Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre

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Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre

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Arts For Everyone The Pump House is one of the leading arts venues in Watford with a thriving programme of events. Further information at www.pumphouse.info

The aim of the centre is to provide facilities for local arts groups and enable art for all of the community to enjoy. This covers all art forms including: plays, musicals, live music (including Jazz, Folk and rock), live comedy, dance and visual art. The centre is run by volunteers and is funded through the groups that use the centre, donations and sponsorship. We currently receive no regular funding from the council or any other arts bodies. The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre used to be the old pumping station supplying water to the Watford area. A new pumping station was built and the Pump House fell into disuse. In the early 70s the building was converted to provide a theatre auditorium and rehearsal room. Several other developments and improvements have been carried out over the years that have lead to the existence of the centre with additional facilities to support the local community as it is today. It offers an auditorium seating 124 and a live music venue.

04/11/2026

⛸️ Get ready to skate into the festive season as Big Skate returns from 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 at Pondside.

🎄 This has been made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from the Mace Group Foundation and includes a brand-new covered ice rink to the town.

Tickets are priced at £14 for adults, £10 for children and £45 for a family of four. Skate aids are available to book for an additional £3: https://bit.ly/Big-Skate-WBC

Those booking early can take advantage of special early bird prices available before 23 November, with adult tickets reduced to £12, children's tickets to £8 and family tickets to just £38.

The event will also give back to the local community, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to four charities and good causes.

This includes Become chosen by Mace and New Hope, Pump House Raise the Roof and Watford Community Fund chosen by the council.

☃️ Festive music and colour-changing lights will also help create a seasonal atmosphere, while a refreshments stall serving drinks and snacks, will offer visitors the chance to soak up the Christmas spirit on and off the ice.

Big Skate Watford will also offer dedicated Quiet Skate sessions at selected times.

30/10/2026

Great news - the Pump House has been shortlisted for a Neighbourhood Grant from Watford Borough Council.

We've applied for £50,000 which will go towards funding the next phase of our Raise the Roof improvements. This includes removing most of the theatre auditorium and stage section of the building and constructing new foundations, steel work, walls, a new, reshaped roof structure and new theatre technical facilities.

But we need your vote as part of the public consultation to secure the money.

You've got until 5 November to cast your vote, so don't delay do it today via: https://www.watford.gov.uk/public-consultation

28/10/2026

🌟🌟ON TOMORROW - Dave Brownings Jazz Cats 🌟🌟

Dave Brownings Jazz Cats are performing a Halloween Special at the Pump House Jazz Club tomorrow (29th). Dress for the occasion.

The band take inspiration from the free-wheeling, spicy tang of Chicago-style Dixieland jazz.

The Pump House Jazz Club hosts traditional jazz every Thursday, boasting some of the best nationally and internationally recognised musicians.

No advanced booking needed, just buy tickets (£13) on the door - everyone welcome!
Starts 8pm.

25/10/2026

😂🌟ON NEXT MONTH: Murder Through the Ether🌟🤣

📅 Date: 27-29 November
⏰ Time: 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on the 29th
📍 Venue: Colne River Room

Murder Through the Ether is a brand new murder mystery play brought to you by the Pump House Theatre Company.

A family meet following the death of the patriarch Ronald ‘Knockers’ Johnson. They are accompanied by the vicar and friend of Ronald’s - Rev Cuthbert Wood. It is Cuthbert’s duty to pass on Ronald’s wishes by reading his will. But there is tension between Ronald’s ex-wife, Edith Johnson, and his current live-in lover, Camilla Pavel. What Edith lacks in compassion she makes up for in sternness whereas Camilla is a much more emotional soul and, as such, the two women are foils for one another.

Similarly, Edith and Ronald’s two children adopt contrasting attitudes to life. Robin, is something of a pl***oy whereas his younger sister Ronnie is determined to become a successful accountant. The cast is completed by Eric ‘The Red’ Johnson, the deceased’s brother and would-be political revolutionary and secondary school science teacher.

Book tickets via: https://pumphouse.info/events/murder-through-the-ether/

23/10/2026

😂🌟ON NEXT MONTH: Watford Comedy Night🌟🤣

📅 Date: 21 November
⏰ Time: Bar 7pm, show starts 8pm
📍 Venue: Colne River Room

Comedy Hotspot brings you another night brimming with comedic excellence and featuring some of the best stand-up acts currently doing the national comedy circuit.

Watch this space for news of November's line-up.

Book tickets via: https://pumphouse.info/events/comedy-hotspot-november-2026/

21/10/2026

🌟🌟ON TOMORROW - TJ's Dixieland Five 🌟🌟

TJ's Dixieland Five are performing at the Pump House Jazz Club tomorrow (22nd). Renowned as one of the UK's most unique entertainers.

The Pump House Jazz Club hosts traditional jazz every Thursday, boasting some of the best nationally and internationally recognised musicians.

No advanced booking needed, just buy tickets (£13) on the door - everyone welcome!
Starts 8pm.

14/10/2026

🌟🌟ON TOMORROW - Graham Hughes Sunshine Kings 🌟🌟

Graham Hughes Sunshine Kings are performing at the Pump House Jazz Club tomorrow (15th).

They'll be performing jazz from the early days, played by icons such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

The Pump House Jazz Club hosts traditional jazz every Thursday, boasting some of the best nationally and internationally recognised musicians.

No advanced booking needed, just buy tickets (£13) on the door - everyone welcome!
Starts 8pm.

Address

5 Local Board Road
Watford
WD172JP

Telephone

+441923241362

Website

http://www.pumphouse.info/

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