I saw a live show 3 nights ago at The Showroom which The Colonial purchased(?) "next door" It's a great new small venue with approx. 300 or so seats that are more comfy than what are available in the main theatre (from what I gather from the reviews). I'd come here again for a show. read more

Went here to see a movie on a Sunday afternoon. $7.50 for matinee. FYI the historic looking theater was closed, but the Showroom behind the building is where they showed movies this day (20 Commercial St, Keene, NH 03431). A bunch of other people didn't know as well and we got in only a few minutes before the movie started. Small, new appearing theater. The credit card machine required making a profile, which took extra time. The cashier and employees were friendly. There are snacks, popcorn, wine, and beer available. read more

It's old and historic and beautifully renovated. Some of the original artifacts remain in the concession stand area. The folks who work here are dedicated to excellence in customer service. Certainly Covid put a new spin on everything, but it's wonderful to have the doors back open!!! It's also great to see movies and productions in the Showroom! It's without a doubt one of Keene's cultural pearls! read more

Great historic theatre! This is an interesting multi-purpose space with live touring shows, A regular movie schedule and they also host large community productions. Great staff, and in the heart of downtown Keene. NOTE: Balcony and mezzanine seating typically has less leg room than orchestra! read more

I've only ever seen movies here, and that can be a mixed bag. The selection is usually quite good. The Colonial tends to get quality indie and foreign films, though the occasional Disney feature (they played The Secret World of Arriety) makes it's way onto the screen sometimes. Unfortunately, their sound system is terrible. I believe it's just one big speaker they place behind the screen. The sound ends up either echoing around the theater or feeling muffled and soft. With most foreign films you at least have subtitles, but it gets to be a pain if you're trying to understand dialog in an understated comedy or a loud action flick. Ticket prices are good, as are the concessions. The theater itself is nice, but the sound just doesn't work. Definitely go to check it out if you're a film lover, especially if they're showing a subtitled foreign film. read more

We recently went to a dance program e had waited months to see AND we paid for orchestra tickets (top dollar!). When we arrived we could not see the stage from our seats because of the obstruction from the onstage enormous sound system. We could see everyone talking and changing costumes in the wings, however. We waited for a break in the music and then left the seats, going to the ushers in the rear to ask to be reseated. The ushers were unhelpful and clueless telling us there might be seats in rear balcony but the performance was sold out ! Finally one usher came up and said she would try to find something for us. We were given two hard chairs behind the back row of the front orchestra- at least we could see the performance. At intermission we thanked the usher and asked how such a thing could happen- having at least a dozen seats sold for top price in the front side orchestra with completely obstructed views and no notice. The usher said that the 'right hand [at the theater] doesn't know what the left hand is doing". In other words, the box office sells tickets and stage people manage the stage and they don't talk to each other. The dance performance was fabulous but in spite of the bulk of the sound system the sound quality is awful. Lighting was poorly done and glaringly ugly- lighting techs made several quite glaring errors during performance This yet another example of the POOR management at this theater. It is getting worse not better. There are few other venues in the area for live performance but we will be VERY careful what we choose to see and what tickets we purchase in the future. Often The Capitol Center for the Arts and the Concord Auditorium in NH and venues in Worcester have the same artists booked. Since we have had such bad experiences at the Colonial Theater in Keene, we plan to avoid it when possible in the future. read more

Our first time did not dissapoint! Excellent acoustics, visibility to talent, clean restrooms, superior docents....exciting and diverse events. You can feel the committment to the arts here...cant wait to return. read more

We've enjoyed movies here in the past, but can you please ensure the movie schedule is correct and updated on your website? We arrived last night (7/28) at 7pm for the last showing of The Hero, and were told something else was taking place that evening and the movie's last showing was actually the night before -- contrary to the info on the web. Are we expected to call and verify your showing times listed on your website before we come? Come on. Very disappointed. read more

This is the most uncomfortable theater I've ever been in. I attempted to see Lewis Black on September 22 2018. We had balcony seats. Let me tell you, this place was not designed for average sized humans let alone larger or taller ones. People in 1924, when this theater was built, were much smaller then. With a packed house, EVERYONE was seated shoulder to shoulder, packed like sardines. There is no room for your legs and your toes are smushed against the seat in front. My husband is 5 foot 11 and his knees were tightly packed up against the seat in front. It was a claustrophobic experience. Between the horrible lead in comic, who went on and on for over 50 painful minutes and the ridiculous half hour intermission BEFORE Lewis Black even came on and the claustrophobic atmosphere we ended up walking out BEFORE seeing our favorite comic. I cannot seriously comprehend the positive reviews for this lackluster, uncomfortable, outdated PATHETIC theater. read more