White Rock Theatre

About

What can be found at The White Rock Theatre?

The White Rock Theatre is home to some of the best live entertainment in East Sussex. It’s one of the county’s largest venues with 1066 seats and a standing capacity of 1800. The White Rock Theatre's venue reach its highest ever attendance for Scottish rock band, Primal Scream. Hosting a broad programme of events each year, the White Rock Theatre strives to be a cultural asset for Hastings and the wider community.

Situated in a commanding position on the shoreline, the White Rock Theatre’s Seaview Lounge and Circle Bar offer unbeatable views of Hastings Pier and the English Channel. 

History of The White Rock Theatre:

Built on the site of the old East Sussex Hospital, the White Rock Pavilion was opened by HRH Edward, Prince of Wales in April 1927. It was built for the Hastings Municipal Orchestra and attracted world-renowned musicians. Piano luminaries like Rachmaninoff and conductors like Sir Edward Elgar performed on The White Rock stage.

Decca Records used it as recording studio while the BBC broadcast several radio concerts from there. These included three consecutive Christmas Day concerts from 1935-1937, after the King’s Speech, that were heard around the world.

The pavilion underwent a re-modification in 1937 and again in 1985 when it was renamed the White Rock Theatre. While the theatre was closed during the pandemic lockdowns, a small team of dedicated staff removed red carpet in the entrance foyer and restored the original parquet flooring underneath. The shiny floor complements the building’s other classic art deco features.

Since 1^st February 2024, The White Rock has been operated by The Guildhall Trust, a registered charity who also operate The Portsmouth Guildhall with a vision is to become one of the country’s leading cultural organisations.