A Brighton institution, The Dome is one of the city's leading gig venues platforming everyone from established rock, pop and funk bands to world music artists from Europe, South America and beyond. In complete contrast to the nearby Brighton Centre, it's a picturesque venue with a grand ceiling, a beautifully arched stage, a generous standing area and two tiers of comfy seats. The sound and sight lines are also top notch. I've seen The Drums, The Macabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Gossip, Pete Doherty, Bon Iver and Richard Hawley here in the last 18 months and the atmosphere was incredible at every single gig. Pete Doherty poured his drink over a heckler, Beth Ditto flirted with the audience and Bon Iver shocked everyone by doing a heavy rock number. My favourite memory of a show here however, has to be the Halloween party The Go! Team threw a few years back. They adorned the stage with pumpkins, dressed in weird costumes and had spooky films playing behind them. It was a magical evening and I danced so much, my legs ached for hours after-wards. read more

Brighton Dome - Performing Arts Near Me - Brighton, BNH

This Grade-I listed complex is both a highly original performance venue (with 3 performance areas, actually), and an historic building with a fascinating past. History The Dome was originally built in 1803-05 for the Prince of Wales (later George IV) as a stable block, adjacent to his then rather modest Brighton seaside villa. The architect was William Porden, and it was he who chose the iconic Indian architectural style (technically Indo-Saracenic) and designed the huge dome - originally covered in glass, 24 metres in diameter and 19 metres high, to cover a circulating area for the horses. Once completed, the new buildings so overshadowed the original villa, that the Prince instructed that they should be revamped into the iconic Brighton Pavilion we see today. The complex was sold to Brighton in the 1850s, and the Dome was developed as a concert hall in 1866. A major refurbishment in 1935 saw it modernised and given an Art Deco interior, and the Pavilion Theatre was added on the site of Mrs Fitzherbert's stables. Over the years it developed an enviable reputation as a Concert and entertainment venue for both classical and popular music, despite its notoriously poor acoustics. Famous names who performed here include Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, and in 1974 it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, won famously by Abba, singing 'Waterloo'. However, both the interior and exterior were crumbling and a major refurbishment was begun in 1999, costing £22m and taking three years to complete. The revamped complex now houses 3 venues: the 1,850 seat Concert Hall, the 570 seat Corn Exchange (which also hosts non-seated events on its sprung floor) and the 220 seat Pavilion Theatre. The exterior (together with the Museum) provides a suitably exotic backdrop to the Pavilion itself. Events The Dome hosts an astonishing variety of events, from concerts, conferences and performances in the main Concert Hall, to more eclectic drama, comedy and dance in the Pavilion Theatre. I've mostly attended events in the Concert Hall, and I'd agree with others that it's a great place to visit: the seating is comfy and spacious, the acoustics are hugely improved and the unusual shape gives it an intimate feel. Practicalities It's a ten minute walk from Brighton railway station, and just about every Brighton bus route passes close by, either on North Street or the Steine. The venue has level access throughout (and specific spaces for wheelchairs in the auditoria), disabled toilets, hearing loops and printed material is available (on request) in large format. Disabled customers can apply for a complimentary ticket (one per booking) to enable them to bring a companion or access assistant with them free of charge - phone for details. Well worth a visit. read more

A very attractive venue in a great location. The history of the building is everywhere & I am always amazed at the detail. Lovely areas of tiling too. Weird gents loo situation mind: Not enough urinals by half & when the pressure's on, so to speak, having a strange 10ft long, waist height stainless steel sink is only going to cause confusion!!!!!! I've seen good comedy here (Frankie Boyle, Jack Dee), I always wonder if it might be just a little too spacious & clean for a decent gig? read more

