Historically, the Electric Theatre operated as an electricity works tasked with powering the local town of Guildford between 1913 and 1968. In its latter years, the works struggled to cater for the growing demand in electricity, and a bigger station was built.

In the years that followed, the Works sadly lay dormant for thirty-one years, during which time it was used to house theatre stages and sets until Guildford Borough Council injected a new lease of life into the venue in 1997 when it became the now iconic, Electric Theatre.

Now
As of 2017, the Theatre is financed and managed as a not-for-profit venture by world leaders in music industry education, the Academy of Contemporary Music. ACM’s agreement with Guildford Borough Council ensures the future of the Electric Theatre and its vital commitment to the arts and the community, respecting its legacy and saving the local taxpayer money in the process.