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London theatres and perfomance spaces
If you're off to see a show, you don't get to choose the venue but here's what to expect.
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L'avis 4 étoiles de Ian A recent history of shows at the Phoenix theatre: Since 1991 this has been known as the Blood Brothers theatre as that's the only show that's been on since then (apart from a few months at the start of this year when a dance show - salsa? tango? - was being performed. That's finished too). Recently, however, the production of 'Once' has opened. This is a stage adaptation (a musical) of a low budget independent film (with music) which was made a few years back. The Phoenix theatre is located on Charing Cross Road with it's main entrance down a side street (which is actually called Phoenix Street), only the box office is on the main road. From the front it looks like a row of small shops (cafe, hairdressers etc.) with a block of flats above them. As I've never had an interest in seeing 'Blood Brothers' (or dance shows) I had my first visit to this theatre only last month. As for the look and feel of the interior, it's all much of a muchness amongst West End theatres, really. The foyer is bright and pleasant, there is a bar and staff checking tickets, selling programs and so on. The doors which access the stalls are just there and the stairs to the upper levels are over there and there. We were in the stalls. So just there, then. As far as the stalls go, there are no bad seats. We were about 4 rows from the back and quite near the end of a row (about 4-5 seats in) and even with my deteriorating eyesight I had a broad view of the stage and could make out everything that going was on. Marvellous. My only gripe with the Phoenix theatre is the occasional creaky door or floorboard. Throughout a majority of the show everybody is seated and quiet but on the few occasions when movement down the sides of the auditorium does happen the creaking and low thudding is quite noticeable and momentarily distracting. But this was the only real negative of my experience. Incidentally, 'Once' is a great show and worth seeing. Not your typical musical with great performances all round. Toodle-pip! Ian -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Ian A beautiful theatre. Located down some side roads and opposite the the Ivy restaurant, lies St Martin's theatre. For some time now it's been more or less known as The Mousetrap theatre as this has been the only show performed here for the past 60 years and shows no sign of finishing - possibly not even in our lifetime. The play is great although, sadly, the current cast isn't the best. But this shouldn't detract too much from a great story. A smallish theatre holding around 550 (a rough estimate) over three levels, stalls, dress circle, upper circle. The rows of seats in the auditorium are only as wide as the stage, so no angled, skewed views from seats at the end of a row. Stage visibility is good from all areas with the possible exception being the first couple of rows in the upper circle where a guard rail may obscure the view slightly. I've never sat in those rows so I'm only guessing. Reds, browns and golds dominate the eye. Varnished wood panelling gleams (when the lights are up) and almost everything else is a deep shade of red - chairs, curtain, wallpaper etc. - and most of this has either a gold trim or gold designs upon it. There's also a huge glass dome in the ceiling adding to the grandeur of this modest sized West End theatre. If you're not a regular theatre goer then you may be a little surprised at the cost of drinks and nibbles here. That's not unique to St Martin's theatre, all theatres in this area will be on the expensive side. CAVEAT! I've never needed to find out but I gather wheelchair access in to this theatre is more than a little awkward. Steps to get in and more steps when inside then some narrow, slightly winding corridors thrown in to the mix. As I say, it's out of my experience but I'm aware of some complaints. Otherwise a lovely little theatre - providing you like The Mosetrap! TTFN, Ian -
