Theatre Royal Brighton

This important grade II listed building is one of the oldest working theatres in the country with an exquisite example of a regency auditorium. With a collection of historic buildings that surround the stage house, it a fine example of a Theatre that has evolved over the last two hundred years.

Theatre in Brighton started in 1766 at Barn Hall in Brighthelmstone, a village soon to become Brighton. Theatregoers were to patronise two other buildings in the city before The Prince of Wales gave his Royal Assent for the building of a new Theatre Royal Brighton on its present site in the summer of 1806. The Theatre first opened its doors to the public on Saturday June 27 1807 with a performance of Hamlet and The Weather Cock starring Charles Kemble of Drury Lane.

For the first 50 years, the Theatre suffered very mixed fortunes with no single manager lasting more than 18 months and with the risk of financial ruin never very far away. In 1854 an actor Henry John Nye Chart arrived, took over the management of the Theatre and turned its fortunes and reputation around. He embarked on an extensive expansion and renovation programme with renowned Theatre architect Charles James Phipps. As an actor Nye Chart had been somewhat unremarkable however his success was to turn an insignificant and disreputable playhouse into a nationally respected institution and he was one of the great actor-managers of the late nineteenth century.

When Nye Chart died in 1876, his wife Ellen Elizabeth Nye Chart took over the management; with considerable flair and imagination she secured the Theatre’s national reputation as one of the most prestigious venues outside of London. She introduced the matinee and gave tickets for the annual Christmas pantomimes to inmates of the Workhouses. Her legacy was to be one of the first women theatre managers with pioneering audience development skills. By the end of the nineteenth century Theatre Royal Brighton had established itself as The Actors Theatre where every major actor including the Kemble & Siddon Families, Sarah Bernhardt, Edmund Kean, David Garrick and Sir Henry Irving graced the stage.

Through the twentieth century the Theatre grew in stature and national reputation. International playwright Ibsen premiered a UK production of The Doll’s House at the Theatre. Later Rattigan, Coward and Orton plays opened as a try out date before a London West End run. The Redgrave Family, Lord Olivier, John Gielgud, Marlene Dietrich, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rex Harrison, Dame Judy Dench and Paul Scofield are but a few of the stars who performed on the famous stage.

At the dawn of the 21st century there was a new chapter of the Theatre's history; the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), purchased Theatre Royal Brighton. The company has invested in the infrastructure of the building and high quality productions. Theatre Royal Brighton Productions was launched to produce productions made in Brighton for new audiences, tour nationally and play in the West End. The organisation has exciting creative alliances with Rambert Dance Company, English Touring Theatre Company and Brighton Festival. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company and the National Theatre have opened prestigious regional tours and in the last decade the Theatre has opened a record number of productions to tour and en route for the West End. In 2007, the city celebrated the Theatre’s 200th Birthday with a year of exciting events; the highlight was a Royal Visit by Her Majesty the Queen who renamed a Box in the Theatre; The Queen Elizabeth II Box. Theatre Royal Brighton has a bright future as it starts a third century of entertaining audiences of all ages.

Theatre Royal Brighton has announced its latest production; The Parlour, the Theatre’s new cafe located on New Road. Open from early morning to early evening, The Parlour will serve a selection of teas, fresh ground coffee, pastries, cakes and snacks. So take your seat and join us for a drink and snack next time you are visiting.

We are now offering The Royal Lounge All Inclusive Theatre Experience. Allow our dedicated service staff to provide you with the award winning hospitality Theatre Royal Brighton is famous for and relax in style in The Royal Lounge. Used by royalty and stars, this exclusive area, away from the main bars and foyers, is the ideal indulgence where you can enjoy a selection of complimentary alcoholic and soft beverages, light snacks and an atmosphere steeped in glamour and celebrity.

Our charming, stylish rooms throughout the building are available for hire, for meetings, conferences and hospitality. We are happy to arrange catering and extra resources should you need them.

Choose from:

• The Royal Circle Bar with sparkling chandeliers and breathtaking views of The Royal Pavilion.
• The Phipps Club Room, named after the Theatre’s much celebrated architect, is a Georgian drawing room with stunning views of The Royal Pavilion Gardens
• The intimate and exclusive Nye Chart room at the rear of the Royal Circle.
• The Olivier Room, named after Sir Laurence Olivier who appeared many times at Theatre Royal Brighton, is the Royal Retiring Room tucked behind The Queen Elizabeth II Box.
• The Queen Elizabeth II Box has been used by royalty and stars for almost 200 years and holds up to 4 people. Our exclusive hospitality package includes complimentary programmes, chocolates and champagne while you watch the show.

