Congress Theatre
Latest Reviews
3rd time here. very old 60's theatre.
sadly it was not half full for what we saw.
Maybe due to lack of PR or financial needs of the public.
sadly it was not half full for what we saw.
Maybe due to lack of PR or financial needs of the public.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Show involved great dancing but no story so a bit disappointing. Theatre facilities and view from the stalls were very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have performed shows, as well as watched them at the congress. Brilliant service,would definitely recommend it.
Source: google.com
The theatre itself is undergoing a renovation programme but this doesn't interfere with the performances as have been there three times in the last year. Its 50's décor that is being preserved and the seating good if slightly cramped in places. Wheelchairs well catered for. Box office staff very helpful am there again August bank holiday.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to see Chas & Dave, one of many visits I make to the Congress. On this night the sound was far too loud making it very difficult to hear the words being sung, which is essential with the act given the humour in their words. A number of people sat around us agreed as did two members of staff when we complained as we left the theatre. Greta shame as normally a very entertaining evening out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely Theatre. One which takes in most of the West End
productions. It also is visited by the London Phill. usually on Sunday afternoons which makes life so pleasant
Margaret S Abingdon on Thames
productions. It also is visited by the London Phill. usually on Sunday afternoons which makes life so pleasant
Margaret S Abingdon on Thames
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Place is dated and needs urgent repair work.
Covered in scaffolding with some ads on it to hide its on condition
Shame as no doubt it's a focal point on the west side.
Covered in scaffolding with some ads on it to hide its on condition
Shame as no doubt it's a focal point on the west side.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One of the best shows I have ever seen -and I am fortunate to have seen many over the years
Staff very welcoming and such a good choice of shows through the year
Staff very welcoming and such a good choice of shows through the year
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
