Opening night of "Measure for Measure" was ultimately a success. Warning, they have chosen to…read morealienate more than half of Americans with their opening video montage and insinuations. I almost walked out before the play started. However, I wanted to give the actors a chance to overcome the distasteful display of hate and assumptions. When they have Prince Andrew and Mendelson to target, they target the President of the United States. Not every play goer is hateful and against Our President. That said, there are the typical opening night issues. Long pauses that indicated lines were forgotten or missed. The sound was also a bit off. About who showed anger or severe emotional pain by screaming, were hard to understand and sounds muffled and lost. Either the actors were not annunciating or the sound was too high on they're mics. There seemed to be a few missed cues, as well. So if that said, this okay was fantastic and the kinks will be worked out in time. I wasn't sure about the minimalistic staging and lack of scenery, but I couldn't have been more impressed with the way the actors worked the bare stage making my imagination take over and seeing an entirely different experience in my mind. The acting was superb! Luccio came in a little rough, but he really stole the show by the end of the post. Well done! I would recommend the theater, as it is a bucket list for many thespians and okay goers! What an incredible production. Unfortunately, I allowed the RSC website to pick my seats. I ended up in a straight high back chair where my legs dangled and I couldn't see the entire state and videos in the background. It probably helped me be distracted by the disrespect they were insinuating. I would never buy tickets with these seats again. Almost intolerable, so the acting and entire production overshadowed what I didn't care for. Next time, if I'm lucky enough to be back in Stratford Upon Avon, I would return. Tolerance and giving things a chance worked out for me. I also live Shakespeare and am a thespian at heart.

Several levels of seating. Upper seating has railing in front which obstructs view. Need to lean…read moreforward for clear view. The two performances I have been to have been entertaining. Most of cast do a good job. Ushers helpful. Need to open bags for security check. Recommend online ticket purchase.

This a small but very nice place. The civic hall is located in town, parking is sometimes a problem…read morewhen events are taking place but you always manage to find one somewhere. Inside there is a bar which is of reasonable price. The staff are very friendly and show you where you need to go if you get lost. Tickets for things are never too expensive so it is a good place to go to see a show or two.

We saw Cyrano de Bergerac which was, by turns, heart-warming, hilarious and tragic. We saw this…read morefrom the 'cheap seats' in the top tier - just £16 - and what a bargain they were. We had a great sightline and saw and heard everything. This is what makes British theatre great.

I love going to the theatre but I don't do it often enough so when a friend suggested we go see a…read moreplay at the Swan Theatre, I jumped at the chance. We went to see the 'Arden of Faversham' - an anonymous story about a woman who fails in multiple (albeit hilarious) attempts to murder her husband. I really enjoyed the play and I loved the costumes and hair, especially the main character Alice (I spent some time when I got home trying to recreate the look!). The little touches throughout the play like the cup sporting a pair of naked breasts on the desk and a nodding Jesus. It was a great performance and fast-paced at times with some great slap-stick comedy moments. The venue itself is right next to the main RSC Theatre on the banks of the Avon. There's a bar inside which has a good selection at reasonable prices and you can take your drinks in which is always a bonus. We had what I suppose one would call the 'cheap seats' to the right of the stage and towards the front but on the second level. These are not 'normal' seats and more akin to benches but since there were only two of us for what I can only assume were meant to be for four, it was alright. The view of the stage was good and I can only assume it's even better if you are on the lower ground. The actors walk through the crowd so you really feel like you're part of it all! Even though I did not see a Shakespeare play, the theatre would easily lend itself to any play of that era.

This isn't in Birmingham, but it's such a great experience and only 30 minutes away that I thought…read moreit worth mentioning. The RSC do something called The Story Garden for 4-8 year olds. It lasts for an hour and gives children the chance to 'act' out a Shakespeare play. It takes place in the Ruinart Circle Bar in the theatre itself and there are loads of props for the kids to use. Everyone who wants to take part, gets the chance to and the girl who leads it is very good with the children. So far we've done Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Nights Dream. What makes this even better in my view is that it costs £5 for one child and a parent. I think this is brilliant value as well as great fun. Oh yes, and for those who love their theatre, at the end of the session you get a sneak peek of the main theatre and the stage. Really good fun.

Sadly, The Waterside Theatre is long gone, with the building now taken over by the RSC as a…read morerehearsal and education space, named the Clore Learning Centre. In its day the Waterside Theatre was a major player in Stratford for visiting companies and local theatre groups.

