THANET DISTRICT
Entertainment Venues
From Theatres & Cinemas to bingo halls, Ghost stories abound in the Entertainment world of England, from shadow figures seen to unexplained noises heard. Kent is not exempt from those stories and witness experiences. Paranormal events are held across the county in some places of entertainment, so don't forget to check out the Events in Kent page. Here is what GofEPS has so far for the Thanet District
​
CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR THE BUSINESS WEBSITE
​
​If you hear of any reports of Paranormal Activity at any of the listed places that aren't reported here, or you know of any not mentioned, please get in touch. Thank you
1. THE GRANVILLE THEATRE
Victoria Parade Ramsgate CT11
Unfortunately, the Granville Pavilion, a significant part of our local history, was damaged beyond repair in WW2. However, the resilient spirit of the community was evident as the Borough Engineer, Mr R. D. Brimmell, planned a new building on the same site. The New Granville Theatre, as it was initially known, was a symbol of our post-war recovery, designed by the architect Mr W. Garwood for £13,100. Every usable brick from the old building was carefully preserved, with new blocks manufactured in the town. The Mayor of Ramsgate, Alderman S. E. Austin, proudly declared the Theatre open on Saturday, 21st June 1947, marking a new chapter in our local history.
The Granville Theatre was not just a cinema but a versatile entertainment complex. With two large cinema screens, Dolby Surround Sound, lounge seats, and free parking, it offered a premium movie-watching experience. But that's not all. The main cinema boasts an ample flat performance space for small-scale performances, conferences, and functions, making it a versatile venue for various events. The second screen auditorium had a fully equipped 30 ft stage and became a regular host to visiting professional, local amateur, and in-house theatre productions. The complex also featured a separate dance studio, a theatre bar, and facilities for people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the unique offerings of the Granville Theatre.
It closed in March 2020, but after the impact of COVID-19, the Granville Theatre Ltd team – who had been running the site – had no option but to relinquish it, and the council took formal possession of the venue in May 2021. The council put the Theatre up for sale in 2022. It was bought in September 2022, and the new owners became Westwood One Ltd, a local family-run organisation with a passion for the arts and a track record of successfully operating businesses in Thanet. They aim to return the building to one auditorium, as it was in the 1940s, with a 600+ seater capacity, complete regeneration of the theatre space, a sea view café and bar, exhibition space, co-working space, workshop and education space.
**HAUNTINGS**
The Granville Theatre has a long, busy history; the creaking floorboards groan underfoot as you wander through the halls and corridors.
Some say they've heard voices in the darkness, Disembodied whispering voices that seem to come from nowhere. Many visitors to the Theatre have reported sightings of apparitions, a spirit that seems to linger in the shadows, watching and waiting, and a ghostly figure standing on the stage, staring out into the empty seats.
Others have just seen fleeting images in the corner of their eyes, disappearing as soon as they turn.
There have been reports of strange and unexplained happenings, from sudden drops in temperature to objects moving on their own or a ghostly hand brushing against their skin or tugging at their hair.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE.
2. THEATRE ROYAL
Addington Street Margate CT9
The Theatre Royal, a cherished part of Kent's history, stands as the oldest in Kent and the second oldest in England. Its rich legacy as a live theatre from 1787 to 1963, with a brief period of chapel use during the 1840s, is a testament to its enduring cultural importance.
Jethro T. Robinson radically altered it in 1874. It became the site of the first drama school in the country, the School of Acting, which was opened by Sarah Thorne in 1885 and then became a cinema between the wars.
In 1988, it returned to live theatre following essential works for licensing but operated only falteringly until its closure again in 1991.
From 1992 to 1994, it had occasional use only and, from 1995, operated on a theatre club basis.
In 1998, it reopened licensed for limited-capacity public performances.
In April 2007, Thanet District Council bought and leased the building to the Margate Theatre Royal Trust for a peppercorn rent.
