The Mowlem Theatre was opened in 1967 and replaced the smaller original Victorian building which had stood for over 100 years. It can seat up to 400 patrons in the stalls and circle and is situated on the sea front at Swanage at the junction of two of the main shopping streets. It has a combined programme of typically, over 200 film performances each year in addition to 60-100 nights of live theatre.

Within the building there is the Fortes Ice Cream parlour and coffee shop. The new Mowlem Bar and Restaurant now called “The View”, opened with new tenant Tracey Thorne on 12th February and is open all day as well as providing a bar for the theatre.

The Mowlem Theatre is an independent venue run by Trustees of The Mowlem Institute Charity (reg. charity 243486) and receives no grant or subsidy from the Town, District or County Councils. It derives income from letting out the shops, bars and restaurant as well as from the function room, cinema and live theatre.