Brighton has a thriving theatre scene with venues ranging from the historic Theatre Royal to intimate fringe spaces. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit – accessibility, transport, what to expect and practical tips for each venue.
Quick Reference
| Venue | Capacity | Best For | Step-Free Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre Royal Brighton | 952 | West End tours, drama, ballet | Stalls only (no lift) |
| Brighton Dome | 1,700 (Concert Hall) | Concerts, orchestra, major shows | Yes (lift to all levels) |
| Komedia | 400 | Comedy, cabaret, live music | Yes (lift access) |
| Brighton Centre | 5,000 | Arena concerts, big comedy tours | Yes (lifts throughout) |
| The Old Market (TOM) | 300-500 | Contemporary theatre, music, dance | Yes (platform lift) |
| New Venture Theatre | 100 | Community theatre, amateur drama | Ground floor only |
| The Actors | 60 | LGBTQ+ theatre, fringe, cabaret | Theatre upstairs (check with venue) |
| Wagner Hall | 114 | Events, workshops, screenings | Yes (via rear entrance) |
Theatre Royal Brighton
Address: New Road, Brighton BN1 1SD
Box Office: 0333 009 6690
https://theatreinbrighton.co.uk/theatre-royal-brighton/
One of the oldest and most distinguished theatres in the country, Theatre Royal Brighton has presented professional productions continuously since 1807. This Grade II* listed building hosts West End and touring productions including drama, musicals, ballet, opera and comedy. The ornate auditorium is an example of the finest Regency architecture.
Seating
The theatre has 952 seats across four levels: Stalls, Royal Circle, Second Circle and Gallery. The Circle overhang begins around Row L in the Stalls. Support pillars may affect some views towards the rear.
Accessibility
Important: Theatre Royal Brighton does not have a lift due to its Grade II* listed status.
- Step-free access: Main entrance on New Road has level access to the foyer, box office, Stalls bar and Stalls seating
- Wheelchair spaces: 7 positions in the Stalls (J27, L1, Q1, N28, Q7, R4, R7)
- Transfer seats: 8 aisle seats with adjustable armrests (E1, E17, G20, H1, L28, R1, R10)
- Royal Circle: 21 steps from foyer
- Second Circle: 40 steps from foyer
- Accessible toilet: Ground floor by the Stalls bar
- Hearing: Sennheiser infra-red system – request equipment from the kiosk
- Access line: 0333 009 5399 or brightonaccess@theambassadors.com
Food & Drink
Bars on every level serving drinks during intervals. The Parlour café on New Road serves coffee, pastries and snacks. At-seat service available – order from the bar before the show.
Timing
Box office opens 90 minutes before performances. Allow extra time for bag checks – large bags, suitcases and rucksacks are not permitted. No cloakroom available.
Parking
3 Blue Badge bays on New Road directly outside the theatre. Nearest car park is NCP Church Street (2 minutes walk). See our Brighton parking guide for full details.
Brighton Dome
Address: 29 New Road, Brighton BN1 1UG (Church Street entrance for Concert Hall)
Box Office: 01onal273 709 709
Website: brightondome.org
A historic arts venue that’s part of the Royal Pavilion Estate, Brighton Dome comprises three performance spaces. Originally commissioned as stables for the Prince Regent in 1803, the venue has hosted some of music history’s most memorable moments – ABBA won Eurovision here in 1974 singing Waterloo.
The Spaces
Concert Hall
The main venue with 1,700 seats (or 1,860 standing). An Art Deco interior hosts orchestras, major concerts and large-scale shows. Removable stalls allow flexible configurations.
Corn Exchange
A Grade I listed space with 500 retractable seats. Following a major £38 million refurbishment completed in 2023, this beautiful venue hosts theatre, dance and music in an intimate setting beneath historic timber beams.
Studio Theatre
The smallest space with 267 seats for theatre or 60 for cabaret. Originally built as a supper room in the 1930s, now hosts intimate performances and experimental work. New balcony seating added during the 2023 refurbishment.
Accessibility
Following the 2023 refurbishment, accessibility has been significantly improved across all venues.
- Step-free access: Throughout all public areas
- Lift: Public lift provides wheelchair access to all levels of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre
- Wheelchair spaces: Available in all venues – contact box office when booking
- Wheelchair platforms: Standing concert viewing platforms in Concert Hall
- Accessible toilets: On all levels
- Hearing: Sennheiser radio frequency (Concert Hall), Mobile Connect app via Wi-Fi (Corn Exchange & Studio) – download the free app and connect to Brighton Dome Wi-Fi
- Assistance dogs: Welcome in all venues
- Access assistant: Free ticket for essential companions (subject to availability)
- Contact: 01273 261541 or visitor services team
Food & Drink
New bars and a restaurant added during the 2023 refurbishment. Gallery Bar features a spectacular horse sculpture. Festival Bar downstairs. Foyer bars serve from 45 minutes before evening performances. Vanilla Black café open during the day.
