Throughout the 1960s to 1980s, the Dancehouse was a five screen cinema. Left derelict for several…read moreyears, it was obtained by the Northern Ballet School and the Dancehouse Theatre in the early nineties and restored to it's art deco roots. Unfortunately, the Dancehouse's location on the bustling and smoggy Oxford Road means it already looks quite tatty and neglected from the outside. Inside it's more impressive with an intimate theatre, old fashioned cafe bar and 5 dance studios. As my fellow yelpers have noted, the Dancehouse programme seems to revolve around comedy, drama and the occasional gig - which I find mystifying. I saw Kathryn Williams play a truly enchanting show here many years ago and can't understand why the Dancehouse don't book more musicians. The acoustics that night were great and the intimacy of the venue should lend itself well to jazz, soul, folk, country and world music musicians. The Dancehouse's biggest crime however, is that when you look at their current diary there's not a single ballet or dance performance scheduled! To paraphrase Marvin Gaye - what's going on?

I am surprised other people give this place a good rating despite many noting the total lack of leg…read moreroom, overly warm auditorium and lack of a decent bar. The first two are two of the most important things to get right if you are to enjoy a show. I was so uncomfortable the entire time - and even my much smaller friend next to me was struggling with the leg room issue (but I have to say as a tall person I don't recall having this problem in a theatre before, and I have been to a lot). We were both mega dehydrated by the end and desperate to leave for a drink. If people are excited to leave your venue, that's not good. Re the bar issue basically I didn't even get near it the queue was so big and while this normally would not be a big deal to me I was pretty thirsty due to the tropical climate in the main theatre. The downstairs vending machines were also so temperamental that a queue formed there as well as everybody's money kept getting spat out. Given that space is a cafe (in the day?) it would seem logical to hire some more staff and serve drinks there too. If they could take out a few rows of seats and sort the temperature situation this would be a great venue because the stadium seating means everyone has a good view. But given the reviews pointing out the same faults I have go back over 6 years it doesn't seem like this will be happening. As an aside, Josie Long, who I saw here, was brilliant. However I would have to be really keen on the performer to come back here (and if I did would check seating plan carefully because there's a few seats with nothing in front of them).

Lawrence Batley Theatre deserves a mention because it often gets overlooked in comparison to the…read morebig Yorkshire powerhouses like the Alhambra and the Leeds Grand etc, but I find the Lawrence Batley Theatre to be such a hidden jewel in the theatre crown that it deserves a write up. It's not the largest of theatres, but it certainly has a special something about it, especially at night, the courtyard when it's all lit up is beautiful. In addition it truly is a lovely place to go and get involved with the various artsy, poetic, literature things that often happen here. I've seen a few productions here, and I thought they benefited from the smaller venue size, without being overbearing in the sound department. There are three main spaces, the main stage, which is grand, the cellar stage, which is a host to comedy nights and performances, and then the courtyard. The Courtyard is grand for a pre-show beverage should the weather be kind to you. Ticket prices run cheaper than the larger theatres too, which is always a bonus when you're in the mood for cultural enlightenment on a budget. Also, in my student days, if there was a show on that night, if I went in during the day and there were seats available, I was provided with best seats available for £3 a ticket. If you don't get there on the day, save the risk, then student discount and other concessions are available. Oh I almost forgot, LBT is part of the Free theatre tickets for under 26 year olds scheme; A Night Less Ordinary. So seriously take advantage.

Lovely building.Good size auditorium.Bars adequate and always well staffed and they are open to…read moreserve drinks and food even when no one is performing.The box office staff are always very accomodating in person and on the telephone -I've been unable to attend performance for different reasons and they've always organised a 'swap'. However the you look through the programme and there is rarely anything you'd want to pay to see.They recently had the Nighty Boosh on and could could have sold it out ten times over but no one seems to amke an effort to get big or well known names. The website is always out of date and is poorly designed the ticket purchase part is particulary bad.

The home to Prestwich's fine bunch of amateur dramatics players, Pados House has become a well…read moreloved performing arts venue over the years. They show full length and one act plays, junior and youth group productions, musicals, cabaret and jazz evenings. Wednesdays are when they have their social evening and rehearsals for musicals. Plus, they welcome new members and I've seen many of my friends have tons of fun in the chorus or even, in some cases, a lead role. The age range of the people involved in all aspects of the production is pretty amazing too - everyone can let out their inner diva. Fond memories include Dracula Spectacular and collaborations with the Met Theatre in Bury. Their next show is a production of Funny Money starting 12th October (more information on their crazy website)..

