Congress Theatre
Latest Reviews
Obviously it depends whats on and what you enjoy, theatre is like a lot of modern buildings, just a concrete box not like a 1900ish theatre. But we enjoyed the performance we saw, well priced compare to a trip to London's West End. Seats comfortable and a great view. We will be going back to see other shows.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
4 of us went to see Cats, which we thought was brilliant. The show was amazing- great set, costumes and the singing was tremendous.
HOWEVER ....
1- The place is *still* covered top to bottom in scaffolding. Very unsightly in my opinion.
2- Air Conditioning? Like another reviewer mentioned, although there are air-con vents in the ceilings, the theatre was unbearably hot. So much so that a member of our party nearly passed out, there were many people complaining about the high temperatures and it made it difficult to watch the show without becoming drowsy.
3 - The leg room where we were was awful, worse that a £10 return flight on Ryanair.
Very narrow with poor shoulder/elbow room. I was on the end and although it said aisle, it was actually a wall which made it more hemmed in. The variety of shows is very good but it needs updating and the emphasis should be on comfort rather than cramming in as many seats as possible
HOWEVER ....
1- The place is *still* covered top to bottom in scaffolding. Very unsightly in my opinion.
2- Air Conditioning? Like another reviewer mentioned, although there are air-con vents in the ceilings, the theatre was unbearably hot. So much so that a member of our party nearly passed out, there were many people complaining about the high temperatures and it made it difficult to watch the show without becoming drowsy.
3 - The leg room where we were was awful, worse that a £10 return flight on Ryanair.
Very narrow with poor shoulder/elbow room. I was on the end and although it said aisle, it was actually a wall which made it more hemmed in. The variety of shows is very good but it needs updating and the emphasis should be on comfort rather than cramming in as many seats as possible
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to see Cats last night, had no idea what to expect but had a great time. Scene was excellent and the dancers and singing brilliant. I'm not a musical obsessive but I might be persuaded to see it again.
Theatre itself is being refurbished so doesn't look great from the outside and I guess will be updated in the foyer at some point. The tea/coffee kiosk would be better upstairs. The leg room is good! Much better than some theatres I've been to. Just over the road are some restaurants/bars and sweet shop (to avoid the exorbitant theatre prices!).
Would happily visit this theatre again for a show, in fact saw Dirty Dancing advertised so may well be booking again.
Theatre itself is being refurbished so doesn't look great from the outside and I guess will be updated in the foyer at some point. The tea/coffee kiosk would be better upstairs. The leg room is good! Much better than some theatres I've been to. Just over the road are some restaurants/bars and sweet shop (to avoid the exorbitant theatre prices!).
Would happily visit this theatre again for a show, in fact saw Dirty Dancing advertised so may well be booking again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The theatre has well placed seating which makes it easy to see from wherever you are sitting. It is not the most practical place to visit if you have mobility problems as there is only one lift and it has to be operated by a member of staff. As for the show!!!!!......... Nothing wrong with the performance, but I now know why I never went to see it in London. I love musicals but really did not like "Cats"
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We saw Cats last week and the show was excellent. The Theatre itself was lovely with well organised staff and everything went smoothly. Would have been 5 star if there had been more ladies loos!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to the Congress Theatre 23 May to see Cats good seats yes a bit warm inside but not that bad!! The show was excellent the first half maybe could be improved with less dancing and more variety but second half amazing as good as any show in the west end. Theatre is fine for a provincial venue and a lot cheaper than London.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came down for a matinee and easily found the theatre just back from the seafront and backing onto Devonshire Park. It's in need of soome renovation and bigger toilets etc although the outside appears to be undergoing large scale improvements.
If you fancy an ice cream at the interval go down to the ground floor bar where the queues were much shorter than elsewhere.
