Palace Court Theatre

Palace Court Theatre is a historic Art Deco playhouse in central Bournemouth, owned and operated by Arts University Bournemouth. Alongside its educational and cultural role, the theatre is available for hire by external organisations, offering two distinct spaces for performances, talks, meetings and community events.

The main auditorium has a large stage and gently raked stalls seating for up to 250 people. Its acoustics make it well suited to spoken-word events, lectures and live performance. A lower-ground-floor clubroom provides a more informal setting, with an open layout, parquet floor and low stage. It can accommodate up to 100 people and is suitable for meetings, music performances and social gatherings.

The building is still being redeveloped, so its facilities and technical provision remain limited and some areas may be difficult to access. Organisers are encouraged to visit the venue before making a hire enquiry and should review the available technical information. External hirers must attend a planning meeting, provide public liability insurance and submit a risk assessment for their event.

Set on Hinton Road, the theatre is close to town-centre transport links and car parks. The venue’s ongoing restoration brings a distinctive historic setting for organisers seeking a theatre space in Bournemouth, while its two rooms offer options for both audience-based events and smaller gatherings. Access arrangements are currently limited, so event planners should discuss accessibility requirements with the venue in advance.