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Be entertained in Bournemouth

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Theatre & Performing Arts in Bournemouth

With theatres and venues of different size and specialisms dotted around the resort, there’s always somewhere in Bournemouth where you can enjoy a star studded or spellbinding performance.

Bournemouth proudly celebrates its charming Victorian heritage alongside a bustling, cosmopolitan lifestyle and this is reflected in its performance venues. They range from Bournemouth’s oldest – the Shelley Theatre, built by Sir Percy Bysshe Shelley and opened in 1870 – to Pavilion Dance South West – the National Dance Development Organisation for the region.

Work to continue improving these venues is supported by volunteers, community partnerships and funding projects. They lead the charge in promoting art and culture in the destination and you’ll find that they have packed programmes presenting cutting edge performances, live screenings and exhibitions throughout the year.

Bournemouth’s entertainment offer is underpinned by a large, international venue and historic theatre that continue to sell out some of the country’s most popular artists and shows.

Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is an impressive and spacious concert venue with generous parking and plenty of places to eat and drink. It’s situated close to the beach and town centre.

Each year, the BIC welcomes some of the biggest names in rock, pop and comedy, as well as hosting dance competitions, conferences and exhibitions.

The Pavilion Theatre is a stunning Art Deco venue that evokes the elegance and splendour of the 1920s. With over 1000 seats in raked stalls and more in the circle, the Pavilion Theatre is a regular home to West End stage shows, opera, ballet, pantomime and comedy.

Naturally, in a town that’s overflowing with energy and talent, it’s common to find additional performances in smaller venues and even in our many, spacious churches or the larger restaurants and bars.

If you’re willing to venture a little further afield, you’ll find busy programmes at performance venues in our neighbouring towns. It’s a short car, bus or train ride to explore Lighthouse – Poole's Centre for the Arts, the Regent Centre in Christchurch or the Tivoli theatre in Wimborne.

So, whether you want a riotous laugh, thought provoking experimental journey or rip-roaring musical spectacle, you’ll find something to inspire you in Bournemouth.

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Jazz by the Sea Festival 2018

Jazz By The Sea Festival has grown to include venues across the wider area of Bournemouth and Poole.
The Regent Centre

Christchurch

A well established Art Deco arts centre, dating back to 1931.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
113 reviews
Camp Bestival

East Lulworth

Welcome to the wonderful world of Camp Bestival a multi-award winning festival that combines an all-encompassing family festival experience with an action packed camping holiday; something that we like to call a Festi-Holiday!
Pavilion Theatre

Bournemouth

Enjoy your evening with entertainment in one of Bournemouth`s most elegant, vintage and traditional venues - showing plays, musicals, concerts etc. A perfect location for a perfect night!
London Repertory Players

Bournemouth

A superb summer rep where you can see three great plays in two calendar weeks at excellent prices.
Pavilion Dance South West

Bournemouth

Pavilion Dance South West presents a year-round programme of innovative and inspiring dance performances, live ballet screenings and arts exhibitions in an intimate, state-of-the-art, 200-seat theatre and gallery space.
Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth

The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is one of the most prestigious venues for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and leisure activities.
The BIC operates alongside its sister venues The Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom and The Pier Theatre

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