In 2012, the Trust ran into financial difficulties and ceased managing the theatre in April. Thanet Leisureforce (now YOUR Leisure Kent Ltd), which runs Margate Winter Gardens, was contracted by Thanet Council to manage the theatre.
The doors closed at Margate's Theatre Royal in 2022, ending the lease agreement with the operator Your Leisure Kent Ltd. The historic theatre hosted its final show on April 28 and is now closed, awaiting a refurbishment and arrangements for a new operator.
The theatre will be refurbished as part of the £22.2million Margate Town Deal. The new vision is to combine the Theatre Royal Margate and 19 Hawley Square, which have a long and shared history. These places will be preserved, restored, and modernised to create a performing arts hub in Margate. The aim is to establish a circular theatre economy to promote performing arts and create a supportive environment. They hope to complete the works and open the theatre with a pantomime in 2027.
**HAUNTINGS**
The Theatre Royal, with its enigmatic past, is reputedly the most haunted theatre in the country. Strange happenings, shrouded in mystery, have become commonplace within its walls, adding an element of intrigue and curiosity to its historical narrative.
News of hauntings began to surface in 1918 when the ghost of actor-manager Sarah Thorne was seen.
Paranormal activity is said to be more concentrated around a trapdoor in the theatre, leading to what was once a smuggler's cave.
Ghostly goings on have also been reported both onstage and backstage and in one of the boxes, where a man jumped to his death during a performance. There are conflicting reports about the suicide man, but he was possibly an actor.
Another ghost is reputed to be responsible for creating strange floating lights around the stage.
In 1966, Alfred Tanner, working on its redecoration, encountered several spooky happenings, including strange noises and the apparition of a ghostly head. Paranormal Investigations have been held there throughout the years, advertised on the GofEPS Events in Kent page but we will now have to wait until 2027 to see if they open up access again.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE.
3. TOM THUMB THEATRE
2a Eastern Esplanade, Margate CT9
The Tom Thumb Theatre was a family-run arts venue in central Cliftonville, Margate.
Originally a coach house in 1896, the Tom Thumb Theatre underwent a fascinating evolution. It served as a double garage before its remarkable transformation in 1984 into one of the world's smallest theatres, a fact that never fails to intrigue visitors.
The curtain fell for the last time in 2005, marking the end of an era with a performance of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. This was a significant moment in the theatre's history, as it was the last performance before a period of change and uncertainty.
Original owner Lesley Parr-Byrne, a theatrical agent, died in 2006, and the site was passed to her daughter Sarah, the co-owner.
In 2009, the theatre fell into disrepair, and its future was uncertain. Sarah faced the difficult decision of whether to sell the theatre or attempt to restore it to its former glory.
At an auction, the theatre found a new owner in actress Frankie Jordan, who hails from Deal in Kent. Her connection to theatre and her experience in television shows like Z Cars, Grange Hill, Heartbeat, and The Bill reassured everyone that the theatre was in good hands. She said she would continue to use the property as a theatre with the help of family and friends.
It has since been taken over by Sara & Alex Ratcliffe.
The Tom Thumb is a striking mix of Japanese and Alpine Architecture. Its quirky, charming interior features velvet seats and flocked wallpaper.
The theatre also features a dressing room, lavatories, a small kitchen, and an upstairs self-contained flat.
It is reputed to be one of the smallest theatres in the world, with one of the smallest stages.
**HAUNTINGS**
Staff have experienced firsthand the existence of some unexpected guests. Owner Frankie Jordan has reported that as soon as she took over, people from the early days used to ask,'Have you seen the little girl?' She is about four or five years old, often accompanied by a small dog, and likes to jump on and off the stage. These sightings have added to the theatre's unique charm and intrigue.
But it isn't the building itself that attracts the spirits. The seats have their own story as Frankie continues: They were inherited from a Music Hall in London. One evening, a man realised he had forgotten his glasses. He asked to borrow the key and go back to look for them. Apparently, when he returned, he asked what show was being rehearsed that night as the seats were occupied by ladies and gentlemen in Edwardian costume.