Royal Hippodrome Theatre

4.7/5 based on 1424 reviews
Latest Reviews
Run by volunteers who seem to love what they do, this theatre is very welcoming and a joy to visit. a volunteer informed me the theatre is 134 years old now, it is beautiful. Parking can be a challenge, like most things in Eastbourne the multi storey carparks close ridiculously early, most busses disappear before 8pm.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
W.onderful Show!! TINA and Company gave us100%!!! do hope they make a return visit, she had all the audience on their feet joining in with her,Thankyou for a great show.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were booked in the front row so that we could see but unfortunately there was a speaker right in front of us which restricted our view of the stage
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to come and see a show a lovely intimate venue. Yes it needdoes updating but this is a non for profit organisation mainly ran by volunteers. Puts on great shows for all ages.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Royal Hippodrome Theater is super for hosting shows for children and adults and it is nice to find a theatre that regularly hosts shows for children. Yesterday we saw Brainiac which was brilliant. My son has loved all of the shows they've put on there. The theatre doesnt look anything from the outside but on the inside it is beautiful. The staff are friendly too! I think the theatre is definitely an asset to the town of Eastbourne and credit should be given to them for hosting shows for out future generation of theatre goers!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Explosive scientific crazy show full of laughter. Every minute was action packed and exciting. Thank you Brainiac for making science fun xx
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived early and the staff kindly opened up the bar for coffee. Great show, great staff and lovely venue
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brainiacs was an amazing show. It entertained both adults and children. The theatre was a lovely environment to be in. Looking forward to going there again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Run by mostly volunteers this lovely old theatre is a delight to visit. The don't take credit cards on the bar and this is my only slight complaint as I wanted to buy a bottle of wine but only had a tenner in cash. Comfy seats better leg room than many other theatres.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great show, only draw back, noice was rather great, band etc needed to be in a larger venue. Staff were great, very homely,overall great.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely theatre but starting to show its age. Could do with an update to heating system & decorating throughout but having said that it's fantastic venue with great sound & great size for cosy atmosphere
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant Show!!! Never did actually see Tina Turner live but this was definitely the next best thing! The theatre is small and atmospheric with it's own ghost! Apparently they do tours of the building...I will go as would love to know more of the history! The staff (volunteers) were amazing and so helpful....10/10!!!!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my first visit to the venue and a very enjoyable one it was too. From arrival, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The venue small and quaint but nonetheless comfortable and to top it off, the show was very good.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great little theatre with good friendly staff. Stage is visible from all seats. Say circus of horrors there and was amazed.
google.com
Source: google.com
A great night out at the theatre at a very reasonable price. I will definitely look out for other good shows to go to at this friendly theatre.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great show, nice little theatre. Would sit further back next time as stalls go right up to stage.Very enjoyable evening would recommend totally Tina for a great night out.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First visit to this lovely theatre. Will certainly look out for more shows to attend in the future. Lovely friendly staff who couldn't be more helpful. Surroundings and a brilliant show made a perfect evening. More publicity in a wider range of media possibly required such as Sussex Express or Kent and Sussex Courier as a lot of people travel in to Eastbourne from outlying areas and may not be aware what is on at the Hippodrome. Looking forward to a return trip in the near future
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Hippodrome theatre to watch a 'Totally Theatre' show.
The show was very good but the theatre itself made the experience. From the friendly greeting at the door to the volunteer ushers we were made to feel welcome. The sightlines are generally good and the Victorian theatre small enough you can clearly see musicians on the stage from both stalls and the circle.

Although it is a little frayed around the edges the theatre is clean and comfortable and I would not hesitate to book another show here.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Watching from the Dress Circle I was prepared to believe that I was watching a young Tina Turner.
A high standard of musicianship, enthusiastic dancers, costume changes, lights and projected images made for a fine, entertaining show. Justine Riddoch charmed the audience and made the best of Turner's most popular songs
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The theatre has seating that is far enough apart so that you are not sitting with your knees in your mouth, I am 6ft 3in and I could sit comfortably also it is not to hot or cold as some theatres are, the sound system is great and the staff are very friendly and try and help as much as they can, definitely somewhere for the whole family.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed the circus of horrors in beautiful historic surroundings. A little tired looking but this takes nothing away from the enjoyment. Support local theatres, so further generations can soak up the atmosphere .
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Classic Victorian theatre
Small and intimate auditorium
Circus of Horrors presentation was fantastic, if different!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been several times now and it never fails to impress, best seats so far row J
Brilliant show of the Circus of Horrors and the old theatre only added to the atmosphere.
If you want to get a taste for this theatre go on the ghost walk!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fun frollicks of adult nature. Goth rock acrobatics n contortions that i thoroughly enjoyed! X x x x
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely independant theatre. The shows are quirky, independent and worth supporting. Parking is a problem due to the Theatres location so allow extra time if driving
google.com
Source: google.com
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Latest Reviews
Latest News & Updates

Extreme fun as Exciting Science returns to Eastbourne this half term
20/01/2026

Explosive experiments and big laughs as Exciting Science returns to the Royal Hippodrome Theatre this February half term. Family fun for ages 4+. Read article
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