Chichester, West Sussex
You don’t have to head to the capital to enjoy a West End‑quality musical, breathtaking dance, or laugh‑out‑loud comedy. South East England is home to a vibrant theatre scene, with welcoming venues offering everything from award‑winning West End productions and live music performances to pantomimes, comedy, and amateur theatre.
A theatre visit is the perfect screen‑free night out, offering a shared experience for all ages that entertains, inspires and uplifts. Explore our guide to some of the best theatres in South East England, discover what’s on, and find helpful tips to help you make an afternoon or evening of it. Whether you’re local or visiting for a short break or holiday, you can see what’s on at a theatre near you by clicking the 'Theatre Listings' image below.
Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP
Chichester Festival Theatre is three theatres in one: The Festival Theatre, The Minerva and the brand new The Nest. Renowned for its award-winning productions, many shows go on to the West End or tour nationally and internationally. Productions including Singin in the Rain, Crazy for you and South Pacific have originated in Chichester before transferring or touring
Top Tip - The Festival Theatre's stage design extends into the audience, creating a more immersive and intimate experience
Make a night of it - Book a table at The Brasserie, located in the Minerva Theatre, for one, two or three-course dining with à la carte options, or visit the Festival Theatre Foyer Café which opens 90 minutes before performances.
Make a day of it - Combine your theatre trip with a visit to Chichester Cathedral and/or Pallant House Gallery, both a 14-minute walk from the theatre.
Stay for the night - Stay in the grounds of Chichester Cathedral, in one of four self-catering holiday properties, or at The Cottage Bed and Breakfast, just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk away.
Sonning Eye, Sonning, Near Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6TY
This is the UK's only dinner theatre, located in a converted 18th Century flour mill, which once produced flour for Huntley and Palmers biscuit. Set by the River Thames, the Mill is a full production house with sets and costumes designed and made on-site.
Top tip – The theatre’s in-the-round design creates a close connection between the audience and the show. The working 18th‑century waterwheel can be viewed from the bar.
Make a night of it – This style of dinner theatre means your ticket includes parking, a programme, a freshly prepared two‑course meal and the theatre performance.
Make a day of it – Explore the charming historic village of Sonning with a walk to historic Sonning Bridge and Sonning Lock, or head to the town of Reading just over 3-miles away for the chance to visit the Abbey Ruins, burial place of King Henry I.
Stay for the night – Book an overnight stay at the contemporary Crowne Plaza Reading, or at the luxury Roseate Reading full of opulence and history, both under 3-miles away.
Altwood Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4PF
A thriving theatre and entertainment venue with a long association with puppetry theatre and object animation, showing blockbuster movies, a varied mix of live music from lots of different genres, a successful community engagement programme and workshops and classes.
Top tip – Look out for the theatre's inclusive programming, including Concertini events where children can interact with the musicians, as well as integrated art installations located around the venue.
Make a night of it – The Norden Farm Café Bar is open Tuesday to Saturday until 11pm, serving hot drinks, craft beers, and lunch and dinner between noon and 3pm, and from 5.30pm to 7.45pm.
Make a day of it – Wander through Riverside Gardens, visit Boulter’s Lock, explore Maidenhead Heritage Centre and try a Spitfire simulator, or head to the charming historic village of Cookham, just three miles away.
Stay for the night – Book a night or the weekend at the chic Hurley House Hotel, just 2.5 miles away, or for some family fun Hurley Riverside Park - named as one of the best family campsite in the 2025.
Queens Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 3JD
This little known converted Victorian school offers a range of live music, comedy, theatre and film most Thursday to Saturday nights. Serving as a creative hub for the Aldershot community for over 45 years, visitors can experience high-quality live music and theatre up-close in this 200-capacity venue.
Top Tip - Look out for the Hecklers Comedy Club events - one of the last independent comedy clubs in the area.
Make a night of it - A well stocked bar is open one hour ahead of a show or walk 4-minutes away towards the Wellington Shopping Centre, for plenty of places to eat including the Byanjan Restaurant & Cafe, Sarang and Buns & Bones.
Make a day of it - Enjoy a stroll around Brickfields Country Park, a visit to Aldershot Military Museum or the Alpine Snowsport Centre, all within twenty minutes drive.
Stay for the night - Stay at the Bush Hotel in Farnham which has been welcoming guests since 1618.
Commercial Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1GE
With some of the biggest names in theatre, comedy, musicals, ballet and opera, you'll see hit West End shows and first-run plays, stand-up comedy and annual pantomimes for the whole family! Its sister theatre is the Mayflower Studios or MAST a 10-minute walk away.
Top Tip - Look out for the theatres 1928 Art Deco architecture and listen out for the exceptional acoustics.
Make a night of it - The Mayflower theatre is located just a short 7-minutes walk to Above Bar Street where you will find plenty of places to eat and drink.
Make a day of it - With a visit to the free Southampton City Art Gallery which has just undergone a £2.2m refurbishment or the fascinating SeaCity Museum with its maritime stories.
Stay for the night - The Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl is located four miles away, its award-winning spa makes for a relaxing weekend break to combine with your theatre trip.
Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 2QJ
This Grade II listed theatre welcomes large-scale musical theatre, national touring productions alongside tribute shows and concerts, community events and is particularly well-known for its annual Christmas pantomime season.
Top Tip - Look out for statue Aruora which once sat at the top of the Kings Theatre, but is now on display in the main foyer.