Parking
Blue Badge holders can park in disabled bays on Church Street (not loading bays), Jubilee Street (6 bays) and on single/double yellow lines for up to 3 hours. No on-site parking.
Komedia
Address: 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton BN1 1UN
Box Office: 01273 647100 (Tues-Sat 12pm-5pm)
Website: komedia.co.uk
Winner of the Chortle Comedy Award for Best Venue in the South a record 18 times, Komedia is Brighton’s premier comedy and cabaret venue. Located in the heart of North Laine, it hosts over 700 performances a year including the legendary Komedia Comedy Club, Comic Boom and Bent Double.
The Spaces
Two performance spaces – the main Basement venue and the smaller Studio Bar upstairs. Both have flexible setups. The Basement serves freshly prepared food at most seated shows.
Accessibility
Komedia consistently receives excellent reviews for accessibility and staff helpfulness.
- Step-free access: Lift access to both performance spaces
- Wheelchair spaces: Available – contact box office when booking online or email tickets@komedia.co.uk
- Accessible toilets: On each floor (Basement and Studio)
- Bars: Low-level access for wheelchair users
- Hearing: Sennheiser infra-red system in the upstairs space – request when booking
- Companion tickets: Free ticket for essential companions
- Large print: Menus and wine lists available on request
- Assistance dogs: Welcome throughout
Food & Drink
Street-side Café Bar on Gardner Street for daytime coffee and snacks. Kitchen serves freshly prepared food at most seated shows in the Basement (not available at Studio Bar shows).
Getting There
5 minute walk from Brighton Station into North Laine. Nearest bus stops are North Street and St. Peter’s Church. Nearest car parks are NCP Church Street and NCP North Road – both offer discounted parking after 5pm.
Brighton Centre
Address: King’s Road, Brighton BN1 2GR
Box Office: 01273 290131 (open 2.5 hours before events only)
Website: brightoncentre.co.uk
The largest purpose-built events venue on the South Coast, Brighton Centre hosts arena concerts, comedy tours, exhibitions and large-scale shows. Located on the seafront, it’s where all the big names play – from Kings of Leon to major comedy tours. Bing Crosby’s final ever performance was here in 1977.
Capacity
Up to 4,500 seated or 5,000 standing depending on configuration. Multiple seating areas including East and West Balconies (stairs only).
Accessibility
Brighton Centre holds Gold Status from Attitude is Everything for accessibility.
- Step-free access: Fully accessible in public areas (except East and West Balconies)
- Lifts: To all public levels
- Wheelchair platforms: Accessible viewing platforms for standing gigs and seated concerts
- Accessible toilets: Throughout the building
- Changing Places toilet: Ground floor
- Lowered counters: At bars, merchandise stand and box office
- Companion tickets: Free for essential companions (subject to availability)
- Sunflower Lanyard: Scheme recognised
- Access Statement: Available in PDF, Word and Easy Read formats on their website
- Assistance dogs: Welcome – staff can look after them during performances if preferred. Spending area available on ground floor.
Timing
Doors typically open 1-1.5 hours before shows. Box office only opens on event days, 2.5 hours before doors. Age restrictions vary by event (many are 14+ or 16+).
Parking
Blue Badge bays around the Brighton Centre – see Brighton & Hove Council’s dedicated parking page for locations. Churchill Square car park is 10-15 minutes walk.
The Old Market (TOM)
Address: 11A Upper Market Street, Hove BN3 1AS
Box Office: 01273 201801
Website: theoldmarket.com
A contemporary performance venue opened in 2011 by the creators of STOMP. TOM hosts over 200 events annually for 65,000+ people – from live music and theatre to dance, comedy and spoken word. Now operating as an independent charity, it’s known for supporting emerging artists and experimental work.
The Spaces
Main House has 300-500 capacity depending on layout (seated or standing). TOM’s Bar and adjoining Waterloo Room (combined capacity 100) host their own entertainment including DJs, live music and comedy.
