White Rock Theatre

4.5/5 based on 640 reviews
Latest Reviews
Beautiful, quaint theatre... Sat on the second row for Paul Zerdin and could almost touch him. Better than the West End where you have to squint to see anything!!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely venue, great atmosphere, comfortable seat, good viewing positions, easy access just a great place to see live entertainment
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this place is great to come with all the family when there is a good show on! they have a huge variety of shows on all the time so suits families or couples trying to get away for a romantic evening together! and as its on the seafront you can always go for a lovely stroll on the beach after the show!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love this theatre, for me the perfect size for any event. Not too small that you feel they are performing just for you, but not too big that you feel lost in the stage's performance. I've been here for comedy and its just great, comfortable, great sight and sound.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been here several times although we live in London, we'll worth the effort as it is a lovely theatre, small but always a big welcome,and puts on a good mixture of shows, we are moving to Sussex soon, so will be visiting a lot more
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to see 'A Night of Dirty Dancing'. Mistakenly, along with many others, we thought it was the theatre version of the film. Although this was not the case, after initial disappointment, we really enjoyed the show. The dancers were brilliant and could certainly sing. The theatre puts on a diverse selection of entertainment.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our grandchildren 13 and 11 years old to see Joe McElderry in Concert, thinking my husband would not really enjoy the show so booked a table to eat beforehand and we could not fault the price of the meal, the way it was served and the pleasant staff who looked after us.

I sat next to two people from London and they commented on how small and friendly the theatre seemed, I commented that perhaps the fans had come down from Tyneside and that's why there was a buzz it was the last show of the tour, even my husband enjoyed himself! and the youngsters went up to the stage and shook hands with the 'star' - well done White Rock I always enjoy our visits.

PS The nearby car park is free after 6pm.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Always a great evening at the White Rock. Often have a meal before the show. Friendly and warm atmosphere.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Friendly and relatively small theatre so no seat is far from the stage. The shows are well produced, obviously well received by all and never so loud that enjoyment is spoilt. Ticket prices are reasonable and bar prices typical of most theatres. There are two bars and also a cafe for pre-show meals, though book early for a table.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant band, good seats, good service and prices at the bar. Good location in relation to our hotel.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to see the excellent play Mousetrap last week. Friendly, helpful staff and of course brilliant performance. This was marred by the persistent squeaking of seats all around the theatre. Every movement could be heard from many seats. The play had very quiet moments and all that could be heard was 'squeak squeak squeak' It must have been very embarrassing for the audience in these seats and extremely annoying for the rest of us. Come on White Rock, get the WD 40 out. This constant background noise and the crackling of sweet packets (which I know is a universal problem) spoilt the entertainment.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The White Rock is a good local theatre offering a wide variety of shows with touring companies, comedians and bands. Children are often catered for in school holidays and clubs run for the budding Thespians. Local events also feature - look out for Beatles day around Easter.

The annual festivals allow all kinds to showcase their talents.

The auditorium is good, leg room downstairs is just acceptable (I am 6'3") but balcony is uncomfortable for the taller person. Sounds and lights good but possibly come with the acts. Temperature is usually comfortable even in winter / summer.

Bar has limited offer but OK. Bitters in bottles. interval drinks bookable.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went and saw Buddy for my father in laws birthday, lovely theatre, nice big stage so there didn't seem to be any disadvantage with viewpoints if you were sat anywhere, either upstairs or down. Merchandise reasonably priced and the big bonus only £2 for a nice cream tub very nice
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Staff were extremely friendly and helpful at the theatre. Everything was well organised and brilliant show. We had a pre show dinner in the cafe. The food was great and again staff were friendly, helpful and very cheerful. This was our first visit and would definitely come again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have enjoyed many performaces and Pantomimes at the White Rock Theatre.
We especially enjoy the performaces put on by the White Rock Theatre Summer Youth Project. We're really looking forward to this years production "HAIRSPRAY" A lovely cosy, welcoming theatre with the feel of being at a London show but without the cost. Deffo recommend Theatre and restaurant.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Saw Jason Manford at the weekend, nice venue, toilets were clean, drinks weren't too expensive for a theatre but I would recommend pre-ordering drinks from the bar for the interval, we didn't and didn't get served until the bell went
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Staff really attentive and friendly, theatre cosy and in a lovely part of Sussex. Lovely atmosphere and great views from restaurant
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really enjoyed the panto, but where are the bars for that pre show, mid show drink - can get a bottle of beer and a glass of wine from the cafe while two bars stand idly empty.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The White Rock is a lovely theatre with a great seafront location looking over the (soon to be restored) pier. The cafe is open even if you are not going to a show, and they have an eclectic programme of plays, concerts, comedy, kids shows and charity events. Best recommendation: The Gang Show, with a cast of over 100 local Scouts and Guides, live orchestra, and almost 3 hours of fun entertainment!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
(Translated by Google) It was a nice building and stuff, but it was not intended as a school. That's why I give it 3 stars. But otherwise it was a good EF place.

