About

The Congress Theatre is Grade II* listed. Purpose built, the theatre and conference venue has a seating capacity of 1655, and is one of the largest theatres on the south coast.

The Congress is one of a limited number of post-war theatres in the country and its architectural merit puts it alongside the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, Nottingham Playhouse and Chichester Theatres.

The Devonshire Quarter project was able to provide the Congress Theatre with an extensive refurbishment which reinstated and enhanced the stylish interior that was present when it opened in 1963. The old heating system and air conditioning unit was replaced keeping to the demands of modern theatre systems. This follows the completion in 2015 of an award-winning scheme to restore and improve the building’s iconic façade as well as make it more energy efficient. The Congress Theatre auditorium has had a 1655 seat renovation with new technical and temperature provision and includes a large stage with direct access for conference sets.

Supporting break out rooms and exhibition space are also available within the Devonshire Quarter.

Excellence Award for Congress Theatre Restoration

The Congress Theatre auditorium has had a 1655 seat renovation with new technical and temperature provision. The Grade II* listed Congress Theatre scooped an Excellence Award for design and innovation.

The scheme won the refurbishment category of the Schueco Excellence Awards 2016, run in conjunction with the Journal of the Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA), with the panel of judges praising the accomplished way the team worked with the listed fabric of the theatre.