Congress Theatre

The Congress Theatre stands in Eastbourne, a seaside town in East Sussex. It is a Grade II* listed building designed by Bryan and Norman Westwood Architects and completed in 1963. The theatre was engineered by Ove Arup and Partners and built by local firm Llewellyns. A major refurbishment in 2019 refreshed its appearance while preserving its original character. The auditorium seats 1,689 and hosts touring West End shows, ballet, opera, comedy and live music. Its first official performance in June 1963 featured a fanfare by the Royal Military School of Music followed by a concert conducted by Sir Arthur Bliss. Princess Margaret unveiled a plaque here in 1965 during a gala concert by the London Symphony Orchestra. The theatre hosted Duke Ellington’s final recorded concert in December 1973, just months before his death. Inside, the theatre offers a licensed bar, cloakroom and disabled facilities including an infrared system for the hard of hearing. The foyer provides public phones and the auditorium remains the venue’s focal space. The building’s bright, contemporary look reflects the 2019 refurbishment while keeping the spirit of its original design intact.