This is a single theartre, not a complex…read more This lovely old theartre has a lot of chacter and charm. It is faily large, accommadating around 600 people. Back stage are plenty of changing room - my daughter has performed here. The accoustics are good, and frankly I'd come here to see any gig, or play. It has a great atmoshere. There can be quite a bit of walking for the loos etc, but the cafe is worth a visit. I'm not too sure about disabled access, so phone in advance.

I have been to the Pavilion since I was a kid watching pantomimes and now I go to concerts, opera…read moreand other events. The building hasn't changed much over the years, but runs beautifully and has great appeal and charm. The acoustics are good and viewing is spot on. I always enjoy coming here and there is always a good variety of shows throughout the year.

The Lighthouse is Poole's theatres, concert venue, and has a cinema…read more 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!).

I agree with Bluesofty on almost everything. They show a lot of different types of music, theatre,…read moredance 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!

A smallish theatre in the grounds of Canford School, Canford Magna…read more This is very well laid out in the reception area and stalls. The seating is very comfortable and views are good. However, once you get in the Circle, it's a bit like a maze, as groups of seats are sectioned off with bars and you have to find the correct door for your section. I guess this is to stop a stampede in the case of fire, but I've never seen it anywhere else. My daughter performed here with her dance company. Parking is rather limited.