Groundlings is a unique Georgian Theatre built in 1784, it is a magical place with secret doors and hidden rooms. It was frequented by Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens was nearly born here. The building went on to serve the rich and the poor with downstairs floor serving as the classroom for impoverished children and the upstairs being used by the high society for meetings, concerts and theatre. The school applied a very disciplinarian attitude to education. It was not until 1837 the boys only school was opened to girls and a junior school was also formed in 1873. The school had to be closed in 1939 due to the outbreak of WW2 and it is said that a Nazi sympathizer used the roof of the school to shine a torch to direct bombers seeking to hit Portsmouth Dockyard. The school finally closed in 1962 and it was in 2010 when a major restoration job was started. There was an appeal to locals to roll their sleeves up so builders, local volunteers, in fact, everyone came to lend a hand. Today, Groundlings Theatre is a professional producing theatre and drama school firmly rooted in its community. Operated by The Groundlings Theatre Trust, they ensure the upkeep of a historic Grade II* listed building and provide a mixture of cultural experiences alongside a dedicated engagement programme.