Ropetackle Arts Centre on Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea.

Home to live music, comedy, theatre and film since 2007.

We have a change to share about our refurbishment plans, and some welcome space in the diary for more shows.

The improvements originally planned for January and February 2027 will now take place in 2028. With those two months free again, our team is already busy bringing more live entertainment to Shoreham, and we have a little more time to plan the improvements, too.

Nearly two decades of shows

Since opening in 2007, Ropetackle has been a home for live music, comedy, theatre, film, talks and community events. Over the years, our little corner of Shoreham has welcomed familiar faces on stage, local talent and audiences of all ages.

For some, it’s a favourite band within waving distance. For others, it’s a first trip to the theatre, a weekly class or a catch-up before the show. As a registered charity supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, we want to keep making room for all of those experiences.

After nearly two decades of use, the building needs some attention. Our September update outlined the need to improve our ageing energy infrastructure, heating and air conditioning, as well as the limitations of our current capacity. These practical improvements will help us look after the Centre, and everyone who uses it, for years to come.

With the benefit of the recently awarded Arts Council England grant, we have been developing plans for an extensive refurbishment, including increased seating capacity and a greatly enhanced experience for audiences and the Centre’s many other users.

A change to the timetable

An unforeseen administration issue involving the funding is currently being resolved. This means the improvement work must be delayed until 2028, when we will again aim for January and February to minimise the impact on our programme.

“With the benefit of the recently awarded Arts Council grant, we have been working on the scheme for extensive refurbishment of the Centre, to include increased seating capacity and a greatly enhanced experience for audiences and the numerous Centre users. We had been planning to carry out the work in January and February.

Unfortunately the project has been delayed by an unforeseen administration issue involving the funding which is currently having to be resolved, the result of which is that we have to delay the improvement work until 2028. Once again we will be aiming for January and February to minimise the impact on our programme.

Having cleared next January and February to enable the work to be undertaken, we are now doing our best to re-programme.”

More room in the diary

January and February 2027 had been cleared for the refurbishment, so we’re now busy booking shows for those months. The diary has some spaces, and we have plenty of ideas for filling them.

We’ll announce new additions as bookings are confirmed. Whether your ideal night out involves guitars, a good laugh or something to get the whole family out of the house, keep an eye on our What’s On page.

The revised timetable also gives us more time to plan the improvements carefully, with the people who perform, work, volunteer and spend time here in mind.

Thank you to our audiences, Friends, Patrons, volunteers, artists and partners for your continued support.

We look forward to seeing you through the doors for plenty more performances before the refurbishment begins.

For new show announcements and updates on the improvements, sign up to our mailing list using the form at the bottom of this page, and follow Ropetackle Arts Centre on Facebook and Instagram.