Theatres

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.

Top theatres in South East England

Chichester Festival Theatre

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.

The Mill at Sonning

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.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts

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. 

West End Centre

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.

Mayflower Theatre

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.

Kings Theatre

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 Theatre

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.

Theatres near me

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.