Theatre Royal (Brighton), Brighton

In terms of a location the Theatre Royal has it all - a classy traditional decor, expansive yet intimate auditorium, comfortable seating and central location. Following the development of New Road, the outside makes it even better than in years gone by as people mingle outside during intervals in the fresh air.

I love this place. Old and graceful. Dont sit in the gods though unless you are an experienced mountaneer with plenty of practise of existing in high altitudes. I used to take my daughter to pantomimes here every year and made it extra special by sitting in a box. Very reasonable prices especially if you join up as a Friend of the theatre-see information in the foyer. Loads of stars appear here in touring plays and the change over if quite rapid so there is always something new to see. Lots of kids play and sctiv ities going on at holiday times. And when you need a pep up there is a bar though very small. I love the fading granduer atmosphere, the regalness of it all, the plush velvet seats and the faux snobbery of the sitting in the boxes looking down on everyone. Great night out and loads of places right beside the theatre for your pre dinner sustinanace.

This is a lovely small theatre. No matter what seat one has the view is good. The decor is the classic ornate style. The seating is just confortable.
The ice cream is £2 a small tub! The tickets can be expensive. I always get the 2 for 1 deal. But this is only on select nights.
I try to frequent this theatre several times a year. If one doen’t use it one can lose it!

The Theatre Royal is one of Brighton's most venerable institutions. Set in the centre of the city, just a stone's throw from the Royal Pavilion, it has been at the heart of its artistic life for two hundred years.

Opened in July 1807, the theatre has had a colourful history, to say the least. It suffered various financial problems in its early years, an actor by the name of Henry John Nye Chart took over the management and developed a flourishing programme over the ensuing twelve years. He then bought the theatre himself, and embarked on an expansion and refurbishment programme, giving us the theatre we see to-day - now a grade II listed historic building.

Nye Chart died in 1876, but his wife Ellen Elizabeth Nye Chart kept the theatre going, introducing both matinees and the traditional Christmas pantomime. When she died in 1892, she was treated as a local celebrity, although her ghost is still said to haunt the building, as the mysterious Grey Lady.

The interior is very traditional, with seating in stalls, two circles and an upper gallery, with boxes either side. The decoration is suitably high Victorian and plush, although the seats can be a little restricted for some modern audiences. The stalls have level access and there is a disabled toilet, and the theatre welcomes guide dogs. Captioning is available for those with hearing disabilities. (Those with special needs are advised to book in advance and inform the booking office of their requirements). The theatre bar is located separately, in the Colonnade Bar, immediately next to the main entrance.

The repertoire is extraordinarily varied, with traditional classic theatre such as Shakespeare and West End transfers; musicals; comedies; dance and special events and, of course, a Christmas Pantomime season. The list of actors and actresses who have played here is an exhaustive list of the best of British theatre over the last 50 years. It is truly one of the foremost provincial theatres in the country.