Purbeck's home for arts and culture, all year round!
The Mowlem is Swanage’s much-loved cultural venue, and the only place in Purbeck that brings theatre, cinema, live music, comedy and community events together under one roof, all year round.
Our current building opened in 1967 and now more than 26,000 visits are made through our doors. Some come for a night at the theatre and a drink at The Showbar. Some for the latest film on our big screen. Some for a gig, a comedy night, or simply a community event that couldn’t happen anywhere else in town. The Mowlem hosts a diverse and dynamic programme that aims to cater for a wide range of experiences and tastes. The Mowlem is a place for everyone.
Our Vision
To be the artistic and cultural heart of Swanage and Purbeck.
Our Mission
To cultivate a distinctive cultural destination by championing local talent and dynamic artistic experiences, enabling residents and visitors to celebrate culture and community together.
- Cinema Latest releases on the big screen
- Theatre Touring productions to local performances
- Comedy Uplifting experiences that bring the town together
- Community Where our residents can call our space a home
- Family Captivating events for the next generation
- Music Across all 3 spaces for every taste
- Visual Arts Art exhibitions and artist talks.
- All
Our building, our responsibility
The Mowlem Institute has served Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck as a community space since 1863. The current venue has been open as an independent cinema and theatre since 1967 and now welcomes over 26,000 visits annually, delivering over 300 events across its multiple spaces.
The Mowlem is owned by the Board of Trustees and therefore, we are responsible for maintaining the building. Our charitable mission has always been and will continue to be for the benefit of the residents of Swanage, improving wellbeing and welcoming everyone equally.
Our plan for the future
We’re entering a new five-year plan (2026 to 2031) to secure The Mowlem’s future as Purbeck’s year-round cultural home. That means investing in our building, growing our programme, and building the funding partnerships, with our community, local businesses, and organisations like Dorset Council, Garfield Weston, Swanage Town Council and Arts Council England, that will keep us open for generations to come.
Led by people who care about this place
The Mowlem is led by Executive Director Kate McGregor and a dedicated staff team. Our Operations Manager Thomas Curtis has worked in the venue for 21 years and the majority of our team live in Swanage.
Our board of Trustees help to develop the long term vision of The Mowlem. We are supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers.
Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent customer experiences and access to the arts on our doorstep. We are all passionate about Swanage and the people who live here.
Be a part of our story
The Mowlem only works because of the people who show up, as audiences, as volunteers, as Members, as supporters. If you'd like to be part of what comes next, here's how:
