The Lighthouse is Poole's theatres, concert venue, and has a cinema. There are two theatres in The Lighthouse, which hosts a wide variety of entertainment, from ballet to tribute bands, and annually a pantomine. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is based here, (yes, I noticed the geographical misalignment too) and perform regularly. This week they have played concerts for some of the local schools. A month ago, I saw a touring company from the LSC performing jazz dance one evening and another company from the LSC performing modern ballet a couple of evenings later. The quality is astounding and I'm amazed that we can attract such talent to the provinces! There is also a small cinema which shows art films and a 'big' movie some months after it left the popular box offices. There is an eatery downstairs in the foyer, and bars on the first floor. All the staff are very helpful indeed, and advise you of discounts available. Booking is always easy, and they don't mind at all if you take a while to make up your mind about seating. The loos are clean! Seats are nice and comfy. Parking outside is for Blue Vadge holders only, or dropping off. Car parking is in the Dolphin multi storey (don't use the Park - you'll get locked in!). read more

I agree with Bluesofty on almost everything. They show a lot of different types of music, theatre, dance and performance - some really astounding, some less so, but lots of choice. (We attract it because of subsidy by the way - the level went way up when the government changed last.) The cinema has a monthly Now Showing meeting where you can go to discuss what's been on, what's coming and what you'd like to be on. They give you free tickets for it too! It's the pity the eating is rather ordinary and the wine usually paint stripper in my experience. Park in the Park by all means. It is locked up very early in the morning - about 6 I think - and reopens at 10 for cars, so most performances at the Lighthouse will have finished by then! read more

The lighthouse is what rose from the ashes of the former Poole arts centre. It stands just up from the bus station so it has great accessibility as well as having its own car park. The light house hosts the town's main pantomime over Christmas as well as tens of plays throughout the year. Food and drink can be bought while there. Prices vary from production to production and I have ad the chance to both be on stage and a spectator and it is always a pleasure. Staff do their job and are always polite there are sometimes offers for free tickets so its always a good idea to keep an eye on the website. read more

This is Poole's main arts venue; formerly known as Poole Arts Centre until its revamp several years ago. The building has a contemporary look from the outside; at night it is lit up colourfully by a carefully planned lighting scheme which makes it glow in hues of blue! The acoustics in the main hall are much improved following the revamp. The theatre is a cosy venue; big enough to house touring companies yet small enough to maintain an air of intimacy. There is also a cinema - not the largest screen around, but reasonably priced. The cafe is modern and pleasant. There are many concerts (classical, jazz and tours) in the main hall - have a look at the website to acquaint yourself with the array of performances on offer. read more

This is a very nice venue, however i would say that it is more suited for smaller performances. It is in very good location, with several car parks locally. A good place to go, but don't expect to many big names to be turning up there. read more

A good venue situated opposite the bus station and very close to the railway station. Plenty of car parking nearby. It has been recently refurbished and has given it a much more modern feeling. There is a theatre, cinema, and a concert hall. They have a varied range of artists appearing and a regular weekly concert by the Bournemouth Symphony orchestra. There is also a cafe which has an excellent selection of food. There is a lift to all levels from the foyer. Often during the intervals there are performances taking place in the bar area. Sometimes a fight to get to the bar but the staff are quick to serve people. read more

The Lighthouse theatre is situated just outside the Arndale centre of poole and is close to the train and bus station as well as a pay and display car park next door. The theatre attracts a wide range of acts from comedy, drama to pop artists and always has a pantomine every Christmas. The theatre has several auditoriums and they are all clean and comfortable. The toilets are pretty small though and often have large queues. As ususal the refreshments are expensive so best to take your own. The ticket office is well manned with friendly helpful staff. A pleasent experience all round. read more

the lighthouse is conveniently situated opposite poole bus station, and is now a far more attractive building since its renovation. A lovely venue for all types of activities! i have taken my younger sister to numerous childrens plays and found them all extremely enjoyable aswell as excellently organised! I also discovered the food is reasonably priced which was a pleasant suprise! the building isnt perhaps as warming and charming as the bournemouth pavilion and has a more modern and bland appearance. Nevertheless it is a great place to go enjoy live music, catch a movie or watch a play. Definitely something i'd reccomend read more

Must never loose these type of venues as without it there is no alternative for Poole and its concerts and shows. May not be world class but it provides a service that is needed in the Town. Volunteers do a wonderful job read more

How awful that Poole Lighthouse still have a premium rate, customer-unfriendly 0844 phone number for all ticket sales and enquiries. Worse still, they use it in a distinctly underhand way - they don't advertise the excess costs that apply when calling this number despite this being a legal requirement since at least July! Shame on them for subjecting customers and supporters to charges of up to 52p per minute without any warning. read more

Compared to concert venues around the world this one is far behind. The Bournemouth Orchestra play here once a week and they're a world class orchestra playing in a dump. It would also be nice for the local people to hear concerts played by london orchestras which will only happen if either Bournemouth or Poole get a world class hall to match their orchestra! read more

Great venue and underused by local people. Huge venues for plays and shows a real gem for Poole