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 to 100 nights of live theatre. Within the building there is the Fortes Ice Cream parlour and coffee shop, as well as the Mowlem Bar and Restaurant.