 million and are due to last roughly 16 months, with the theatre staying open throughout.
During his visit, Mr Morgan was provided an update on this upcoming restoration with theatre representatives, during which they shared with him the benefits this will have for accessibility, community and the local economy.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South said:
“The restoration of the King’s Theatre secures its bright future for the next century, preserving its heritage while creating new spaces for creative and community use.
“This and other local arts spaces are the heart of our communities, helping to inspire Portsmouth’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029. Venues like the Kings Theatre have been crucial to telling our stories, reflecting who we are and bringing people together through the years.
“I remain committed to taking action to protect our city’s cultural scene and increase accessibility to local attractions.
“I congratulate the team at the King’s Theatre and look forward to working with them as development progresses.”