L'avis 3 étoiles de Ian You're unlikely to find this theatre by accident given it's entrance is down an ally-way just off from Fleet street/New Bridge street. Uninspiring to look at from the outside, the inside, too, holds back on the glitz and glamour. A couple of soulless corridors link the box office to the bar and the auditorium. The Bridewell doesn't put on large scale productions, it's a small theatre largely used for am-dram performances and the shows of small theatre groups. The auditorium seats around 130 and is quite adaptable. Depending on what performance is being staged at the time the setup is versatile, the seating can be changed and moved around so as the "stage" can be more easily manipulated and configured to suit the director's desires. The problem with this performance space is that the stage/seating areas are separated from the 'backstage' area by curtains only. This means you'll often hear the theatre staff and stagehands shuffling about and working away. Not dreadful but still a distraction. The bar is downstairs and isn't altogether impressive. The air in the bar has a feel and smell to it as that of a damp, concrete storage basement - which is exactly what it is/was. Other events are held down here and a small number of artworks from numerous small-scale temporary exhibits are displayed too. As well as some larger agricultural equipment/furniture. I imagine this is because there just isn't anywhere else to put it, though. All in all, the Bridewell Theatre probably won't impress you but it's theatre's like this that are necessary for grassroots production and, depending on the particular production you see, of course, I'm sure you will find some enjoyment from your visit. TTFN, Ian -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Ian Probably one of my favourite theatres in London, the Vaudeville. Also, conveniently located on the Strand, it's great for transport, easy to find and in great surroundings. Having recently seen 'What The Butler Saw' and previously 'An Ideal Husband' I'm keen to see more here as the intimacy of this theatre makes a show more compelling. Holding less than 700 over three levels, the Vaudeville is big enough for an atmosphere but too small to have a bad seat. The stalls are 21 rows deep (not even enough to designate each letter of the alphabet) and having sat both near the front and the back I know there isn't a word of dialogue or a facial expression to be missed - hearing and eyesight permitting! Further still, the seating layout is quite narrow. I don't like being on the end of a row and having to peer at the stage from an angle. A rows width in the Vaudeville is not much greater than that of the stage itself. So no strained neck and no wondering if your missing something on the near side of the stage that may be just out of view. The layout of this theatre is just about perfect. Again, narrow and compact. Upon entry in to the foyer programs are sold on the left and the box office and bar area are on the right. The stalls are straight through and stairs to the higher levels are also just in front of you. All within about seven paces of each other. One would assume that this compactness would cause a crowded bustle - apparently not. Free water! At the bar there are jugs of water and cups for all who would like some. It may be only tap water but there's still considerate thought behind this and anything free is appreciated given the over-pricing of most bars in central London. The Vaudeville isn't as lavishly decorated and elaborate as some of the West End's other theatres but this doesn't matter. It's clean, tidy and if you were to walk in and look around I'm sure you would say something along the lines of "hmm, it's quite nice in here". Yes, you would. Looking forward to another show in here. TTFN, Ian -
L'avis 4 étoiles de Ian Howdy, My recent visit to the Almeida theatre was for a production of Patrick Hamilton's "Rope" - which was very good incidentally. This is more of an update on some previous reviews (which are also very good and quite detailed too) by other Yelpers. The updates are thus; the auditorium is no longer the standard stage-and-then-all-the-seats-facing-from-the-front style. It is now circular shaped with the stage in the centre of the auditorium and seats going (nearly) all of the way around viewing the stage from almost every angle. Which is an interesting way to view a show and I liked this very much. As for the rest of the place, well, it's all really very nice indeed. Nice interior, nice exterior (not important but still good to have), good bar and restaurant/cafeteria areas and a just a classy joint overall. Well, nearly overall. The reason this isn't a 5 star rating is because I feel the whole place is let down by there box office. The website isn't helpful when buying tickets - if you phone them you get transferred to "SeeTickets" who then tell you that they don't distribute tickets for this theatre. And to make things more awkward they don't sell you tickets if there will be a single seat left in a row, you'll need to find seats somewhere else or buy an extra ticket! This may be fine if you're not fussed as to what particular date you see that particular production but if you want to go on a specific night and they throw this problem at you, well, that's not helpful at all. But apart from that - marvellous! -
Kensington, London, Royaume-Uni
