The Mowlem
Swanage's vibrant community theatre offering live music, theatre, comedy, and cinema in an intimate setting with stunning bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music series
The Mowlem
Best Time
Live music series
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Swanage's vibrant community theatre offering live music, theatre, comedy, and cinema in an intimate setting with stunning bay views. +1
"An excellent little theatre with a packed programme of events – highly recommended! "
🎟️ Book tickets early
Popular shows sell out fast, especially during summer. Book online or call ahead!
🍸 Pre-show drinks
The Showbar offers great bay views and local drinks before performances.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Music Performances
Main Theatre
Experience electrifying live bands and artists up close in an intimate setting.
The Showbar Taproom & Bar
First Floor
Enjoy local beverages with panoramic views of Swanage Bay.
Local Theatre Productions
Main Theatre
Discover and support talented local artists and community theatre.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Enjoy the Showbar Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book tickets early
Popular shows sell out fast, especially during summer. Book online or call ahead!
🍸 Pre-show drinks
The Showbar offers great bay views and local drinks before performances.
🎶 Up-close performances
The intimate venue means you're close to the action.
🎭 Support local talent
Catch unique local productions and emerging artists.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book tickets early
Popular shows sell out fast, especially during summer. Book online or call ahead!
🍸 Pre-show drinks
The Showbar offers great bay views and local drinks before performances.
🎶 Up-close performances
The intimate venue means you're close to the action.
🎭 Support local talent
Catch unique local productions and emerging artists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Mowlem Theatre's intimate atmosphere, friendly staff, and diverse programming, from live music to theatre and cinema. The Showbar's bay views are a significant highlight, making it a perfect spot for pre-show drinks. While some find the architecture dated, the overall community spirit and quality of entertainment make it a highly recommended venue. +2
"We decided to visit this local theatre to see Supersonic Queen performing - the first band in the theatre's series of live music shows over the summer. And what a great time we had! The theatre is fairly small so you're up and close with the performers which worked very well in this case as the audience really got into the spirit of the evening.
The venue itself is nice with friendly staff and a decent bar on the first floor. From here you have excellent views over the bay and plenty of comfortable seating. Booking for the show was easy and they've got a packed programme of events. In fact we've just booked to return in a couple of days so the Mowlem Theatre must be doing something right."
Damian Cannon
"Popped in for a drink after a night at the carnival last week.
Staff were friendly and the place had a nice atmosphere.
Drink prices were not too bad and they had a DJ that night.
Nice place to look out over swanage."
Julia Stevenson
"Great atmosphere with entertaining shows. There are a lot of local productions. Have a drink afterwards in the showbar overlooking the bay."
Michael Caton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mowlem Theatre is located in Swanage, Dorset. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include bus services to Swanage town centre.
Yes, there are several car parks in Swanage town centre, a short walk from The Mowlem Theatre. Some street parking may also be available.
Swanage is served by bus routes. Check local bus timetables for services that stop in the town centre, which is a short walk from the theatre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through The Mowlem's official website or by visiting the box office during opening hours. Booking in advance is recommended for popular events.
The theatre's opening hours can vary depending on scheduled performances and cinema screenings. The Showbar is typically open before and sometimes after shows. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Information on concessions or discounts is usually available on The Mowlem's website when booking tickets. It's worth checking for specific event details.
For some events, tickets may be available on the door, but it's not guaranteed, especially for popular shows. It's always best to book ahead to secure your spot.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The Mowlem hosts a diverse range of events including live music, theatre, comedy, cinema screenings, and local productions. +1
The Mowlem is known for its friendly staff, great atmosphere, and intimate venue that brings audiences close to performers. +1
The Mowlem aims to be accessible. It's advisable to contact the theatre directly to discuss specific accessibility needs and arrangements.
Generally, photography and videography are not permitted during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check with staff for specific event policies.
The theatre has a main auditorium with seating, and the Showbar offers comfortable seating with bay views. The intimate nature means good views from most seats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Mowlem features The Showbar Taproom & Bar, offering local beverages and snacks before and sometimes after shows.
The Showbar offers a selection of local beverages, including craft ales, real ales, and ciders, as well as ice cream.
While The Showbar offers snacks, it's primarily a bar. For full meals, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in Swanage town centre.
📸 📸 Photography
The Showbar offers fantastic panoramic views of Swanage Bay, making it a prime spot for scenic photography.
Photography during performances is usually restricted to protect the show and audience experience. Check with staff for specific policies.
The theatre's location offers views of the bay. The surrounding Swanage area provides many picturesque coastal photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Before or after a show, the Showbar offers a relaxed environment where families can enjoy snacks and drinks. The proximity to the town centre also means there are plenty of other family-friendly dining options nearby. It's always a good idea to check the specific event listings for age suitability.
🎶 Music Lovers
The intimate venue ensures you're close to the action, providing an immersive concert experience. Even outside of dedicated music festivals, the theatre frequently hosts local bands and touring artists. The Showbar also sometimes features DJs, adding to the lively atmosphere. It's the perfect place to catch live music in a friendly and engaging environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mowlem Theatre Experience
Beyond the main stage, The Showbar Taproom & Bar is a significant draw. This area not only serves local drinks and snacks but also boasts stunning panoramic views over Swanage Bay. It's the perfect place to relax before a show or enjoy a drink while taking in the coastal scenery. The staff are consistently described as friendly and the overall vibe is welcoming, fostering a strong sense of community.
While the building's architecture might be a point of discussion for some, the overwhelming sentiment is that the quality of the shows, the staff, and the community spirit make The Mowlem a highly recommended destination for entertainment and a great facility for the town.
Programming at The Mowlem
This commitment to diverse entertainment makes The Mowlem a vital cultural hub. It provides a platform for local talent to shine and brings professional acts to the Swanage community. The intimate setting enhances the impact of these performances, allowing for a more direct connection between artists and their audience.
Visitors frequently highlight the packed programme of events and the ease of booking, often leading to repeat visits. The theatre's ability to supplement cinema screenings with live events is seen as a forward-thinking approach to venue management.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit