Brighton is a town that prides itself on its cultural heritage. There’s always a provocative and exciting performance to see in one of Brighton’s many theatres, which come in all different shapes and sizes. For those uninitiated in the town’s performing arts scene, we’re on hand to shine a light on Brighton’s most innovative and spectacular theatres.
Theatre Royal Brighton
Located on the busy thoroughfare of New Road in the North Laine, Brighton’s Theatre Royal is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the town’s vibrant and eclectic performing arts scene.
The Grade II listed theatre is a spectacle to behold and hosts a variety of performances, from pantomimes to plays, to stand-up performances and concerts.
Many popular West End shows end up performing on this famous stage and as long as Brighton continues to be the progressive and culturally relevant town that it is, the Theatre Royal will be at the heart of its cultural pull.
Address: New Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1SD
Website: atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/?
Attenborough Centre For Creative Arts
Forming part of The University of Sussex, the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts has hosted some of the greatest names in the creative arts over the years.
Notionally a theatre, but also a venue for live music, comedy, and dance, the Centre is an internationally recognised epicentre for inspiring and cutting-edge creativity.
The Centre’s goal, in their own words, is to: “find imaginative ways to connect artists with students and researchers across university departments.”
However, the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts, designed by architect Sir Basil Spence and named after the late actor and former Chancellor of the university, Sir Richard Attenborough, isn’t used exclusively by university staff and students and hosts a variety of ticketed events that are open to the public.
Address: Attenborough Centre, Falmer, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 9QF
Website: attenboroughcentre.com
Brighton Dome
If you’ve visited Brighton or are familiar with the area then you would have undoubtedly encountered or at least heard of the Brighton Dome. Treasured by locals, this huge auditorium plays host to some of the biggest names in the creative arts and is a mecca for theatre lovers from all over the country.
This multi-arts theatre presents over 600 performances annually, from music to theatre, contemporary dance, comedy and live Q & A’s.
The theatre itself is situated within a grand, palatial Grade II listed building, and is within walking distance from the popular shopping districts of Brighton’s North Laine, Lanes, and High Street. The Dome also shares grounds with Brighton’s famous Pavilion and is a must-see for those visiting the area.
The history of the Dome is as rich as the events it hosts almost nightly. The building was constructed over 200 years ago as riding stables for the infamous Prince Regent and has formed an integral part of Brighton’s history ever since.
Address: Church St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1UE
Website: brightondome.org
Brighton Open Air Theatre
Brighton Open Air Theatre, or BOAT to give it its more commonly known acronym, is a much-celebrated 400-seat open-air theatre situated on Dyke Road and is the brainchild of the late performer Adrian Bunting.
The theatre opened in 2015 and was only supposed to run as a one-off special event for a few weeks in the summer of that year. However, its popularity and rave reviews have seen it run in the summer months for eight years straight since then.
The theatre hosts a rich and eclectic variety of performances to suit all performing arts interests. From live music, theatre, comedy, dance, opera, and circus performances, Brighton Open Air Theatre has it all and much much more.
Address: Dyke Road, Hove, Brighton and Hove, BN3 6EH
Website: brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk
The Actors
Formerly The Marlborough, The Actors may have changed ownership over the past few years, but the venue has retained its one-of-a-kind ethos of bringing grassroots theatre to the hungry cultural palettes of Brighton’s eccentric and loveable community.
Located in the historic Marlborough Hotel building close to Brighton Pavilion and Kemptown, the theatre at The Actors hosts a majestic and lively schedule of performances from local and travelling theatre groups, stand-up comedy, and spoken word poetry.
The pub downstairs is inviting and friendly and there is a strong LGBTQIA+ inclusive philosophy to the place. As such, the theatre has a strict code of conduct and prides itself on being a safe space to enjoy the wide array of performances on offer.
Address: 4 Prince’s St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 1RD
Website: actors.pub
Studio Theatre at Brighton Dome
Forming part of the larger Brighton Dome, the small but perfectly formed 232-seated studio theatre plays host to a variety of more intimate performances.
Originally a supper room, the studio has been converted into a theatre to host a select amount of special performances and workshops.
The theatre hosts live music, theatre, stand-up comedy, lectures, and live Q&A’s, whilst the adjoining gallery has played host to exhibitions such as the immersive Van Gogh Alive exhibition.
Address: 29 New Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1UG
Website: brightondome.org
The Old Market
Part-venue, part-theatre – though the distinction is blurry these days since the two are generally considered synonymous terms – The Old Market is an idiosyncratic theatre in Hove which specialises in bringing energetic and creative performances to the public.
The Old Market has brought the famous and long-running contemporary dance performance, STOMP, to Brighton and Hove and continues to run STOMP-related workshops throughout the week.
Many famous musicians and standups have passed through the doors of this historic venue and asked any local to the area and they will wax effusive about the charm and prestige of this one-of-a-kind gem.
Address: 11A Upper Market St, Brighton and Hove, BN3 1AS
Website: theoldmarket.com
Brighton Hippodrome
Once one of the most famous theatres in the country, The Brighton Hippodrome was fully operational during the first half of the twentieth century before becoming a bingo hall until 2006, after which the theatre sadly fell into disrepair, remaining unused until 2020 when it was bought by its current owner who has been meticulously redeveloping this historic building ever since.
Whilst the theatre is not open for shows just yet, the Hippodrome recently opened its doors to the public for a special viewing and will hopefully continue to do so until it is ready to open once again.
In the meantime, those who are interested in the theatre’s redevelopment should frequently check the Hippodrome’s website for updates and if you’re lucky, you may be able to take a peek inside on one of the rare occasions the theatre opens its doors to the public.
The Hippodrome is without a doubt one of Brighton’s most beloved and awe-inspiring historical relics and the news of its redevelopment has brought a smile to every local’s face.
Address: 52 Middle St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1AL
Website: brightonhippodrome.co.uk