L'avis 4 étoiles de Ian Proms! A recent visit to the Royal Albert Hall was for the night of Steven Sondheim stuff - even Dame Judi Dench came on and did a couple of numbers. The show itself was brilliant and the experience of standing near the stage for £5 in what is one of the most staggeringly stunning venues there is will be remembered for a long time. The outside of the hall is handsome and grand but the inside blew me away, oozing class and elegance with the lofty ceiling possessing an ostentatious yet aesthetically pleasing display of sound enhancement equipment that wouldn't look out of place in the TATE Modern. Oh, the sound! Why doesn't this grand venue receive 5 stars? Oh, the sound! The orchestra sounded great, and most sound travels well around the concert hall. Except for the microphone system. The vocalists with their mic's always carried an unwanted, slight echo and generally below-par quality (purely the mic's, not the vocalists themselves). After a while you start to get used to it but surely the sound people at the Royal Albert Hall can do better? It's a shame really because that's the only thing letting down this otherwise brilliant venue. I believe the Proms continue until the end of August and as I mentioned, £5 standing tickets down the front or up in the gallery. A bargain if your prepared to queue early although not all shows are as popular as the Sondheim one. 'til next time, Ian -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Ian My first visit to the Open Air Theatre in Regents park was for the production of Stephen Sondheims' 'Into the Woods' and there couldn't be a more fitting theatre for it to be performed in. The show was great but more importantly (for Yelp) so was the venue. Not too difficult to find despite being in a large park - which only makes this venue even more pleasing and picturesque - one feels a genuine flourishing of high spirits when entering and glancing around at the surroundings. The whole, aesthetically pleasing, package of bar area and seating area to amble about in is far greater than the ordinary and even the anticipation for the nights performance is heightened purely because of the unusual 'open' nature of this theatre. Entering the main auditorium to find your seat is the next stage. This would normally happen at dusk - as it did for us - but even before the interval had occurred, it was night time. Luckily we had planned ahead and covered up with the blanket we'd brought with us as it starts to get a little chilly in the evenings. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience, although that may depend a little on what production you see. I would, however, make the trip here again. CELEB SPOTTING! There were a few maybes but I definitely saw Miriam Margolyes (ooh!) and Jonathon Ross with his family (meh, at least I had better seats than them). TTFN, Ian -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Ian TOP VENUE! Live gigs or theatrical performances the Roundhouse can accommodate and deliver - and do so in style. Unable to find fault with the sound you'll struggle to find a bad seat/standing point in the auditorium for whatever you're there to see either. I went along a while back to see a band (Yo La Tengo, anyone?) and more recently to see A Winter's Tale (Shakespeare shizzle). Between them and other shows that have gone on here, such as La Clique (burlesque/circus stuff), demonstrate the versatility this venue has. A circular auditorium (clue's in the name) with plenty of floor space, two balcony levels and a high ceiling allowing any act to explore the room and put on the best performance they can. There isn't much else in the venue, a smallish bar area (perhaps that could be bigger?), a patio/balcony area which is nice in the summer and a cloakroom (don't see enough cloaks around these days!). The cost of the cloakroom seems to depend on what the nights performance is. I seen the price at £5 per item (quite steep!) and £2 (quite standard). Aesthetically lovely, I'm hoping to see more things here. TTFN, Ian -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Ian I freakin' love the King's Head. What a pub. Reasonably bustling every night of the week, the King's Head draws in a mixed crowd of punters. From trendy looking about-towners to ageing die hard regulars and everything in between, there's a place for you here. Music, film and theatre posters cover the walls and add yet more character to this already buzzing establishment. With a small theatre at the back which shows a range of performances and a band performing in the bar area (not at the same time) there's always a reason to pop in. The bands also vary in genres but are usually of a jazzy ilk. Efficient bar staff and a broad range of booze available make this pub all round winners with me. Good vibes, Ian -
