Congress Theatre

4.6/5 based on 1215 reviews
Latest Reviews
We booked to see CATS but it ought to have changed its name to "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" as the day of our visit it was one of the hottest of the year and the air conditioning in the theatre was woefully inadequate to cope. The theatre management should have handed out free bottles of water to the wilting audience. At the interval there was a rush to the ice cream vendors !!
The show was excellent but the theatre sound system needs updating as we could not decipher the dialog or vocals during the performance.
On another low, the faces of the cats, an important feature of the show, could not be seen from the "Grand Circle'. It really was a waste of money and spoilt the experience.
The cast were excellent and worked very hard in such extreme temperatures.

My advice avoid the grand circle as it is hot up there and you don't see the detail.
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Expensive trip to see Cats with 2 teenage girls. The show was beyond fantastic ! Saw it about 8 years ago and if anything it was even better. The Congress Theatre on the other hand was disgraceful. It is tatty, not only the seats themselves but the bar area and the toilets too. The staff as always are polite and helpful but the building is just not up to the job.
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Cats - excellent production on for a week. Well worth a trip. Previously seen in London. Lifts in the theatre if required. The tickets were purchased as a gift for us.
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We had two seats on the higher stalls and an end of row seat for my husband as he is tall and had more leg room, these seats were very good but I really think that wherever you sat you would have a good view of the stage even if you had a tall person sitting in front of you due to the step effect of the seats.
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We visited the Congress Theatre Saturday 6th August where Ben Portsmouth was on for just one night doing his performance Elvis tribute show.
We have never seen Ben previously although he is considered the best in his field and we was not disappointed as this fellow is truly amazing to the point of the ultimate tribute to a much loved and respected artist.
The theatre was packed and the show was brilliant and it was safe to state no one in the audience wanted to leave at the end of this great performance and the best we have ever seen.
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Wow.what a fantastic show from start to finish.alexandra burke was absolutely stunning.with all the cast first class.well worth seeing.
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Danced the night away with a terrific tribute band yesterday. Great atmosphere and all round good vibe. First half was spoiled for me by two fat men sitting nearby who were texting constantly. At my polite request they changed seats at the interval. Can't believe people who behave like this. Anyway the show was fab, really worth a visit to this beautiful theatre.
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Large theatre, recently having been refurbished on exterior and due to be refurbished (interior) shortly. Pretty much every seat is a good seat in this theatre, although it's best to be in the stalls. Great venue for large-scale touring shows
tripadvisor.co.uk
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In recent months i have seen, Jersey Boys, The Glen Miller Story and The Bodyguard.

All performances were of a west end standard. So represent good value for money.

The venue is always hot, even in winter especially if its a full house. So dont wear anything to warm.
It is not easy to park, so be prepared to park in the nearby(ish) streets and walk- jot down the street name. Or get a taxi.
The toilets are as most places not adequate for women, but head up or down a level if there is a queue and you may find you dont have to wait as long.

The theatre is due a refurbishment this year, so my comments may not be relevant soon, as i am hoping air conditioning and extra female toilets are planned
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Went to see The Bodyguard with Alexandra Burke. It was an amazing show in a great venue. Didn't realise just how large the stage was until I was watching the show, and saw the sets moving. G
Great views of the stage wherever you sit
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The facilities for disabled wheelchair users is great and the staff most helpful and kind. Managed to park outside on double yellow lines with both vehicles containing disabled and able bodied. Could see the stage really well from where positioned.
The show was excellent and recommend it to couples, 14+ age families, group of friends or work collegues as a brilliant enjoyable night out.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Absolutely fantastic show completely amazed & blown away Alexandra Burkes voice just stunning - met her & cast at stage door all so friendly
Definitely a must see show
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Visited Congress for the first time since the scaffolding has come down. Great to see daylight through the windows of the mezzanine bar again !! Went to see Let it Be, a West End show, tribute to the Beatles. Superb show, 4 very gifted musicians (who can sing too) plus a keyboards backing player. Accoustics good in the Congress. Well worth a visit. If you live in the area as I do, we have a great choice of shows to see. If you are a visitor, make a point of booking something while you are in town, you won't be disappointed.
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The packed lunch provided by the convetion was poor and the Theatre staff badly managed it , no bar was opened and delegates had to leave the centre to get anything other than a paper cup of tea.That eveing in the wintergardens side for the banquet and ball, the food was average, the bar was open and the service moderate, but the food service to the tables and guests was extremly slow with some food even arriving at the table luke warm or cold.Not a good advert for big functions in Eastbourne.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Fabulous
What an amazing night
The whole theatre was standing
I have now booked to see Rod in Vegas chasers place

The show was amazing and look forward to it coming here again
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Great place to watch shows. Friendly staff drinks/sweets ect fairly priced. So many options of shows to see. Plently of advertisement so you wouldnt miss out.
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Mum & I saw a matinee performance of Blood Brothers and the staff and the box office etc were so brilliant and you can aslo get tours behind the scenes and you can book tickets in advance and the food is also very nice and staff very helful and very kind I will look forward to returning to the CONGRESS THEATRE EASTBOURNE EAST SUSSEX
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Breathtaking show featuring music and dance through the years, but with very much emphasis on the Argentine Tango. The theatre itself is looking a little tired, but is maintaining the quality of it's shows, up to January 2017 when it closes for refurbishment. I will be going to see The Bodyguard in June and can't wait.
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We went to see The Last Tango at the Congress. The show was really good and I would recommend it. The Theatre itself is due for a major facelift in January 2017 and it really needs it now. So, looking forward to 2018 when it will be finished.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Fantastic night out, seats were in the raised stalls, not a bad view of the stage but not very comfortable with very poor leg room glad I wore trousers. Going to try and book row R in future slightly more room. Not a cheap night out but if you want to see a big show but don't fancy travelling to London you won't be disappointed. Staff are friendly and helpful. A lovely treat, looking forward to seeing The Bodyguard in June!
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Hi
I have been to this theatre several times my most recent visit was to see Chicago it was amazing.

This theatre get all the top shows and for the cost its not bad at all.

Would highly recommend you check it out.
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Booked couple of weeks ago to see Chicago , but I haven't felt well last couple of days did debate weather to still go to the show but we did and it was really good had good seats great evening
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Went to see Chicago and the show was very good spoiled by the inane shouting every time one of the two ex soap stars and the BGT lady came on stage. The seats are very uncomfortable and the leg room poor. There is only one serving bar in the interval and if you are up in the Circle you need to hike down two levels, queue up for some time hike back up just in time to go back in without having touched your drink. This place looks great from outside but needs the seating replacing urgently. We are regular visitors but will think hard before spending on Tickets for these seats.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Fantastic performance at the Congress Theatre tonight .. THRILLER LIVE.. Well done to all the cast ....Great theatre, plenty of free street parking after 6pm.. A credit to Eastbourne
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Went with my hubby to see priscilla and laughed,cried and loved every second of it all the cast were amazing ,the singing,dancing everything . At the end i just wanted to watch the whole thing again it was so good and dare i say better than the film. We were lucky enough to have front row seats but i think wherever you sat you would love it the whole theatre was alive with excitement . Congratulations to everyone involved amazing x
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New charitable body considered for Congress and Devonshire Park Theatres
13/02/2023

The latest from Eastbourne Borough Council about a charitable body for Congress and Devonshire Park Theatres. Read article