Towngate Theatre, Basildon

Towngate Theatre, Basildon
First opened in 1989, the Towngate Theatre is owned by Basildon District Council and is run by the Council's Cultural Services section. After a period of partial closure the Towngate re-opened fully in summer 2006 as an important feature of Basildon Council's modern cultural strategy.

Although the Towngate Theatre was built as recently as the late 1980s, its main auditorium follows the traditional horse-shoe design seen in many theatres built during the Georgian period. However, it is possible to quickly remove and store the entire 232 stalls seats under the main stage, creating a massive 378 square metre flat floor area suitable for all sorts of occasions.

Work is continually underway to build up a show calendar which will include shows put together by Towngate Promotions, as well as popular, entertaining and occasionally, more cultural and controversial productions brought in from elsewhere. All chosen to appeal to as large a cross section of people as possible.

Importantly, the venue continues to attract many nearby performance arts schools and amateur production groups who contribute so importantly to the District's cultural scene.

In Autumn 2008 there will be completely re-furbished stalls seats to make seeing a show at the Towngate even more comfortable and enyoyable!

Located in the middle of Basildon town centre, less than 5 minutes walk from the town's bus and rail stations and surrounded by ample car parking, much of which is free after 6.00pm.

For the closest car park head for the Westgate Shopping Centre. From the car park walk towards the Argos Store in the corner, and then through the walkway. Turn right and the Towngate Theatre is on the Left.

Please note the Westgate surface car park is open 24 hours however the multi-storey section of the car park is locked between 10.00pm and 7.00am every evening.