The Lighthouse Poole

The Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, is a major cultural venue in Dorset, renowned  for its diverse program across cinema, theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.

Below is a detailed overview of the venue:

Overview

• Description: Opened in 1978 and significantly refurbished in 2002, the Lighthouse is Poole’s premier arts centre and the largest outside London, hosting over 1,000 events annually.
• It’s home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and features multiple performance spaces, including a concert hall, theatre, studio, and cinema. Its modern architecture and central location opposite Poole Bus Station make it a cultural hub for locals and visitors.

Key Features

• Performance Spaces:
• Concert Hall: 1,500 seats, hosting orchestral performances, pop concerts, and large-scale events. Home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
• Theatre: 669 seats, showcasing drama, musicals, dance, and comedy.
• Studio: 100 seats, ideal for experimental theatre, comedy, and intimate gigs.
• Cinema: 103 seats, ground-floor, wheelchair-accessible, screening films Tuesday–Saturday, typically 4–8 weeks after general release.
• Additional Facilities:
• The Beacon Café and Bar: Open 10am–3:30pm for snacks and drinks, 4:30pm–7pm for pre-show dining. Offers locally sourced food and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Gallery: Free exhibitions of contemporary art, open during venue hours.
• Shop: Sells gifts, programmes, and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra merchandise.
• Function Rooms: Available for hire for meetings, workshops, or events.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible with level access, lifts, wheelchair spaces, hearing loops, and disabled parking/drop-off bays. Assistance dogs welcome. Contact 01202 280000 for specific needs.
• Opening Hours: Box office open Monday–Saturday, 10am–6pm (later on performance days). Venue hours vary by event; closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday (verify for April 17–21, 2025).

Cinema

The Lighthouse’s cinema is a key feature for film enthusiasts, offering a curated selection in a cozy, 103-seat setting.

• Film Types:
• World cinema, independent films, and arthouse releases.
• Mainstream films.
• Event cinema, including National Theatre Live, opera, and concert broadcasts (e.g., Metropolitan Opera screenings).
• Family-friendly screenings, often tied to school holidays like Easter.
• Screening Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, with multiple showtimes
• Tickets: Affordable pricing, with concessions for seniors, students, and children. Group discounts available. 

 Program of Activities

• Theatre: West End touring shows, local productions, and pantomimes (e.g., Easter pantomime in April).
• Music: Classical (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra), jazz, folk, and pop concerts.
• Dance: Modern, ballet, and contemporary performances.
• Comedy: Stand-up gigs by national and local comedians.
• Community Events: Workshops, youth theatre, and festivals like the Poole Arts Festival.
• Exhibitions: Free art displays in the gallery, often tied to local artists or themes.

Practical Information

• Tickets: Book online, by phone, or in-person at the box office. Membership schemes offer discounts and priority booking.
• Getting There from Bournemouth:
• Car: 7 miles via A338/A35, 15–25 minutes. Park at Seldown Coach Park or Dolphin Shopping Centre.
• Train: 10–15 minutes from Bournemouth to Poole Station, 5-minute walk to venue.
• Bus: Morebus M1/M2 from Bournemouth Square to Poole Bus Station (20–30 minutes), 1-minute walk.