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. There are two bars, a licensed restaurant, a function room and four shops within the complex.
During the period 2007-2009 there was extensive refurbishment with new seating purchased by funds raised by the public refurbishment appeal, new cinema projectors and Theatre sound control desk. There was also extensive external and internal re-decoration also a new fascia and notice boards. The bars and restaurant were also upgraded significantly with new tenants and the shops were also redesigned.