The trend seems to be that big town halls like this one, are being refurbished and made into…read moreconference halls and banquet rooms. This town hall is spectacular and looks even better now it has been updated. All the different rooms can hold up to 350 people. There are many different suites in the hall such as the Godley suite and the Newton suite all named after villages in Hyde. Each suite offers something a little different. Take a look at Tameside website for more information

I LOVE the design of Contact! I love that it looks like an upside-down rocket, a Duplo castle, a…read morebastardised grain silo with ideas above its station. It's mad, and it stands out from the crowd. The programme of events here also stands out from the crowd. Yes, it's a theatre, but you've come to the wrong place if you're after hard-boiled dramatic affairs and perfect prose. At Contact you're far more likely to come across a poetry slam, or a modern dance collective, or an original play by a young and dynamic company. Contact champions new young names and voices, and really pushes the envelope when it comes to the performances that they showcase. It's also incredibly good value, at no more than £8 a performance. As well as the 'official' performances they hold open mic nights and Verbally Challenged, their monthly scriptwriting competition, gives aspiring local playwrights the chance to get their work out there, and win £100 to boot. Those not quite at that level can attend workshops in writing, beatboxing, MCing and dance. The cafe is really good, and a popular lunch spot for those on campus who fancy something different. My tips: bean burger, soup or contact pasta. Steer clear of the meaty burger; it is weirdly watery and doesn't taste of anything... Contact is a great asset to those who just want to see something new, or who are trying to develop their creative skills.

When I first discovered I'd be living in the shadow of this huge concrete building I couldn't…read morereally make up my mind about the whacky architecture. I'm still undecided. I think I like it. I've been to see a couple of things here including my department's German play in which some of my friends are lecturers were starring. The little theatre was a perfect size for the number of people and I was surprised to see so many unfamiliar faces who came to see a German play the theatre who had no link to the University. I think tickets for this, and the other events I've been to, were around £5 each - cheaper than a cinema ticket! I know that they put on quite a few LGBT events throughout the year, the theatre's café is the venue of choice for the University's LGBT coffee mornings and it seems that this month is LGBT History Month at the theatre (see website for details). Whatever you think of the architecture (Rebecca, I like the 'Duplo castle' idea!) I'd recommend popping into the Contact to discover something you wouldn't see anywhere else in town. Having low funds is no excuse not to, as there are also occasional free events and performances including writing workshops and a regular art market.

The Yard Theatre is a nice little space for probably about 100 people with slightly uncomfortable…read moreseats but it didn't matter as I was there for an awesome comedy night to support the awesome charity Freedom from Torture. If you haven't watched any Josie Long on youtube DO IT NOW and props to Hulme for yet another great community space.

Great cheap rehearsal space in a friendly building, there are also some weekly evening classes such…read moreas Acrobalance and Aikido. Very friendly.

This is somewhere we should all use as it is such a magnificent place to have in our town. It is…read morenot very well advertised but if you can manage to find out what is showing there are some nice performances here. At Christmas time they put on a decent panto with ticket prices very competive. there are generally plays showing throughout the year and occasionally acts you may have heard of!!! It is quite a nice night out though, a little different from the normal, there is off street parking round about and the town hall car park at the back and also a theatre bar where you can order a drink before you go in to have at the interval..very civilised

A great theatre with a good mix of events on. The food is especially nice, with a great range of…read morereally good items. Book a place if going pre-theatre as it is very popular!

This rather small but very stylish theatre is everything a theatre should be, it is warm, friendly…read moreand a champion of local talent. Truly a Centre of community that the city of Wakefield should be, and is, proud of.

I have visited the Theatre Royal many times and in my opinion it's one of the nicest theatres you…read morecould visit. Yes, it's old, and yes, it's small (actually one of the reasons it's so special: I seem to remember hearing somewhere it's the smallest surviving theatre Frank Matchem built). However, it is really unique and has a character that I think exceeds that of the bigger theatres in London's west end. There is a real feeling of history, added to by the beautiful architecture and interior design. The small size means you get a decent view wherever you sit, and they have a good range of shows - from music tribute acts to serious dramas, comedy and pantomimes! The theatre also has a good (though rather miniature) cafe, and does sell absolutely fantastic ice cream during the intervals. Only small complaint is that they could do with a few more toilets to avoid the queues!