Trafalgar Theatres wins contract to operate three Eastbourne venues

Trafalgar Theatres has been named as the new operator of Eastbourne Theatres, in a move that adds three regional venues to its rapidly growing portfolio.

It brings the total number of theatres operated by Trafalgar Theatres to more than 20.

The venues arm of leading global live entertainment company Trafalgar Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council, which will see it take control of the Devonshire Quarter complex, a collection of venues that together form Eastbourne’s cultural epicentre. 

Among them are the Eastbourne Theatres, comprising of the 1,689-seat Congress Theatre, the 873-seat Devonshire Park Theatre and the Winter Garden, a Grade II listed events space that plays host to music performances and comedy clubs. Trafalgar will also operate conference centre the Welcome Building.

They join the 18 other theatre venues currently operated by Trafalgar Theatres including Theatre Royal Sydney, the recently opened Fareham Live and the forthcoming Olympia Theatre, which is set to open in London in 2027. 

Howard Panter, joint chief executive and creative director at Trafalgar Entertainment, said he was delighted to be partnering with the council.

"We are immensely proud of our work in regional venues, including recently bringing our world-class productions of The King and I and The Rocky Horror Show to Eastbourne, and passionately believe that local audiences outside London deserve the very best," Panter said.

"Through Trafalgar’s unique model, Eastbourne audiences are assured that the best shows and events will be brought to Eastbourne alongside new productions premiering here. Under our operation, local businesses across the wider area will continue to reap the economic benefits that a thriving theatre complex brings.

Panter added: "During challenging financial times for councils up and down the country, we congratulate Eastbourne Borough Council for their foresight in selecting Trafalgar as its partner to protect these wonderful venues for the future."

Stephen Holt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "Trafalgar Entertainment boasts a superb track record and to have Sir Howard and Dame Rosemary Squire, both highly respected leaders in the industry, overseeing the future of the Congress Theatre, Devonshire Park Theatre and Winter Garden is hugely exciting.

"The deal also achieves the key operational and financial objectives that we agreed earlier this year and ensures these jewels in the crown of south-east entertainment will continue to delight audiences for many years to come." 

Earlier this year, Panter and his fellow Trafalgar Entertainment boss Squire called for more partnerships between commercial venue operators and local councils, labelling the alliances "the way forward" for regional venues threatened by funding squeezes.