Opening gala and show line-up announced for Granville Theatre in Ramsgate

Zahra, Matt and Parisa get set to open the doors of the Granville Theatre Photo James Pearce

The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate will have a grand opening gala on May 13 followed by a packed programme of shows to put Thanet ‘back on the entertainment map.’

Theatre bosses have announced a line-up including The Addams family, Michael Jackson tribute, Magic of Motown, The Makings of a Murderer and more heading to the venue in the coming months.

First shows announced

Westwood One Ltd, which also operates Under 1 Roof Thanet in Pysons Road and Under 1 Roof Canterbury, completed the purchase of the site from Thanet council last October.

The company, run by Ramsgate sisters Zahra and Parisa Tarjomani and Pyramid Martial Arts & Just Kids Parties owner Matt Milchard, has since been working on renovations to bring the site back into use as a theatre and cinema with sea view and cocktail bars, restaurant and community arts space.

Auditorium concept design @unltd_xyz

Announcing the first crop of shows, they said: “We are so proud, excited, nervous, giddy and everything in between to be able to bring such an array of fantastic productions with so many more being confirmed as we speak, Thanet is going to be back on the entertainment map.

“Thank you to everybody who has come on board and supported us by booking this wonderful theatre and having faith in us as a venue for your productions… we are thrilled to be having you!

“Following on from our Gala Evening we are delighted to be opening our programming with renowned local company Margate Operatic Society with the fantastic The Addams Family the Musical, an amazing array of professional touring shows from Entertainers UK and Michael Starring Ben direct from the London Palladium!

Entrance and foyer design

“We have so much more to come, so much more to announce and lots to add in terms of live music, comedy, plays and cinema so watch this space.”

There will be one auditorium with  a 600 seat capacity, full regeneration of the theatre space, a sea view café and bar, exhibition space, co-working space, workshop and education space.

It is estimated around 20 jobs will be created with the reopening.

Keep up to date by signing up to the mailing list at www.thegranvilletheatre.com

Ramsgate’s Granville Theatre on track for May opening – with schedule of shows already lined up

12 Comments

  1. Good to see some positive comments about an arts and entertainment story. So many miserable posters here are against all arts and entertainment.

    Fabulous to see it reopen. Hope people support it by going.

    • I can only comment on what I see, I will let you know when I see it. However seeing the frames behind them, I can see they likely have good taste in actual art.

      Most of us miserable posters actually are not against arts & entertainment. We just point out that dirty beds, rags stuck on walls, random shapes stuck to the floor etc is not art. Nor is loud concerts blaring out until 2 or 4 in the morning, by a company that has been handed(by herself & her cronies) millions & who refused to soundproof the venue with it, is not entertaining for local residents trying to sleep.

  2. Tribute acts, west end cast offs and psychic grifters pushing ghosties? Is that it? No actual up and coming independent or major label backed musicians, comedians etc? Besides RMH, why do local venues miss the mark so hard?

    • To be fair, it’s probably not easy finding acts etc for what is effectively a brand new unknown venue, i’d guess that they need a bit of a track record and attendance figures to attract “bigger” names. Plus it may well be that the owners recognise the sort of thing that appeals to the local audience. Only time will tell.

    • Give them a chance, they are just starting up. It is also covering a gap left by the abandonment of the Theatre Royal & Dreamland by TDC/KCC-when they jumped into bed with the Turner & Dreamland & gave them all the cash & let those venues rot.

    • Give them a chance idiot!!! They are basically starting from scratch and will be testing waters. I despair at some on this site.

  3. Hi
    Delighted to see a return of theatre, is there any car parking available, as I know residents opposite struggle now to park their cars.
    Thank you

  4. Great opportunity. Hopefully there will also be some quality touring theatre, not just musicals and tribute bands, plus some good international films and art shows at some point. And of course excellent coffee, maybe even a coffee and cake deal!

Comments are closed.