Lamb Theatre

The Lamb Theatre is a small fringe theatre above the Lamb Inn in Eastbourne’s Old Town. The building itself is centuries old, with cellars dating back to the 12th century and an 18th-century extension that once served as the village’s Assembly Rooms. In the 19th century, it became a lively spot for amateur dramatics, hosting figures like Augustus Egg and Charles Dickens. The inn’s roots as a performance space go back much further than the theatre’s 2009 revival. Today, it remains Eastbourne’s only pub theatre, keeping alive a tradition of local cultural life. The theatre’s connection to Dickens makes it worth visiting for literature lovers. Dickens and his friends, including artist Holman Hunt, often rehearsed and performed plays here or nearby. A blue plaque on Pilgrims, Eastbourne’s oldest house, marks where Dickens stayed in the 1830s. In 2009, actor Colin Baker read two of Dickens’ famous stories in the theatre to celebrate its revival. The programme still includes readings from Dickens, Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde and Shakespeare, keeping the literary spirit alive. Inside, the theatre is a simple but atmospheric space, seating around forty people. Performances usually take place on Sunday afternoons, creating an intimate setting for readings and plays. The Lamb Inn below adds to the charm, with its historic cellars and old-world feel. Outside, Eastbourne’s Old Town offers cobbled streets and nearby Pilgrims, where Dickens once stayed. The theatre’s blend of history and live performance makes it a quiet but rewarding stop in the town.