Castle Theatre Farnham

Tucked away in an alley off Castle Street in Farnham, The Castle Theatre, originally known as the Farnham Playhouse, first opened its doors on December 5, 1939. The name underwent a transformation in 1941, becoming the beloved Castle Theatre. Serving the small market town on the Surrey-Hampshire border until May 1974, it was eventually succeeded by the Redgrave Theatre.

Occupying a 16th-century barn, rumored to be haunted by Jolly Jack Tar, a disillusioned lover who, upon returning to Farnham after years at sea, discovered his beloved married to another and purportedly hanged himself in the building. Like any reputable theater, the Castle Theatre had its resident ghost.

Throughout its history, this cherished but somewhat obscure venue experienced a variety of roles, having served as an Army Bath House, a Cinema, a Roller Skating Rink, a Fruit Drinks Factory, and, not least, a Dancing School within living memory.