Congress (Eastbourne)

• Theatre ID
  2147
• Built / Converted
  1963
• Dates of use
  • 1963: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Theatre and multi-purpose)
• Address
  Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4BP, England
• Website
  • http://www.eastbourne-theatres.co.uk/congress

Details

Built on a site in Devonshire Park formerly occupied by a bandstand and a children’s corner, and opened by Princess Margaret in 1963. The theatre is square with an abundance of glass on the frontage. Entrances are slightly recessed under the façe and lead to the booking office, thence into a spacious inner foyer. Twin staircases lead up to the first floor lounge bar and entrances to the auditorium which accommodates 1689. This is modern with rounded lines and plain wood-lined surfaces. Side slips with seating at two levels continue from the single balcony to an ante proscenium splay. The theatre was built to complement the Winter Garden (and Devonshire Park Theatre) with conference trade in mind.

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• Events
  • 1963 Use: continuing
  • 1963 Design/Construction:
    • Bryan & Norman Westwood & Partners - Architect
    • Ove Arup - Engineer
    • Hugh Creighton - Acoustics
    • Llewellyn - Contractor
  • Owner/Management: Eastbourne Borough Council
• Capacities
  • Original: 1678
  • Current: 1689
• Listings
  • Grade II*
• Stage type
  • Proscenium Flat
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 15.8m Width SL: 9.6m SR: 11.12m
  • Proscenium width: 13.1m
  • Height to grid: 16m (52ft)
  • Orchestra pit: Flexible for 36/forestage