Pavilion Theatre, Worthing 1959

Standing proudly at the entrance to Worthing Pier, the Pavilion Theatre has been a landmark of seaside entertainment since its opening in 1926. With its distinctive domed roof, elegant stucco façade, and sweeping views of the English Channel, the theatre has been a focal point for music, drama, and variety for nearly a century.

Seaside Grandeur

The Pavilion Theatre, originally known as the Pier Pavilion, was opened on 25 June 1926 by Mayor Walter Gardiner. Designed by architects Adshead & Ramsey, its style was inspired by the grand Kursaal concert halls of Europe, with echoes of the architecture found in Rome, Vienna, and Nice. The building features curved metal roofs with oculus dormers, an ornate proscenium arch decorated with the nine Muses, and an oval-shaped auditorium blending neo-Adam and neo-Gothic design elements.

From the start, the Pavilion was home to the town’s municipal orchestra, hosting high-quality concerts, plays, and variety shows that catered to both locals and the steady stream of seaside holidaymakers.

War and Revival

During the Second World War, the theatre was temporarily closed but reopened in 1942 as a garrison theatre, providing entertainment for troops stationed in the area. After the war, it resumed its role as Worthing’s leading venue for the performing arts.

In the 1970s, the Pavilion underwent modernisation with the addition of external canopies, followed by a major refurbishment between 1979 and 1982. These upgrades brought improved facilities while carefully retaining the theatre’s distinctive historic character.

A Versatile Venue

The Pavilion Theatre has always been more than just a stage. Hidden beneath its carpet lies a sprung dance floor that can be revealed for ballroom dancing, cabaret, and even circus performances. Its adaptable design allows it to seat between 850 and 1,100 people, making it suitable for everything from intimate plays to large-scale musicals.

Today, under the management of Worthing Theatres and Museum (WTM), the Pavilion continues to host an eclectic programme of comedy, dance, drama, and live music, maintaining its status as one of the south coast’s cultural gems.

Preserving a Heritage Treasure

Recent years have seen renewed investment in the theatre’s upkeep. In 2019, it received £48,500 from the Government’s Coastal Revival Fund to support restoration work. In 2024, a grant from the Theatres Trust funded new sensor-activated taps throughout the building, improving accessibility and sustainability.