Great amateur dramatics, acted from the heart. Last year,…read morethe Bird of Prey Theatre Company presented Gerald Farmer's Fighting is a Soldier's Job at the Dirty Duck on Remembrance Sunday. Gerald wrote down his memories for his grandchildren; his manuscript found its way to local writer and director Steve Newman who turned it into a visual radio play. Visual it was, soulful, incredibly funny sometimes and at times deeply emotional. In Flashbacks, Gerry relives the time when, as an 18-year old, he is sent to Korea, only a few months into his National Service. Pete Cubbit in the role of Gerry played the part so naturally and heartfelt, that the real Gerry, now 78 and in the audience, showed enthusiastic approval throughout. Sarah Cushing impersonated the journalist interviewing Gerry charmingly, with deep empathy and just the right dose of professional nervousness. Val Cubbit was Gerry's wife Alice, so sweet in their courtship and so touching in his thoughts of her. The young soldier's traumatic journey through fear and loss started with and was accompanied by Clive Bardell who portrayed an ever shouting and intransigent Sergeant. Matt Stead brilliantly personified US-soldiers and also his native Yorkshire voice. In his debut: David Stevens who, in six different parts, excelled in his versatility of accents, including BBC newsreel, Cockney, posh officer, Arab narrator. Hilary Newman was an anxious Gerry's mother, and highly professional, with the necessary hint of bossiness, Sandy Holt the radio producer. When Sarah closed the show singing My Bonny Lad in her beautiful clear voice, many of the audience were drawn on an emotional swing between tears and cheers. Richard and Angela Bush providing the technical support and Felicity Howlett the sound effects and images, including Steve Newman's choice of memory-laden songs, created the enthralling atmosphere that so ingeniously revived the 50s.

In November 2011, on Remembrance Sunday, the Bird of Prey Theatre Company presented Gerald…read moreFarmer's Fighting is a Soldier's Job at the Dirty Duck. Gerald wrote down his memories for his grandchildren; his manuscript found its way to local writer and director Steve Newman who turned it into a visual radio play. Visual it was, soulful, incredibly funny sometimes and at times deeply emotional. In Flashbacks, Gerry relives the time when, as an 18-year old, he is sent to Korea, only a few months into his National Service. Pete Cubbit in the role of Gerry played the part so naturally and heartfelt, that the real Gerry, now 78 and in the audience, showed enthusiastic approval throughout. Sarah Cushing impersonated the journalist interviewing Gerry charmingly, with deep empathy and just the right dose of professional nervousness. Val Cubbit was Gerry's wife Alice, so sweet in their courtship and so touching in his thoughts of her. The young soldier's traumatic journey through fear and loss started with and was accompanied by Clive Bardell who portrayed an ever shouting and intransigent Sergeant. Matt Stead brilliantly personified US-soldiers and also his native Yorkshire voice. In his debut: David Stevens who, in six different parts, excelled in his versatility of accents, including BBC newsreel, Cockney, posh officer, Arab narrator. Hilary Newman was an anxious Gerry's mother, and highly professional, with the necessary hint of bossiness, Sandy Holt the radio producer. When Sarah closed the show singing My Bonny Lad in her beautiful clear voice, many of the audience were drawn on an emotional swing between tears and cheers. Richard and Angela Bush providing the technical support and Felicity Howlett the sound effects and images, including Steve Newman's choice of memory-laden songs, created the enthralling atmosphere that so ingeniously revived the 50s.

Several levels of seating. The upper levels have a bar in front of seating for safety…read more Unfortunately the bar obstructs the view. It is tiresome leaking forward. I noticed most people leaning forward with their arms on the bar. I have seen two shows and most of cast have been very good. The ushers are helpful.

I went to see "As You Like It" last summer…read more The performance is simply amazing. I loved the interior designs and stage effects. It is well performed and beautifully staged! Actors and actresses definitely have the skills and qualifications to perform so many well known Shakespearean plays. They are highly devoted and dedicated to their professions. Out of all 5 or 6 Shakespearean plays I was able to see last summer in London/England, this theater and its performance was my favorite of all.

An epic neighborhood movie theatre. Seamlessly integrates an upstairs bar, chill environment and…read morefriendly staff with two large screens. The only downside? The chairs! The theaters have what I'd call "pseudo" stadium seating, since the floor slopes down towards the screen, while the chairs sit perpendicular to the floor. This means you always feel like you're leaning a bit forward, and after two hours it does get uncomfortable. Aside from that, top marks!

This is a small cinema, it only has two screens which means that movies aren't always on as long as…read morethey would be at the bigger cinemas. They cinema is reasonable good, it is far to expensive like most cinemas, the floor is often very sticky and you don't have alot of option when it comes to viewing times