(Original)
Det var en fin byggnad och sånt, men den var inte avsedd som en skola. Därför ger jag den 3 stjärnor. Men annars så var det en bra EF plats.
google.com
Source: google.com
What a great evening at the White Rock with Nigel Kennedy.
A fantastic venue which allowed you to enjoy great sound and to be close to one of the worlds greatest violinists.( Nigel said that the acoustics were great)
Yes the theatre needs some attention and yes its small but come on stop moaning because the more support we give such venues when they put on such amazing artists the better things will get.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I feel sorry for the White Rock. The staff have worked under a succession of management companies and seem to be constantly criticised by the owners of the theatre, Hastings Borough Council. Until recently the number and quality of productions had not competed with the theatres along the coast at Eastbourne. But they are trying and a number of new initiatives have been taken this autumn with fresh billings that are likely to attract.

The auditorium at the White Rock sits back into the cliff behind. It is unusual in being a lot wider than it is deep - hence the stage is very wide. The décor of the auditorium really does need some refurbishment as it is finished in cream (white?) with some strange buttock shaped fittings on the walls - it has all the atmosphere of a bus station. Darker paint and drapes combined with more subtle lighting would improve it so much......

The lobby and restaurant of the theatre are excellent, with two smallish bars. In fact the décor is better than that of the auditorium itself. The restaurant is on the first floor with superb panoramic views of the sea. Whilst offering value for money, the food menu is very limited to the chicken and burger type of fayre. This puzzles me as there must be an opportunity here to do something different from the vast majority of food outlets in Hastings and St Leonards, which are also of the chicken ..... you get the picture.

Parking is easy if you arrive early. However, again the local council have extended parking charges so that local on street and car park parking is charged for in the evenings. Parking at Eastbourne theatres is free.

There are some really good productions scheduled this autumn. The theatre needs to enjoy local support to succeed. But most of all, I get the feeling that it needs far more support from the local council that owns it.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently saw the musical Save The Last Dance For Me at this small theatre. The tickets cost £27 and £26 with concession. There is certainly no luxury here.. I had not been here for several years as I usually go to Eastbourne, and I was surprised at how near the stage the raised stalls are. Speakers dominated the side of the stage and looked ugly. A small tube of mints cost £1. That's inflation for you!

I did not really enjoy the show either, as there were understudies that night, and the women's voices grated on the ear. Compared with the professional Jersey Nights show I saw recently in Eastbourne, I felt it was second rate. The cost of tickets was the same though.

I believe it may be worth joining the Friends of the Theatre as bargain ticket prices can be had.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed seeing Alan Davies here. There are 1066 seats here (in commemoration of the Battle of Hastings), all of which look like would give you a good view of the stage. The only negative prices for such events are very expensive when compared the nearby De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill which also hosts comedians.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a small theatre which has been improved under the present management with a wider variety of acts. Small in size for that more intimate theatre experience. The only downside is parking. Not too much nearby. The nearest under the pier with narrow entrances and exits and some road parking behind the theatre so arrive early. Alternatively there is a further car park 200yds away behind the theatre, accessed down/up a steeply sloping road.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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What's in store at the White Rock Theatre?
08/10/2019

As the seasons change, there's a whole host of new shows coming up! Read article
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