Brighton Dome - Performing Arts Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Four years on Yelp and I've never written a review for the iconic Brighton Dome - how has this happened??!! The Brighton Dome consists of three main areas - the Concert Hall, the Corn Exchange and the Studio Theatre. I have been to all three over the years, seeing performances ranging from theatre and dance; classical, rock and pop concerts; to comedy and stand-up shows. The venues work well for all types of performances, but my favourite is the Concert Hall with it's stunning architecture and wonderful acoustics. The Brighton Dome is part of the wider Royal Pavilion complex, built by the Prince Regent in 1805. It is actually joined to the Pavilion and the Brighton Museum by a web of underground tunnels, sadly not open to the public. The Concert Hall was originally the King's stables and the Corn Exchange the riding school. The fascinating history of this building only adds to it's charm, and it's certainly eye-catching from the outside with it's stunning green Dome covering the main hall. The whole complex was said to be inspired by water colour pictures of Indian, bringing a little Eastern charm to our Sussex seaside town! As well as the three main performance spaces, there is a great bar in the main foyer and a cafe which is now open all day for people to pop in and use, even if they are not catching a performance. Check out the website for a list of up coming acts, particularly particularly during May when the Brighton Festival holds numerous events here. read more

I can't believe that after almost 8 years of living in Brighton, I hadn't actually been to a gig at the Dome! Thanks to a friend of mine, I got complementary tickets for myself and Scott to see George Benson! (As a vocalist, it is ESSENTIAL to have 'Give Me The Night' in your repetoire for 60th Birthdays... weddings lol) We had great seats - I couldn't believe what a lovely space it is. Housed in the Same building as the Corn Exchange and Brighton Museum, it really is worth going there to have a look. I'm looking forward to going there again in future. read more

Brighton Dome - Performing Arts Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I've worked here and the Brighton Centre, so I feel privileged to say just how good this place is by comparison to the Brighton Centre, and even any other venue in the area, if not county, if not country....actually, not quite that good. The dome itself still maintains a number of the beautiful period features that help create a brilliant atmosphere. This truly is a venue full of character, one that improves any concert or performance. The bars and staff are also good, so I really wouldn't be able to provide a single criticisms of this brilliant venue. read more

One of the nicest venues in Brighton, the Dome plays host to a huge number of different music acts and other performers, and is one of the best places in Brighton to see great music. Unlike its next door neighbour, the Corn Exchange, the Dome is more often used for graduations, classical music acts, that kind of thing. However, that isn't a negative: this is often very cool, very nice, relaxed stuff. I'm a huge fan of this kind of music, so the Dome is all my kind of venue. The seating arrangement and set-up is all very nice, very classic and nicely arranged: all woods and with a nicely arranged audio set-up. All of the seats catch the sound well, and no one is blocked from seeing the stage: a rarity in these older concert halls. It's one of Brighton's best venues, and also seems to have a very good policy for what goes on in the space: you won't see any Fringe theatre or anything of the like in here, just good old-fashioned classical music and really big name stars. The tickets are pricey, but the acts are always brilliant, and the venue is very well run and organised: well worth a visit. read more

I think, aside from Brixton academy, this is one of the best venues to watch a live act. I think you definately have to be in the standing area as the seats at any gig is a bit of a downer but it really is an intimate venue to watch a band. We also saw Ricky Gervais there a while back and it proved an excellent venue for a live stand up too. Drinks are a little pricey but thats the same everywhere. All the staff and attendants are friendly enough and you don't have to wait long to get inside as they always have loads of staff working the doors. Brilliant place! read more

The entire building contains the Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange and the Pavillion Theatre. The Dome plays host to the bigger and more expensive shows that come to Brighton. I recently went to see Gary Numan and the beer prices were ridiculously expensive and not even for a pint but a small bottle. And then when the guy poured it into a pint glass it was barely half full...terrible. It's a beautiful building though and is the perfect venue to see any sort of music, theatre or dance. They also play a huge part in the Brighton festival but when Loop was recently moved indoors it took a lot away from the festival feeling that was created in previous years. read more

Brighton Dome - BD - Performing Arts Near Me - Brighton, BNH

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Probably Brighton's most famous arts venue, the Brighton Dome is my most frequented place for an evening's entertainment. I've seen everything here from stand-up comedy, to music gigs, to my very own graduation ceremony. Incredibly well-laid out so that there isn't a bad seat in the house (I've never sat in one, anyway) this stunning mid-sized theatre is a truly brilliant space with great acoustics. You wouldn't think this fantastic concert hall was originally home to George IV's stables, would you? read more

