Dorking Halls

    Designed by architect Percy W. Meredith, our striking Art Deco venue was built in 1931 to house the Leith Hill Musical Festival and host renowned composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ staging of Bach’s St Matthew Passion.

    The venue was designed to host a range of community events. It comprised three Halls: the Masonic, the Martineau and the impressive Grand; all of which remain today.

    The Grand can seat 900 people, and its original stage could accommodate 300 singers and a full orchestra. The acoustics were exceptional and there was also a fully-sprung dance floor.

    The Halls remained the property of the Leith Hill Musical Festival until the Second Word War, when the building was commandeered by the Meat Marketing Board and the Army. Once the war was over, the Halls was left in poor condition and would have cost too much to restore, so it was sold to the Dorking Urban District Council for the knock-down price of £15,000.

    The council, which still owns the venue, brought it back to life, and by 1946 activities were happening daily, including flower shows, Scouts and dance evenings. Due to its popularity, the council began welcoming professional, higher-profile acts and productions.

    The Halls underwent a large-scale refurbishment between 1994 and 1997, creating the modern, fully-equipped theatre, cinema and conference venue we know and love today.

    Improvements are ongoing. In 2017 we refurbished our mezzanine, café and Box Office area to reflect our Art Deco heritage. This year the building is being repainted and eagle eyes will have spotted a smart, modern new logo.

     

     

     

    Upcoming events at The Dorking Halls Theatre

    Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity Tour

    The undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is going back on the road

    Dorking Halls

    16 Nov 2024

    The undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is going back on the road.

    Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

    Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show.

    Dorking Halls

    24 Apr 2024 - 25 Apr 2024

    Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out!

    Fascinating Aida – The 40th Anniversary Show!

    Celebrating 40 years on the road.

    Dorking Halls

    28 Mar 2024

    Celebrating 40 years on the road.

    Most Haunted: The Stage Show

    The acclaimed World No.1 paranormal show.

    Dorking Halls

    4 Apr 2024

    Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of Edward Scissorhands has carved a place in the hearts of audiences world-wide since its premiere in 2005.

    90’s Live

    There will be no valley too deep, no mountain too high, so come on Barbie let’s go party and join us for 90s Live.

    Dorking Halls

    16 May 2024

    It’s time for 90s Live!Get ready as we spice up your life, taking you back...
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