60+ years of curtain calls, standing ovations, and community pride.
The story of the Guild Theatre begins in 1953, in the years following World War II. A passionate group of East London theatre enthusiasts — led by pioneers including Dr Bromilow-Downing and Arthur Markson — came together with a single dream: to give East London a world-class home for live performance.
After years of planning, fundraising, and community effort, the Guild Theatre opened its iconic doors on 6 October 1962 with a production of The School for Scandal — launching six decades of curtain calls, standing ovations, and unforgettable memories.
Today, the Guild is funded in part by the National Lottery Commission and remains a beacon for East London's artistic community — hosting commercial touring shows, community productions, and youth arts education programmes.
The Guild was built by the East London community, for the East London community. We proudly platform local talent alongside professional touring productions.
From the Royal Moscow Ballet to South Africa's finest comedians, the Guild has welcomed world-class performers to East London for over 60 years.
We believe in nurturing the next generation. Our youth programmes give young East Londoners access to theatrical training, exposure, and opportunity.
Located on Union Avenue in the heart of Selborne, East London, the Guild Theatre offers a 490-seat auditorium, on-site parking, and full accessibility. From intimate dramas to large-scale musical productions — our stage can do it all.
Browse our upcoming shows and book your seats online — secure checkout and instant e-ticket delivery.
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