Accessibility
- Step-free access: From street level throughout venue including Box Office, TOM’s Bar and Main House
- Platform lift: 31″ wide × 43″ deep – provides access to toilets including accessible toilet
- Wheelchair spaces: Up to 2 wheelchairs + companions for seated events (DD13-DD14, HH16-HH17). Up to 3 wheelchairs + 3 side seats for standing events in viewing areas at front or near entrance
- Early entry: Available on request – arrive 10 minutes before doors
- Companion tickets: Free for essential companions
- Brochure: Large print and audio described versions available on website
- Route videos: Preview videos showing routes from Brighton and Hove stations on their website
Timing
For seated events, doors typically open 45 minutes before start time. For standing events, door time is usually the same as the stated start time.
Getting There
Brighton station is 1 mile away. Stagecoach 700 bus stops nearby. Parking on the seafront (pay and display) – the venue is on quite a steep hill from the seafront.
Other Venues
New Venture Theatre
Address: Bedford Place, Brighton BN1 2PT
Phone: 01273 746118
Website: newventure.org.uk
A member of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain, New Venture Theatre is a private theatre club showcasing local talent and independent productions since 1841 (listed building). Main Theatre upstairs (75 seats, members only) and Studio Theatre downstairs (up to 100 seats, open to public).
Accessibility: Accessible toilet on ground floor (790mm door width). No hearing loop system. Assistance dogs welcome. Early entry available on request. Sunflower Lanyard scheme recognised. Note: Main theatre is upstairs with no lift.
The Actors (formerly The Marlborough)
Address: 4 Princes Street, Brighton BN2 1RD
Website: actors.pub
An LGBTQ+ and BIPOC welcoming pub and theatre space in Kemptown with roots dating back to the 1970s LGBT community. The 60-seat theatre upstairs (80 standing) hosts queer theatre, comedy, drag, cabaret, spoken word and workshops. Won Best Venue (Audience Choice) at Brighton Fringe 2023.
Accessibility: The pub is accessible but the theatre is located upstairs. Contact the venue directly to discuss specific requirements.
Wagner Hall
Address: 2 Regency Road, Brighton BN1 2RU
Phone: 07954 578605
Website: wagnerhallbrighton.co.uk
A versatile 16m × 12m event space with raked theatre seating for 114 plus a 6m × 7m stage. Used for film screenings, performances, workshops, fairs and private events. The Fig Tree Garden provides outdoor event space. 10 minutes from Brighton Station.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access via rear entrance at top of Russell Place (off Russell Road) – level access into hall. Note: Toilets only partially accessible depending on wheelchair model.
Getting to Brighton’s Theatres
By Train
Brighton station is 10-15 minutes walk from most central venues (Theatre Royal, Brighton Dome, Komedia). Walk down Queen’s Road towards the sea, then turn into North Street or continue to the seafront.
By Bus
Most Brighton & Hove buses stop on North Street, close to Theatre Royal and Brighton Dome. Key routes include 1, 1A, 2, 5, 7, 12, 21, 22, 25, 46 and 700 (Coastliner).
By Car
From the M23/A23, follow signs for Brighton city centre. Central car parks include NCP Church Street (closest to Theatre Royal, 2 mins), The Lanes (Black Lion Street, 5 mins) and Churchill Square. See our Brighton parking guide for full details including evening rates and Blue Badge information.
Blue Badge Parking
Blue Badge holders can park free and for unlimited time in Pay & Display bays throughout Brighton & Hove. Can also park on single/double yellow lines for up to 3 hours where there’s no loading ban. Council car parks charge standard rates for Blue Badge holders.
Taxi Drop-off
Theatre Royal has a drop-off point directly outside on New Road. Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall entrance is on Church Street. The Old Market drop-off is on Upper Market Street.
Accessible Taxi Companies
These companies have accessible vehicles in their fleets:
- Brighton & Hove Radio Cabs: 01273 204060
- Brighton & Hove City Cabs: 01273 205205 (text: 07528 964384)
- Streamline Taxis: 01273 202020
Tips for Your Visit
- Book accessible tickets early: Wheelchair spaces and companion tickets are limited – book as soon as possible
- Contact the venue: If you have specific access requirements, contact the access team before your visit
- Allow extra time: Most venues now conduct bag checks. Large bags and rucksacks may not be permitted
- Download apps: Brighton Dome uses the Sennheiser Mobile Connect app for hearing assistance in the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre
- Check age restrictions: Particularly for Brighton Centre events – these vary by show
- Pre-book parking: Evening rates at NCP car parks are cheaper if you arrive after 5pm or 6pm
Contact
| Theatre Royal Brighton Access | 0333 009 5399 |
| Brighton Dome Visitor Services | 01273 261541 |
| Komedia Box Office | 01273 647100 |
| Brighton Centre | 01273 290131 |
| The Old Market | 01273 201801 |