Jane's Midlife Journey

The Regent is a theatre/cinema in Christchurch, which shows a variety of films, live shows and live broadcasts (mainly of London shows). As well as the theatre, there are two bars and a small museum which tells the Regent’s history. The Box Office doubles at Christchurch Tourist Information Centre.

History of the Regent

The Regent was built in 1931 in Art Deco style. After four decades as a cinema and a further nine years as a bingo hall, it closed in 1982. In recent years, it has been refurbished in keeping with its original Art Deco style and reopened as an independent theatre and cinema.

How to get to the Regent

The Regent is in Christchurch High Street, 5 miles east of Bournemouth. By road, it can be reached via the A338/A35.

By Bus

Several buses stop in Christchurch Town Centre, just outside the Regent, including the 1a, 1b, 1c, X1 and X2. In summer, the 70 Beach Breezer bus also stops here.

Christchurch Station is an 11 minute walk away.

Parking

The nearest car park is Wick Lane, where parking costs £1.40 for 2 hours or £2.50 for overnight parking after 6.30 pm. Further details can be found here.

Prices

Prices vary according to the performance. A ticket typically costs in the region of £9 for a film, £20 for a filmed live event or £30 for a live performance. On Monday afternoons, there is the Silver Screen Cinema, which shows fairly recent releases and costs £6 including refreshments.

Performances

Performances including professional touring theatres, local amateur companies, music (a lot of tribute bands), ballet, opera and screenings of live satellite broadcasts of events from London and around the world.

I love visiting the Regent Centre. With its refurbished Art Deco interior and just 505 seats, this cosy little theatre has an intimate feel and is a far cry from watching a film in some rather soulless modern cinema. For live events, it’s great to be able to get so close to the action.

Guided Tours

From time to time, it is possible to take a Guided Tour of the Regent, including the backstage area and projection room museum. A tour usually costs £7.50. Each year, free guided tours are offered as part of the Heritage Open Days Scheme, which takes place in September. Note: These book up quickly.

The Regent Centre for Children

There used to be a Saturday morning Kids’ Club, but this appears to have been dropped. There are some films suitable for children, mainly during the school holidays, with children’s tickets priced at £5. There are also a few live events which children might enjoy, such as the annual Christmas Pantomime. However, with very limited concessions (£19 to take a child to the panto), this makes it a an expensive family outing, in my opinion.

• Updated: August 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.