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Theatre Royal Brighton Brighton

Theatre Royal Brighton Tickets

About the Theatre Royal Brighton

One of the country’s oldest working theatres, the Theatre Royal Brighton is a Grade II listed building originating  in 1766. The Prince of Wales gave his Royal Assent to build the theatre in 1806, and the venue opened in 1807. Over the years numerous owners have abandoned the venue through fear of financial ruin, but 1854 saw actor Henry John Nye Chart turn the theatre’s fortunes around through expansion and renovation, with the help of renowned architect Charles James Phipps.

In 1876, Henry’s wife Ellen Elizabeth Nye Chart took over management, securing the theatre’s reputation as one of the most prestigious outside of London. Introducing matinees and Christmas pantomimes, she became one of the first women theatre managers. By the end of the 19th century, legendary actors such as Sarah Bernhardt and David Garrick had graced the stage, with many more such as Judi Dench appearing in the following century. Henrik Ibsen premiered a UK production of A Doll’s House at the venue, sparking its use as a pre-West End venue for new plays. 

The theatre was purchased by ATG in 1999 and continues to host a wide variety of events such as large touring productions and performances from Brighton’s annual Fringe Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

The theatre's box office opens 90 minutes before performances begin.
The venue's public spaces including the bars and box office open 90 minutes before performances begin. It is always worth arriving early to avoid queues and ensure a comfortable entry into the theatre and enjoy a drink before the performance.
There are bars on every level of the theatre, with a range of drinks and refreshments which can be pre-ordered for the interval. For theatregoers who would like to enjoy the sights of Brighton, the Royal Circle bar offers spectacular views of the Royal Pavilion.

Theatregoers can also book the Ambassador Lounge when booking tickets to access bespoke service including drinks, snacks and washrooms.
There is no cloakroom at the venue. It is best to avoid bringing excess bags or items that cannot be held comfortably on your lap during the performance.
Cultural hotspot North Laine is full of excellent pubs and restaurants including Manjus, which serves vegetarian Indian street food. If you prefer classic pub dinners, The Dorset has a set menu on weekdays which is perfect for pre-theatre dining. Nearby on the Lanes, Moshimo is a local gem for fans of Japanese food.
The Grand Brighton is a quintessential Renaissance style hotel near the seafront, and is 11 minutes' walk from the theatre. If you have a smaller budget, ibis Brighton City Centre has basic but comfortable rooms at a good price.
For all booking queries, the box office can be contacted by phone on 0333 009 6690.

Past Shows At Theatre Royal Brighton

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