I've been here a few times and it's a great venue: nothing elaborate, but the seats are comfy, the views of the stage are generally pretty good wherever you are sitting, and it's easy to book. Although there are some pillars which hold up the balcony, they don't usually obstruct the view. One of Brighton's best venues for music and cabaret. My only quibble - as with all theatre venues - is that the bar prices are a little steep, and the queues at intervals can be a bit long. read more

Last year I saw Diamanda Galas perform here, with Erik Friedlander warming up the audience for this amazing event by performing works of John Zorn on the cello. The acoustics are fantastic, and did Diamanda's unbelievable voice perfect justice. I wouldn't have expected any lesser ambiente for such a powerful singer, and I wasn't one single bit disappointed. Very classy interior as well, without giving the impression of being pretentious. Re-reading my own review, I realised I should go out to venues like this more often. What an experience it was! read more

They Say Good things come in small packages and let me tell you that they're right. I recently went to the dome and might i say it is a superb venue. Being a tall man myself, when i see a show in a theatre or cinema I can often find my self to busy occupied trying to think of ways to comfortably stretch or place my legs. The dome seemed to have ample leg room and the seat was confortable enough. Furthermore, the venue is quite small and is very intimate which Is nice when watching a performance. Lastly, the building is beautiful and is well laid out and easy to find your way around! Just to add, the ticket prices were a steal! read more

I've had many a good night seeing concerts in the Dome. It's a large enough venue to attract big names - but not so large that it feels souless. Sound quality is excellent. It's an all seated venue - but all the seats give good views. I prefer the seats in the gallery which mean that you look down onto the stage (and they are slightly cheaper than the stalls) The bar area has been refurbished in the last few years and it is clean and contemporary. Expect long queues in the intermission though ! read more

This is my second favourite venue in Brighton after the Concorde2 for live gigs. It's much bigger than the C2, but still has an intimate quality about it. The program is wide and varied, with something for everyone. My only problem with it is that the bar and facilities tend to get overwhelmed before gigs and during the breaks, resulting in a long wait for drinks etc. The last time I was there we'd lined up for several minutes and they suddenly announced the bar was closed and immediately stopped serving. Very annoying. They need more staff I think. read more

This is by far my favourite gig venue in Brighton. It's comfy and even if you have a standing ticket there are seats to be found. The acoustics in the venue are fab and I do love that you have a great view whichever area you are in. Clean Toilets which is always nice. The staff are always helpful. read more

Such a beautiful building. Honestly it's worth going inside this place just to glimpse the grandeur. There's a lovely little cafe inside and you can marvel at the intricately decorated ceilings and walls. There's also a lot of information about the history of the Brighton Dome which is really wonderful. A great place to see a gig too! It's honestly one of the best live entertainment venues I've been to. Highly recommended! read more

What a glorious place! I was honoured to graduate from university in this splendid building, where any occasion feels momentous and gives you a giddy feeling that somehow you've made it. Situated in the historical centre of the city (if it wasn't known as that, it is now!) next to the Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Pavilion, the Dome holds its own. Not just serving as a venue for graduation ceremonies, but also live music and events (Girls Aloud even played here once upon a time!) the Dome is really something to behold. If there is anything you even have a slight curiosity to see there, go. I urge you! read more

Brighton Dome - Performing Arts Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I love the Brighton Dome and visited the Corn Exchange several times as well as the main Concert Hall. They hold a wide variety of music, dance, theatre and comedy catering for all tastes. The Concert Hall is stunning and the Dome's history only adds to it's charm, being one of Brighton's iconic buildings. There is also a bar in the main foyer and a café which is open during the day. read more

Great ambience in here! Would highly recommend a visit over the Brighton centre....

