The Going Out Awards

Best Theatre/Live Performance Venue - Sponsored by Sealife Centre Brighton

The theatres along the Sussex coast are about so much more than seaside specials and end of the pier comedy, with carefully programmed seasons suitable for all tastes.

But which is the best? Is a great venue about the variety offered in the programme or down to its expertise in theatre or live music?

THE SHORTLIST

Theatre Royal Brighton

NOW more than 200 years old, New Road’s red lady has seen some of the biggest names in theatre tread its boards.

From Charles Kemble performing at its opening in 1807 Theatre Royal Brighton has welcomed acting legends including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Marlene Dietrich, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Kenneth Williams.

Only this year it has hosted some top West End transfers including the musical Rock Of Ages, Maureen Lipman in Daytona, the Bunbury Players’ version of The Importance Of Being Earnest and The Pride starring Mathew Horne.

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham

SHOREHAM’S purpose-built arts venue has been steadily growing its audience over the last 12 months, with an ever-more impressive line-up of touring comics and live music.

Highlights this year have included visits by Mercury Music Prize-nominated rapper and poet Kate Tempest, Booker Prize nominated writer Will Self, 1980s pop legend Midge Ure, and comedians Alan Carr, Mark Steel, Arthur Smith and Mark Thomas.

Duke Of York’s Picturehouse, Brighton

THE oldest purpose-built cinema in the country celebrated its centenary in 2010.

It is now one of two Picturehouse arts cinemas in the city, having been joined by Duke’s At Komedia in 2012.

But audiences still flock to Preston Circus to enjoy the original Duke’s old world ambience and balcony bar, and the VIP sofa seating above the main auditorium.

Its programme is still a healthy mix of world cinema and independent favourites.

Komedia, Brighton

THE opening of Duke’s At Komedia in its old upstairs theatre space has given the North Laine multi-arts venue a new lease of life.

The venue came close to closing after the loss of an Arts Council grant in 2008 combined with the credit crunch and an ambitious building project opening a second venue in Bath.

This year the now smaller Gardner Street venue celebrated its 20th anniversary with an eclectic Brighton Fringe programme, and is welcoming cutting edge touring theatre and music back in its walls once more.

Brighton Dome

FROM the giant concert hall to the intimate studio theatre Brighton Dome’s three venues offer very different spaces suitable for everything from dance to live concerts.

And the recently redesigned bar and cafe space is becoming both a popular performance venue and place to relax away from the hurly burly of Brighton’s shopping district.

The complex is also at the centre of the annual Brighton Festival in May, which sees renowned artists from across the world descend on the city.

AND THE WINNER IS... The Ropetackle, Shoreham

Readers voted in droves for the arts centre which punches above its weight and hosts international standard acts as well being a hub for community projects and events.

2014 has seen big names including Arthur Smith, Alan Carr and Alain De Botton perform at the venue which is run by volunteers and has only three paid staff.

Ropetackle chairman Martin Allen says the centre and Ropetackle community are delighted to have won the award.

“The support from our audiences - and in particular from our friends and volunteers - is hugely gratifying. It also demonstrates the value of a venue which combines true community involvement with the highest level of professionalism.

"In reality, however, the greater our success, the more it costs to run the venue. We really hope that this award will encourage more people to come to Ropetackle and to support us by joining our Friends Scheme.”

THE SPONSORS - Sealife Centre Brighton

The theatres along the Sussex coast are about so much more than seaside specials and end of the pier comedy, with carefully programmed seasons suitable for all tastes. But which is the best? Is a great venue about the variety offered in the programme or down to its expertise in theatre or live music?

Let us take you on a fascinating journey through the original Victorian architecture of the oldest operating aquarium in the world from the coastline to the depths of the ocean. Discover a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures. Every step will reveal something new, from a face to face encounter with sharks to a hands-on rockpool experience.

As well as being able to ride the UK’s first Glass Bottom Boat, have a fascinating Behind the Scenes Tour and join in with our free interactive rockpool experience where you can touch crabs and starfish, there is another new feature for 2014 – Rainforest Adventure!

As you step through the roots of a twisted tree, our Green Anaconda welcomes you to her home. Follow her trail towards a mystical ruined temple and you’ll come across magical Water Dragons, colourful Poison Dart Frogs, and fearsome Piranhas. As you explore our rainforest, don’t forget to say hello to our group of rescued Terrapins, they’re waiting to meet you!

Free talks and feeds are available throughout the day to learn about the creatures and how you can help Sea Life with their conservation efforts.

There is an additional charge applies for the boat and Behind the Scenes tour.