Alexandra Theatre Opens

1980

The Alexandra Theatre, housed within the Regis Centre on Belmont Street, opened in 1980 and has served as the town's principal live performance venue ever since. The theatre stages a year-round programme of drama, comedy, music, pantomime, and community productions. The annual pantomime is a highlight of the winter season, drawing audiences from across the Bognor area and beyond, and touring productions visit throughout the year. The theatre is named after Princess Alexandra, who opened the building. It is a mid-sized venue, well suited to both touring professional productions and local amateur companies. The Regis Centre complex also houses the cinema and function rooms, making it the cultural hub of the town centre. The Alexandra Theatre has hosted performances by nationally known acts as well as providing a stage for local talent. Community theatre groups, dance schools, and music societies use the venue regularly. For a town of Bognor's size, having a functioning theatre with a regular and varied programme is a significant asset, and the Alexandra has been central to the town's cultural life for over four decades. The theatre is managed by Arun District Council and receives public funding to maintain its programme, reflecting the recognised importance of cultural provision to the wider health of the town.