Theatre Royal, Brighton

The Theatre Royal is a historic and esteemed Grade II listed theatre located in Brighton and stands as one of the oldest theatres in the United Kingdom. Established with royal approval in 1806 by the Prince of Wales, George Augustus Frederick, who later became King George IV, the theatre opened its doors on June 27, 1807, with a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Initially, the theatre faced financial struggles for its first fifty years until it was revitalized by actor Henry John Nye Chart in 1854. With the help of the renowned architect Charles James Phipps, the theatre underwent significant redevelopment, leading to its emergence as a financially successful and respected venue. Following Henry’s death in 1876, his wife, Ellen Elizabeth Nye Chart, one of the first female theatre managers, furthered the theatre’s success and solidified its reputation.

Today, the Theatre Royal Brighton continues to be a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a wide variety of performances, including musicals, plays, opera, ballet, comedy, and children’s shows. It also offers Creative Learning events, workshops, and courses to engage the community. The theatre has a seating capacity of 952 across four levels and features a stunning Proscenium arch, making it an architectural gem of Regency design.

The Theatre Royal Brighton has seen many of the country's leading actors and actresses grace its stage, including Rowan Atkinson, Rupert Everett, Dawn French, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Zoë Wanamaker, and Dominic West. The theatre also celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2007 with special events, including a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, who renamed one of the theatre's boxes in her honor.