Discover the history of The Old Beneficial School on one of Groundlings' historical tours. Step back in time with us for a theatre experience like no other! Groundlings Theatre Tours offer an expedition around Portsmouth’s oldest theatre with a unique opportunity to soak up its rich and beautiful history. Led by costumed actors, the tour will take you to all corners of our Grade II listed building and show you that Groundlings is so much more than just theatre. First built in 1784 as the Portsea Beneficial Society Building and housing are of the first three schools grounded in the UK, there is so much to discover when hearing the story of this unique heritage building. Whether it be the occasions Queen Victoria was a guest alongside Prince Albert’s affection for the building of the interesting tale of a Nazi Sympathiser climbing on our roof, there are revelations for history busses, culture vultures and inquisitive minds alike. Groundlings Theatre is operated by The Groundlings Theatre Trust and is Portsmouth’s only fully producing theatre, staging up to ten in-house productions a year. Our Theatre Tour will not only give you an insight into our wonderful past but also our glorious future as you will also get to see the happenings of a working theatre.