Capitol Horsham

The Capitol Horsham stands in the centre of Horsham, West Sussex, as a modern arts venue with a theatre, cinema and gallery. The original building opened in 1923 on London Road, designed in Italian style with a courtyard and fountain. Goodman & Kay of Horsham carried out the construction, and a Hill, Norman & Beard organ was added the following year. The theatre began with silent films accompanied by a military band and a baritone singer. It later became part of Union Cinemas and then ABC Cinemas before closing in 1983. After years as a community space and film theatre, the council bought a North Street cinema and turned it into Horsham Arts Centre in 1984. A £6 million refurbishment in 2003 created the present 400-seat theatre, studio, two cinemas, gallery, café and lounge bar. Today visitors find a busy programme of plays, films and live shows. HM Queen Elizabeth II opened the refurbished site in 2003. In 2008 Barney and friends brought a family show to the stage. The venue remains a lively part of Horsham’s cultural life.