L'avis 4 étoiles de Ian There are no Cello's made here. So what does happen here? Well, that depends on when you go. Art exhibits, concerts, theatre - the Cello Factory is a blank canvas for the arts. A small venue for numerous events/shows less than a 5 minute walk from Waterloo station. There is a mezzanine level in the showroom and a kitchen available for use. A nice little place for a reception too. My reason for being there? I was seeing a friend in her opera performance. Oh yeah, that's how I roll. TTFN, Ian -
L'avis 3 étoiles de Ian A small-ish theatre with probably less than 300 seats in the main auditorium the New Players Theatre is an interesting and diverse venue. Well equipped for all kinds of performances - the one I was there for was rubbish but that's not important - from musicians and singers to plays and musicals (and probably others too). The seats have generous leg-room. The bar area is quite nice though standard for drinks choices and I believe there's a small restaurant in the premises. The theatre is located in an ally-way under Charing Cross station and therein lies the main problem. Every 15-20 minutes (this may depend on the time or particular day) you'll hear the trains rattling over head which will hamper every performance and particularly anything atmospheric they may be showing. A nice little place but I'll be hoping the shows I go to see will be on someplace else, Ian
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L'avis 3 étoiles de Ian I recently suffered the great misfortune of seeing We Will Rock You in the Dominion theatre. It's difficult to dislike Queen but easy to dislike this show. Sitting uncomfortably somewhere in between a tribute act and a pantomime the whole experience isn't really worth the money unless you can find a good deal on the ticket prices. Or you just really love Queen themed pantomimes. But enough about the show, although I found the spectacle uncomfortable, the seats weren't. Actually, they were the opposite. Comfortable. Which always helps. Other than a big reputation and a grand standing on the corner of Oxford street and Tottenham Court road - with the giant Freddie Mercury statue above the entrance this theatre has become quite a tourist attraction - I find little else to praise about the Dominion theatre. It's quite sizable (over 2000 seats, I believe) but that's neither here nor there, my main gripe lies with the audience. We Will Rock You is not a show to be taken too seriously and with that you become part of an audience which doesn't take it's responsibility seriously. By this I mean to say that you can expect people around you to be chattering to their friends or family or rustling through plastic wrapped sweets. Many feel the need to take pictures of the performance, which isn't allowed, so on several occasions a member of staff will be bolting by to deliver a telling off. Nothing criminal but still bad theatre etiquette and continual distractions. The noisy foodstuffs is also the fault of the theatre as they sell plastic wrapped sweets and popcorn - It's just a bad idea. As I mentioned earlier, it's hardly a sophisticated, full-attention requiring show but the distractions are still very irritating. This wasn't an isolated experience as I've been told similar stories from others who had been along before me. I feel this will be the case for as long as We Will Rock You is being performed here. Until this changes others are likely to suffer too. The Show Must Go On... unfortunately. Ian -
L'avis 4 étoiles de Ian Ahoy! An events boat permanently docked and available for hire. Although also available for private functions I've only been here for a show but I'd imagine a party would be good fun on Battersea Barge. Not a particularly large boat but split over two levels (above and below deck) I'd estimate about 80 people could be accommodated on board but too many more could become problematic. The bar potentially serves a fairly wide range of beers (some good, most average), wines (about 7-9 different whites, reds and sparklys each as well as a couple of rosés') and spirits (standard ones but plenty of them) but not all are likely to be incorporated at any one time due to space and storage limitations. The prices are pretty reasonable though. Meals can also be served on board. Inside the boat is quite pretty and decorative, my favourite features being the two spiral staircases connecting the upper and lower levels. The only blemish for me is one that is unavoidable considering it's a boat and that's the river. Now the river Thames can serve as an interesting, scenic and even romantic (?) backdrop and would be a large factor as to why a party would be a great event on The Barge. It also causes a hindrance to performances taking place on board. Some gentle swaying is fine and even agreeable given the setting but should the tide be in for whatever one may be seeing on the stage then the rocking of the current can make the show/gig a little awkward. Also, the waves provide quite a distraction as they wash over the portholes, visually and aurally it's hardly ideal - but still watchable. TTFN, Ian