Contact Jackie Alexander, Development Manager, jackiealexander@theambassadors.com 01273 764415 to discuss how we can make your training sessions, meetings, parties and receptions extra special.

We are now offering The Royal Lounge All Inclusive Theatre Experience. Allow our dedicated service staff to provide you with the award winning hospitality Theatre Royal Brighton is famous for and relax in style in The Royal Lounge. Used by royalty and stars, this exclusive area, away from the main bars and foyers, is the ideal indulgence where you can enjoy a selection of complimentary alcoholic and soft beverages, light snacks and an atmosphere steeped in glamour and celebrity.

Please visit ATG's Creative Learning website here.

Please find out about Theatre Royal Brighton's Creative Learning Events here.

Please find out about Theatre Royal Brighton's Work Experience Opportunities here.

Welcome to our exciting new season of events.

If you are not already a member why not join, it's free for all 5 - 14 year olds email skipsclub@theambassadors.com

We recommend you book in advance for all Skip's Club events: call 0844 871 7650, buy Theatre Royal Brighton tickets online,
or come to the Box Office in New Road.

Skip's After School Club

Join us for 90 mins of themed games, drama, stories and activities.

This terms themes are:
9 January - Super Heroes
23 January - Stage Lighting
6 February  - Stage makeup
6 March  - Mime and Slapstick
20 March - Spring
17 April - Mystery & Suspense
Suitable for 6 - 11 yrs
£5 per session or £27 for all 6 sessions if you book and pay in advance

Sat 23 Feb 10.30am – 12.30pm
Goodnight Mister Tom
Travel back to World War II, a time of rationing and make do and mend. Our  family workshop, based on the themes in this wonderful children’s tale, includes making and doing activities for children and adults to share, as well as a look around the set, props and costumes used in the play.
Adults £6, Children £5

Sat 16 March 10.30am – 12.30pm
Feathers and Pearls
Create beautiful crowns and delicate wings in a making workshop themed around Tchaikovsky’s romantic ballet Swan Lake.  This is a family workshop suitable for everyone over 5.
Adults £6, Children £5

Wed 10 Apr 11am, 12pm, 1pm
Backstage Tours For Families
A real Easter treat– your chance to explore the bits of Theatre Royal Brighton that people rarely see and find out more about the 200 year history of the much loved Theatre Royal Brighton.
FREE (all children must be accompanied by an adult)

Sat 27 Apr 10.30am – 12.30pm
Stage Effects – blood and gore!
Find out and experiment with make up secrets used on stage and TV to create bloody wounds and scary monsters. Make yourself jump when you look in the mirror! This is a family workshop suitable for everyone over 6.
Adults £6, Children £5

Theatre Royal Brighton has been at the heart of entertainment in the city for more than 200 years. With over 350,000 visitors every year; a programme which includes family shows, West End musicals and quality drama; and the glamorous red velvet and gilt of a gorgeous regency-style building; a relationship with Theatre Royal Brighton offers your business a perfect opportunity for client entertaining, marketing and networking.

We want to make the Theatre work for you – find out more below:

Centrestage Membership
By joining the CentreStage scheme, you and your business will have access to a variety of benefits including:

• A generous ticket allocation
• Free use of exclusive facilities for hospitality
• A range of branding opportunities
• Invites to season preview events with the Chief Executive
• A luxury level of service from our Theatre staff
• Access to an exclusive booking line
• Discounts on room hire and training packages

Membership from £1500
Contact Jackie Alexander, Development Manager, jackiealexander@theambassadors.com
01273 764415 to discuss how we can work together

Sponsorship and Advertising
There is a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available at Theatre Royal Brighton, enabling you and your business to align yourself with the international Ambassador Theatre Group brand whilst also benefiting from a partnership with a traditional, glamorous venue situated in the heart of Brighton’s Cultural Quarter.

We are happy to work with you to develop a bespoke package for your company ensuring maximum exposure to your target audience.

• Packages can include sponsorship of:
• Community & Education activities
• a Show
• a Dressing Room
• a Bar
• and advertising/branding on:
• Interval Drinks Saver Tags
• Ticket Wallets
• Safety Curtain
• Theatre Royal Brighton mailings

Contact Jackie Alexander, Development Manager, jackiealexander@theambassadors.com
01273 764415 to discuss how we can help you reach the 350,000 people who visit us each year.
 

Sponsors and Members
Theatre Royal Brighton would like to thank our sponsors and members for their generous support.

Theatre Royal Brighton Sponsors
The Argus
Donatello
Southern Water

Gold Centrestage Members
Atlas Direct
Cheesmur
City Cabs
Reform Solutions
Hotel Seattle
Hilton Brighton Metropole

Silver Centrestage Members
Denis and Janet Davies
London Calling
Fruit Design