The Tivoli Theatre Wimborne, West Borough, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1LT. (Last updated 6.4.2026)
Three visits in ten days to The Tivoli, just before Easter gave me a chance to remind myself of this East Dorset gem – Toyah, comedian Mark Simmons and Jah Wobble.
The East Dorset town of Wimborne rarely troubles the gig tour planners, aside from this lovely old theatre which specialises in mature tastes, well vintage. Many great tribute acts of classic rock artists appear. I used to live in Wimborne and so I’ve kept my eye on it. I suspect that give it another ten years and I’ll be here once a fortnight writing a ‘no haired gig going blog’ as opposed to grey haired experience.
I’ve seen Hugh Cornwell here a few times, Glenn Tilbrook and in the last 10-15 years: From the Jam; Bootleg Blondie (with Clem Burke from Blondie proper); China Crisis; Pete Doherty; Dr Feelgood with Nine Below Zero; Toyah and yes, 70s popsters Showaddywaddy. Then there was the evening with John Lydon experience – Johnny Rotten in Wimborne – wonders never cease.
A smattering of comedians include ‘the Tiv’ on their tours – Jack Dee and Mark Simmons for me in recent years. There’s the cinema too, traditional style.
My previous years of mild disappointment at visiting an all-seated venue for live music has morphed into one of ageing relief. A bit of standing for the lively bits without a whole evening testing the limbs can be welcome these days.
Not a place to be waving a camera around and a mobile phone can be quite intrusive in these gentile surroundings. Indeed for most gigs recently there have been explicit NO RECORDING and NO PHOTOS DURING THE PERFORMANCE signs. Not good for illustrating a blog but hey ho, I go with the flow.
Wimborne is a top place for a pub tour with plenty to wander to in the compact town centre. The Taphouse (one for after) with its ale choices is my pick, just 50 yards along from the Tivoli, opposite The Man in the Wall (one of the best Wetherspoons around). Wimborne’s downside, or maybe saviour, is transport links – no train station and buses a bit limited, although it can work from Poole on the local buses (No. 3 or 4 More Bus from Poole Bus Station, my choice tonight).
My parking choice is always Westfield Close Car Park, around the back of the street (West Borough) that the theatre is on. Parking is free after 6pm and I’ve always found spaces when turning up an hour before a show. Access is via Westfield Close, off the main Victoria Road.
This all-seater art deco style theatre has 483 seats and serves as a cinema and venue. It opened in 1936 and has benefited from a new frontage and canopy in recent years. You can get a decent view from anywhere, even the back row of the seven row balcony.
The place closed its doors in 1980 after being under the threat of demolition for a year or so due to new road scheme that never happened. It reopened in 1993 after considerable efforts from local volunteers.
The bar is small, like a village cricket club. I think just have a drink before you get here if you want one. It’s usually slow and busy enough to make the money they want. Pop over the road. It must be quicker. You can order half-time drinks. Who does that though at a gig? I would go when the doors open if you want to use the bar or try the café as you go in on the left. It’s all part of the same building.
One notable drawback is that you cannot take drinks into the auditorium, even in a plastic ‘glass’.
A good spot for a relaxed evening, often with experienced talent on show.
Gigs with Ivan 