Make a night of it - Head along Albert Road for plenty of places to eat and drink including The Vaults, The Gin and Olive or Porters.
Make a day of it - Spend the day along Portsmouth seafront and stop in at The D-Day Story, the UK's only museum dedicated to the Allied Invasion, and the free Southsea Castle next door.
Stay for the night - Book a stay at G! Boutique Hotel, a short walk from the theatre and the seafront.
White Rock, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1JX
This former pavilion in its stunning location overlooking Hastings seafront hosts a mix of top-tier touring shows, national comedians, large-scale musical acts, and a renowned annual pantomime.
Top Tip - Plan some extra time before the show and visit the theatres Seaview Lounge and Circle Bar, which offer panoramic views over Hastings Pier and the English Channel.
Make a night of it - Head along White Rock Road towards Hastings main town to find lots of places to eat and drink including Patty Guy at the Courtyard, Shiosai Sushi and Pier Catch.
Make a day of it - Visit the free Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, the main Hastings beach or take a trip up to Hastings Castle & 1066 Story with its comanding views over the old town.
Stay for the night - Make a weekend of your visit, and book a stay at The Laindons Guest House, Rocklands Apartments or the family-friendly Crowhurst Park Holiday Village.
Use the map view button to find theatres near your location or click below on the 'Theatre Listings' image to discover what theatre shows are currently on. Discover show times, book your theatre tickets directly with the theatres by using the website link at the top of each listing and look out for a host of outdoor theatre shows that take place over the summer months in gardens, forts and country parks.
Number of results: 21
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Theatre
Windsor
The Theatre Royal Windsor is a beautiful Edwardian theatre nestling between Windsor Castle and the River Thames and is the only unsubsidised producing theatre to operate all year round in Britain.
Theatre
Chatham
Located in the heart of Chatham town centre, this beautiful 965-seat venue is already home to a myriad of memories and it’s waiting for you to come along and make more unforgettable memories of your own.
Theatre
Maidenhead
Gigs, comedy, film, theatre, gallery, classes, cafe bar. Since September 2000, Norden Farm has offered the people of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and beyond, the best in entertainment and the performing arts.
Theatre
Southsea
The dignified and beautiful Kings Theatre is one of the most elegant Edwardian playhouses to be found in the British Isles the perfect setting to enjoy a full programme of shows including musicals, ballet, opera, dance, drama, music, comedy and film
Theatre
Tunbridge Wells
The Assembly Hall Theatre is a 1,000 seat receiving theatre offering an eclectic programme with everything from family shows to classical music, including West End touring musicals and drama, dance, comedy, opera and classical, ballet and more.
Theatre
Portsmouth
The New Theatre Royal in the heart of Portsmouth is an iconic Victorian building and one of the remaining few Phipps / Matcham theatres in the world.
Theatre
Eastbourne
The Congress Theatre is Grade II* listed purpose built theatre and conference venue with a seating capacity of 1689, making it is one of the largest theatres on the south coast.
Theatre
Worthing
The largest of the town’s entertainment venues, hosting live bands; Worthing Symphony Orchestra and the Wurlitzer Organ, ideal for music, comedy and events.
Event Venue
Worthing
A popular facility offering bowls, petanque, a centre for artists and potters, the Barn Theatre, and other activities. There are lovely grounds with childrens play area and the Model Engineers miniature railway (see events).
Theatres & Cinemas
Dartford
The Orchard Theatre was officially opened on the 14th April 1983 by His Royal Highness The
Duke of Kent and quickly gained a reputation as one of the country's premier venues presenting
a remarkable range of entertainment.
Arts Centre
Aylesbury
Offering over 70 weekly arts and crafts workshops, live comedy, music and theatre as well as exhibitions and demonstrations, Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre has something for everyone.
Theatre
Southampton
The largest Theatre in the south, The Mayflower offers spectacular touring musicals - many direct from the West End - plus opera, ballet and comedy.
Theatre
Chichester
Situated between the South Downs and the sea, Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the country’s most loved and lively theatres. Come and visit!
‘The jewel in the crown of regional theatres’
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Theatre
Andover
The Lights, Andover's professional arts and entertainment venue is the hub of creative activity for Andover and the north west of Hampshire.
Theatre
Reading
With much of the original structure retained, this 18th Century Flour Mill has been converted into a renowned Dinner Theatre. Patrons enjoy a fresh home-cooked meal - with not a microwave in sight! -before watching the performance in our theatre.
Theatre
Eastbourne
The Devonshire Park Theatre is a Grade II listed building designed by Henry Currey, built in 1884 and further improved by celebrated Theatre Architect Frank Matcham in 1903.
The theatre has a seating capacity of 936.
Theatre
Aldershot
Aldershot's West End Centre is a friendly, intimate venue that hosts classes, workshops, art exhibitions, music performances and stand-up comedy, and also has an on-site, small scale theatre.
Theatre
Eastbourne
1930's Bandstand which hosts concerts from Tribute Bands to Traditional Concerts through-out the year from May to September plus special Easter, Christmas and Boxing Day concerts.
Theatre
Worthing
Part of Worthing Theatres, the Pavilion Theatre is situated on the promenade at the entrance to Worthing’s pier and hosts a variety of theatre, dance, music and comedy as well as events including craft fairs, children’s workshops and corporate events
Theatre
Worthing
The Art Deco Connaught Theatre, Cinema and Studio hosts a wide variety of plays ranging from musicals and thrillers to drama and children’s shows as well as 2D and 3D blockbuster films.
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