(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Although at the small end of the theatre spectrum, it's very good for a stand up show or pantomime. Some main stream comedians regularly appear there and its a good place to see new talent as well

There's nothing wrong with the theatre - good auditorium, comfortable seating, nice bar, snack bar/restaurant, etc. and occasionally there's something on worth going to see!!!

been to white rock theatre with my daughter many times and never been disappointed. great shows and reasonable prices

Went to see Peter Pan with 20 members of our family. I haven't seen a Panto for years, but my god what a fantastic time we all had. We got wet from water guns and we all help throw foam bricks at Captain Hook. It was brill. Look forward to the next one.

I live in Hastings and having the White Rock so close is great! Last night (Fri 3/5/13) I went to see Carnaby Street with Husband and friends. Great stage set, cast were brill, Musicians fab! Everyone that sang had very good voices. A really bright, happy and lovely night.

I have booked for several different shows coming up this year and really look forward to seeing them. I do hope they are as good as Carnaby Street!.

One comment, I wish the intermission was a bit longer than it is! By the time you visit the loo, order a drink, the bells are going to return to the theatre. It is not as if the show ends late, the evening shows are always finished by 10pm and then your looking for somewhere to go to enjoy the rest of the night. But well done White Rock, I hope you never go away!

In a good seafront location, with good acousics. Bar was a bit pricey. I saw a rock band there and think that its a better venue for shows and theatre rather than bands as its quite large & if it doesn't sell out can feel rather empty

We visited the White Rock to see An Evening with Suggs (which was excellent), and it was our first visit to the theatre. The ticket and concession staff were friendly, though the drinks from the stand in the entry were limited, and they had run out of anything other than soft drinks, cider and beer. We were upstairs in the circle seats, and I noticed they have a cafe up there, but we didn't get time to try it out.
The view was ok from the circle (row E), but I would say that if you are quite tall, you will have your knees jammed in to the back of the seat in front. My husband is 6', and luckily he had an end of row seat, otherwise he would certainly have found it uncomfortable. We would visit again if there was something we wanted to see.

Good value for money and enjoyable evening. Would have
gone to other shows but not enough time, maybe next time.
Staff really friendly

We have seen several plays and pantomines at this Theatre situated opposite the beach, even on a dark, bleak wintry evening, the bright lights of the Theatre and glow from the bar was very welcoming. Friendly and helpful staff and bar prices not too steep. Comfy seats, well worth a visit especially for a panto or touring theatre production.

Although the theatre looks a bit tatty in places, the seating area in the theatre was quite comfy. The restaurant area upstairs could do with smartening up though, the carpet is very stained and dirty looking, but the food was fine and waitresses were very friendly.

piano recitals, ballet and opera were all on offer, sadly not when we stayed here in Hastings! This theatre is a brand spanking new place with some excellent things going on. Right opposite the sea front so very easy to find.

We live in same town as this theatre and as there is a booking fee when getting tickets over the phone or on line, we have always taken the cash and purchased tickets personally at the box office. We go to town on a regular basis so this is no big deal and a nice walk along the prom is a bonus. I went in a few days ago to purchase 2 tickets with cash and was told that there is now a booking fee on this way of paying !! I was told that this is now standard practice countrywide but was angry non the less. The theatre is really nice and we have enjoyed may a performance and expect we will continue to do so but still surprised at paying a booking fee when personally calling in to the theatre with cash. We will now only go when we are desperate to see something and not just for a casual evening out and must admit that there is very little on that we would be desperate to see.

A lovely old theatre which has been maintained in wonderful condition. The White Rock is located right on the oceanfront with ample underground parking directly across the road. We enjoyed a Christms time Panto which was well done with a professional cast and scenery/costumes. Very enjoyable.

Visited for my birthday during a run of Dreamboats & Petticoats - Found the venue spacious & friendly, perhaps in need of a slight revamp as looks a bit dated compared to other theatres.

Great for a night out to catch some culture. :D

They've always got brilliant shows on here- all sorts, from pantomimes (Puss in Boots) to musicals (CATS) to shows where two hunky Australian men get naked and play with their D**k's.