The Groundlings Theatre

*As of April 2020, a charity, The Groundlings Theatre Trust, took over operation of the building. Please be aware reviews before this date are for the previous operator.* Rooted firmly in its community, Groundlings Theatre strives to provide a rich mixture of cultural activities for people to participate in and enjoy. Formerly known as the Beneficial School, Groundlings Theatre is a unique Grade II* listed building based by the sea in Portsmouth. Built in 1784, our historic building has been frequented by Queen Victoria and was the location where Charles Dickens was very nearly born as his mother Elizabeth went into labour whilst attending an event. As one of the first purpose built free schools in the UK, The Beneficial School would educate some 250 impoverished boys at a time from the local area before adding a girls school in 1837. The upstairs auditorium was used by the building's founders, The Portsea Beneficial Society, for meetings, dinners and various performances.