Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

There's a bit about the Congress Theatre in The Play That Goes Wrong thread.

theatreboard.co.uk/thread/692/play-goes-wrong?page=18

I couldn't remember where I'd read it, then it suddenly came to me!

Oh the Congress…. Well it was built in the 60s and for years was just round the corner from the TUC hotel. Getting a picture …? It’s a big old beast of brutalist architecture with a wide stage. Sight lines are great but particularly in the raised stalls and circle (which has no carpet) you are miles away from the action. It’s also quite an echo-y room and most productions over amplify to compensate. I saw bedknobs and broomsticks there and everyone sounded like they were a badly prerecorded sound track. Similarly the show used up only half the width of the stage which meant huge black wings. That said, the building is beautifully maintained, really clean, has a great cafe restaurant and super helpful and friendly staff. My advice is sit as far forward as you can get and above all enjoy Waitress. I’m envious….