I have had so many amazing times at Thebarton Theatre. In fact, I feel like I have grown up here. I went to my very first concert at this Venue (Portishead) when I was around 15 years old and have been to countless performances since.
There is something about a building like this, its persona almost adds to your experience. There is so much care and detail in its architecture, typical of the Art Deco era. This building was built in 1928 and stands strong. Next time you go here, look up and notice the geometric shapes around the lighting on the ceiling and also on the walls. It's really beautiful! There are a range of booths and balcony seating around the sides. If you are able to get a spot on the balcony, you really do have a magnificent view. I love that the owners have really kept this building's old charm and have not changed the décor to a modern style. I fear if they do, it will loose its charm.
The bar area here is not the biggest, but it's separated into three areas. A downstairs almost salon style bar, main bar in the middle and then a side bar with old leather booths. There is not the best selection of drinks on sale here. This is really something I always thought they could improve on. But, I guess we can't have everything.
One thing here that has always confused me is where they sell merchandise. It's in a really small room near the entry. It always causes congestion and they cannot really stock a huge amount in there.
The staff are ok here. But I think they have a lot to put up with when you are throwing regular big shows with a lot of drunk people half the time. One thing that has always got to me is that the security guards here are always rude. I mean, I can't think of any time I have come here and not been told to GTFO straight after a show. Almost every time around 10 minutes after a band finishes they start shoving people out the door. Even at performing arts shows when everything is really mellow. It's a weird thing. Not sure if the owners know this happens? But they should. It's one of the reasons I have not given this place 5 stars.
Nonetheless, this is one of my favourite Venues in town to see large music concerts and performances. I will forever have memories of amazing bands and bouncing floorboards while jumping up and down to music. Yay! read more