Congress Theatre

4.6/5 based on 1215 reviews
Latest Reviews
Went to go to see Kevin Bridges, the tickets were £25 each, it was really really good! Everything was basically on time, bar was quite small and took ages to get a drink!
The seats were good but they were quite close together, no personal space.
Nice venue though.
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£25 for good seats to see Kevin Bridges seemed pretty good value to me, but we're from London so not sure if our views are skewed.

Box office had no queues, so collecting tickets was easy. However, seating areas are not well signposted so lots of people were going to the wrong sections. Signage could really do with being improved. Seating is very tight, so a real squeeze when people need to walk past to get to their seats.
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Attended this weekend to watch Kevin Bridges. There seems to be some work being done to the theatre inside the foyer. Looked a bit scruffy and not a nice first impression to see traffic cones!
Inside there is no problem, it's a nice little theatre with good views of the stage. Seats were comfortable.
The biggest issue for me and my friend was that there was only a
cash bar! Seriously?
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Lovely Theatre always very good shows on there & very reasonable seat prices quite local for the buses
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This is the biggest theatre in eastbourne and much more on a par with modern London theatres. The size and style means it is able to host many of the larger west end touring productions. We have seen singing in the rain, sister act and cats amongst many others and all of these productions offer west end quality at eastbourne prices. There are a number of bars and good toilet facilities (as I get older these things are important!). The seating in the theatre is also very good with leg room for the modern man rather than the cramped conditions of older theatres. Although many of the west end touring shows book out, you can usually pick up tickets at short notice from the wonderful box office staff (Jules is an absolute delight and always has a smile and good advice re the best seats!). All in all a great theatre space and some fantastic shows.
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A great place for a large crowd. Now that the years long scaffolding is down it is lovely to have such a light bright first floor area to sit in and take in the view over to the sea.
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This band the illegal eagles were really outstanding and if you close your eyes you would think it was the real act, weve seen the Eagles in Wembley and these really are a great tribute
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I visited to see a performance and although it was not a hot night outside after about half an hour it was uncomfortably hot inside, and it got steadily worse as the evening wore on, I would hate to think what it is like in the summer. In addition the stairs to the circle (misleadingly called the "Upper Terrace") had building work going on and were reduced to half their width which would make any evacuation with a full house very slow. I assume this has been passed by the fire brigade, but it seemed dangerous to me. On the plus side the staff were very helpful
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Been here once before. The theatre itself is lovely. Comfy seats and good view of the stage. However, the building on the outside does look like an eyesore with scaffolding that has been there for many years. Heating needs to be seen too. Was boiling hot

There was a very long queue for drinks which didn't seem to move. And an fault with Card terminal.

Would come here again as it's welcoming and does have some good acts playing.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Several venues all in one. Theatre for 1000, Floral Hall could have various uses. Several other smaller rooms. Cafe and Bistro and a couple of bars near the theatre. So the idea venue for a big conference.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely theatre which is currently being upgraded as the amount of scaffolding testifies to. Hopefully, part of the refurbishment will include the interior as well as the exterior? The seats were pretty uncomfortable and seemed to have been there a long while without getting treated. A great venue which needs a bit more TLC, but once upgraded should be a great venue for many years to come. Friendly and helpful staff
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Excellent show with some of the original 60's stars. Good view from Row C in Grand Circle with lots of leg room.
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Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Watched The Adams Family this afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. We were there to watch my partners son who was Lucas in the production and left the theatre with no bad thoughts or disappointment. The production was fantastic and the atmosphere was good, the whole experience was a positive one.
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Performed by one of our local theatre groups, it was excellent but only on for 4 nights.
The sound, as ever at the Congress, was poor, but that didn't spoil a polished and delightful musical show.
Definitely a worthy tribute to the t.v. series, excruciating corny gags and all. Some good songs and some excellent performances.
If you're near town, like musicals Go.
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Great productions I went with family and they wanted to see cats I thought urgh but the acting was fantastic and I had a great evening and the cost of 18 pounds
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Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Me and a friend took ourselves off to see Dirty Dancing at this theatre and we both had different views on our experience. The theatre itself does need a complete overhaul, its very dated. You feel like sardines packed into small and uncomfortable seats.
Then the show comes on!!! My friend absolutely loved it. Me on the other hand thought that the last 20 minutes was really good, but the rest of it I didn't enjoy. For just under £50 a ticket, I would have expected more, so I was disappointed!
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Wonderful production and captivating song and dance routines. The Argentine Tango will be forever be an experience that we shall not forget. The supporting actors and dancers were also wonderful.
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Just returned from seeing Vincent and Flavia in Dance til Dawn. Second visit as went on Thursday and immediately wanted to re-book. The show was absolutely outstanding, the dance routines mesmerising and the singing out of this world. Have to admit have never heard of Oliver Darley but his voice was beautiful and truly memorable.

Loved the comedy element, especially seeing Vincent and Flavia with such amazing comedic timing. The whole cast were involved in different roles, from dancing, singing, scenery changes and helped make such an outstanding performance. Funny, technically brilliant, sensual and captivating.

FAB-U-LOUS !!!!!
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The season of philharmonic Sunday concerts at the theatre suburb.always very well attended. Shame about the state of the theatre.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
not sure which show the review below was watching but we went on 16th January and thought the whole show was fabulous.
Would happily pay same money for other shows like this.
If there was one observation it would be if you charge £50 a ticket can we have comfortable seats that would warrant this.

The show however was superb saves going to London
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well if you live in Eastbourne and haven't booked to see this show! DO SO TODAY!!! It was amazing! Don't go with preconceptions Patrick Swayze Jennifer Grey etc the cast were really good! And so clever the way it has been adapted from iconic film to the stage!
Although the two main characters were excellent the other cast members sister/ nerdy grandson / his main dance partner were just great.
Altho the theatre is tired and has little atmosphere the audience all thoroughly enjoyed the performance:-) WELL DONE was brilliant
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Eastbourne theatres put Bournemouth to shame, BUT will the Congress, work in "progress" hotbox be finished before I die? Borough Council PLEASE do what you're voted in for&make a decision!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Went to see a dance performance here in January. The theatre is nice, spacious bar area and foyer and seats were comfortable, I liked the added large arm/table rest I had on my seat (an end seat). My one criticism would be the rows are not very tiered, therefore the persons head infront of you is usually in your view. But, nice friendly staff and a pleasant atmosphere.
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Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have performed shows, as well as watched them at the congress. Brilliant service,would definitely recommend it.
google.com
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I have performed shows, as well as watched them at the congress. Brilliant service,would definitely recommend it.
google.com
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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