Have to agree with every other reviewer - this place is great! Like Joseph, I was fortunate enough to graduate here, and I really can't think of a more perfect location for such a memorable occasion. The seating was very comfortable, which it had to be considering how long the speeches went on for!! The sound system was top notch, and the general ambience, decor and vibe of the whole place was absolutely delightful. I can't wait until my next graduation here. read more

We hadn't been here for some years unitl recently. Pleased to say that The Dome still has the same high standards as ever. It is one theatre that we really feel comfortable in, but still think the refreshment prices are high. Quite extortionate for soft drinks!! Nice to have many choices for Dining afterwards, or before, especially Al Duomo's!!!!! read more

I saw Gogol Bordello here recently. It was amazing!! The sound is fantastic and its not an absolutely massive venue so the intimacy was still there. Drinks expensive though! read more

A major event venue that still has touches of grandeur left. Juxtapositioned by the Pavilion it is somewhat overshadowed by its beauty but if you look hard enough you'll find sections that resonate glamour. Ive been here to see plays and musical events and the sound carries well. The bar area needs updated and suffers from the ususal overpricing once they have you captured and unable to exit. Eat and drink elsewhere before or after and just enjoy the wide variety of shows it has to offer. Its ceratinly an improvement on the Brighton International Centre as a choice of where to go for entertainment. read more

Absolutely amazing venue, the acoustics are great and you'd be able to see the acts from wherever you are standing due to its dome shaped interior. I saw Sufjan Stevens here in May as part of Brighton's Great Escape music festival, and it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to. read more

Well, as the name suggests, this is more dome shaped than your average venue. Which is nice, because when you are at the very end of the last row, you can see the band your head turned 90 degrees the entire gig. There are two levels of seats, both have excellent visibility. The seats are dead comfortable, and the light coloured walls (they were when I went anyway) capture and reflect the light shows well, giving the entire venue that extra ambiance. read more

I love the Brighton Dome. We saw James Taylor here and a recording of Friday night is music night featuring Stacey Kent and Curtis Stigers and the BBC big band. They were two totally different concerts but for both the sight lines and sound were excellent. It has a very good atmosphere with the high ceiling and sense of space. Seats were comfortable. An added bonus was an art exhibition which we wandered around during the interval having purchased a drink at the bar. I noticed that there is a real mixture of ages in the audience which is fairly unusual. Highly recommend you to visit. read more

The Brighton Dome is a great location to listen to music. The seats are all close to the stage meaning a good view is offered to all. They are comfortable too. Some of the unterior design of the building now looks a bit dated, and I noticed that severe dusting is required in some of the hard to reach areas which can detract from the atmosphere. read more

Beautiful place, spacious and oppulent. Located right in the centre of Brighton, it is close enough to go out for a drink or meal beforehand and not have to walk miles afterwards. Parking is a real issue though. The NCP down the road is very convenient but stupidly overpriced. It is also the location for the University of Sussex graduation ceremonies, so unless you are the University VP and on over half a million a year, do your homework and park & ride. read more

A vital piece of the Brighton arts scene and recently upgraded in terms of comfort.

this place is really good.lots of variety for all types and agesreally makes Brighton proud and if your around have a look at the listings for something nice ;) read more

Went to The Corn Exchange for some of The Great Escape gigs. You'd think for such a large main room, it would need it to be packed before it got really over heated, but even around half full it was stupidly hot and airless in there. And even when it was only about half-full, the search-everyone, overly heavy security meant that people were queueing to get in. On the plus side, it's a relatively large music venue right in the town centre, surrounded by pubs and places to eat. It's a really stunning building as well, if you happen to like that sort of thing. read more

The corn exchange is a wonderful venue for major events. The centrepiece of the venue is the large exhibition hall which hosts events from dinners to parties. read more

Last year I went to the Brighton Dome to see Dylan Moran and it was fantastic. The beer was surprisingly cheap for a live show and none of the seats were bad seats! As a mid sized venue it attracts some big names, I would definately recommend it. The best thing is, when the show is over you can go out in Brighton and carry on the party! read more