Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Southsea Shakespeare Actors: Portsmouth's Premier Theatrical Company
Established in 1947, we are a registered charity dedicated to producing Shakespearean and other theatrical works. Our company has performed nearly 200 plays, including completing Shakespeare's canon twice, a feat recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. We operate from a permanent base in Portsmouth and utilise diverse venues across South East Hampshire to broaden audience access. Our youth company, Upstage!, trains young people in theatre skills while integrating them into main productions. With a history of award-winning performances and innovative staging, we remain committed to delivering high-quality, accessible theatre to local and regional audiences. 
Services
Shakespearean Plays
Youth Theatre Workshops
Venue Hire
Community Productions
Historical Reinterpretations
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- We have produced nearly 200 plays over 75 years of continuous operation
- Our youth company trains the next generation of theatre professionals
- We pioneered non-traditional venue performances across Hampshire
- Our 1960s production of Richard III was staged at the historic Square Tower
- We maintain Portsmouth Cathedral's theatrical legacy through site-specific productions
What people say
Excellent work
Inventive theatre
Quality Shakespeare
Strong ensemble
Effective staging
Services
Shakespearean Plays
We produce authentic Shakespearean performances with modern interpretations. Our productions combine traditional text delivery with innovative staging in historic venues. Audiences experience dynamic character portrayals and creative set designs that enhance the Bard's works for contemporary appreciation.
Youth Development
Our Upstage! youth company provides comprehensive theatre education. Young participants learn acting techniques, stagecraft, and production skills through workshops and collaborative performances with professional actors and directors.
Venue Hire
We offer our Omega Centre rehearsal space for hire. The facility accommodates theatrical rehearsals, community events, and private functions with full technical support and central Portsmouth location.
Community Productions
We create accessible performances across South East Hampshire. Our productions tour multiple venues including historic sites, arts centres, and non-traditional spaces to engage diverse local audiences.
Historical Reinterpretations
We specialise in contextual Shakespeare performances. Our site-specific productions at locations like Portsmouth Cathedral and the Square Tower integrate architectural history with dramatic storytelling for immersive experiences.
People
Aaron Holdaway
Actor/Director
Experienced performer and director known for comedic roles, recently directed The Tempest and played Richard III. Demonstrates versatility in both acting and directing Shakespearean works.
Rob Bartlett
Director/Actor
Award-winning director and actor with extensive Shakespearean experience. His productions include Richard III and The Tempest, noted for creative use of historic performance spaces.
Lauren Farnhill
Director/Actor
Talented director who staged Murder in the Cathedral at Portsmouth Cathedral. Demonstrates skill in adapting classic texts for unique performance environments while maintaining textual integrity.
Questions
How can I purchase tickets for Southsea Shakespeare Actors productions?
Tickets are available through our website or at the venue box office for each performance location.
Where are your main performance venues located?
We perform at multiple locations including the Groundlings Theatre, Station Theatre Hayling Island, and Portsmouth Cathedral.
Do you offer opportunities for young people to get involved?
Our Upstage! youth company provides theatre training and performance opportunities for young people aged 14-25.
Are your performances suitable for all ages?
We recommend checking specific production details, but many performances are accessible to secondary school age groups and older.
How does your company approach Shakespearean texts?
We combine traditional text delivery with modern interpretations, often using gender-swapped roles and innovative staging techniques.