If you fancy an ice cream at the interval go down to the ground floor bar where the queues were much shorter than elsewhere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If I were a rich man I would help out this theatre which needs a bit of TLC! What a fantastic resource for Eastbourne. "Fiddler on the roof "was the highlight of our stay as unfortunately the weather was awful! Paul Michael Glaser as the lead character was excellent as were the rest of the cast.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a fantastic show Paul Micheal Glaser certainly did not disappoint in the lead role and nor did the rest of this very talented cast. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great friendly staff at theatre. Nice auditorium. Whole place is a little 'tired'. Cafe area very boring.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a lot of fun at the Congress, the play we saw was funny and entertaining; the theatre itself was full of creative energy and inspired the audience to participate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely show. Thoroughly enjoyed it, 5 rows from the front. Bar provides drinks during the break and can be ordered.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to see Singing in the Rain (16/4/14) - AbFab show - West End standard. The cast got a well deserved standing ovation! The seats were comfy & viewing from the stalls was ok for someone like me who is vertically challenged! My only criticism (as with most theatres) is the shortage of ladies toilets! There were 3 cubicles in the toilets in the bar area - one of which was out of order! By the time I got back to my friend I was obliged to glug down my drink as the bell was ringing for the second half!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We go to this theatre a couple of times a year but only in the spring and Autumn because it is very very hot in the summer - the air con, if it exists, does not work properly. Acoustics not great and the scaffolding and tarpaulins have been up for several years now. A 1960s building, need I say more, glass and not very attractive. If it was me it would have been demolished years ago and a new venue built.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We saw Singin' in the Rain here on April 12th and had a fabulous evening... The show itself was marvellous. The theatre is admittedly a little dated, but I personally think that makes it all the more charming. Plus, the drinks prices provide excellent value! £3.50 for a glass of merlot - £1.50 for a tea or coffee... Don't see prices like that much any more! The acoustics were great, too and the seats comfortable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful happy show full of energy ,fun and songs. A lift to upper floors but concrete corridor to auditorium. A good view from all central seats, the side would not be good. More good shows later in the season. Reasonable prices, ASK for concessions.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been a few times before - never disappointed. Good directions outside and inside theatre and staff wrre helpful and attentive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We booked to see Fascinating Aida during our weekend visit to Eastbourne. Loved the show (albeit a little risque...) loved the theatre, one of the nicest I've been to in a while
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An amazing production by the Russian Ice Stars. The quality of the skating was superb with lots of breathtaking lifts, spins and acrobatics. Each town seems to have a different narrator, often from a local radio station. This felt out of place with the rest of the production.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely venue with a good selection of entertainment on offer throughout the year . Having visited several times with a disabled companion I have to say that the help and service was extreemly good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Dance till dawn (Vincent and Flavia) was an excellent show.Always enjoy the congress theatre as it is brilliant value for money, top shows and much nicer than having to travel into London
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The theatre is lovely with most seats having great views. We were treated to a feast of dancing, singing and great acting as Flavia, Vincent and a host of dancers wowed the audience with their new show. It was so much more than we imagined - just awesome. All I can say is 'Go if you can, you won't be sorry!'
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The concert of the local ventriloquist Steve Hewlitt, accompanied by a magician, was absolutely excellent. Steve has now truly reached the upper echelon within his art and totally deserves his brilliant following BUT the Congress let him down. The heating was non existent as could be evidenced by most people having to keep their coats on; the carpets had adhesive tape trying to cover tears; the decor is well and truly scruffy; the lighting is so dated and dim; the timber work is so dated and overall there surely can be little excuse for this state especially given the size of audiences and the ticket prices where many of the concessionary discounts have been withdrawn.. Come on Eastbourne you are the home of a first class entertainer and yet your "premier" venue shows a distinct lack of love or care.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The venue was well maintained. Bathrooms were kept clean. The locality is great - close to the sea but also only 10-15 minutes walk from Eastbourne Train Station.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have seen several shows at this theatre.
The shows alone were fantastic, and the interior of the building is good. The lavatories could do with a refit and it's a shame to see the scaffolding still on this building?
The shows alone were fantastic, and the interior of the building is good. The lavatories could do with a refit and it's a shame to see the scaffolding still on this building?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
