Wyvern Theatre
Wyvern Theatre
4.5
About
We are the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. A 635 seat venue hosting musicals, comedy, plays and gigs.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- jilll692211 contributionsOutstanding show at the WyvernOutstanding show! Giovanni and Lauren put on such a great display of dance. Moving at times, funny at times and overall thoroughly entertaining. This theatre is the best thing about Swindon. Good views from the seats (stalls). I sat in row A which is technically the third row (behind AA and BB) but lots of leg room. The bars get busy but the staff are very efficient and you get served in a timely manner. Toilets are on the mezzanine if you're in the stalls but there is a disabled toilet on the floor. Theatre is a short walk from the station.Thank you for your kind and positive feedback which I have passed onto the team. We look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre soon. Kate Seager Assistant Guest Experience ManagerWritten March 6, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 3, 2024
- EHoareSwindon, United Kingdom35 contributionsGreat theatre!I love going to a theatre! It’s one of my happy places! I came here to watch the Woman In Black with my husband and I can’t find any fault with the place. The seats are comfortable, you have a great view, the atmosphere is brilliant and the safe are always willing to help. I’m hoping to return very soon!Thank you for your kind and positive feedback which I have passed onto the team. We look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre soon. Kate Seager Assistant Guest Experience ManagerWritten June 10, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
- Michelle54321Barwell, United Kingdom46 contributionsOutstanding customer serviceAs I was taking 4 elderly people with various disabilities, after some difficulty in obtaining a phone number that would be answered, I spoke to a very helpful lady who explained to me where to park and assured me she would help with access on the night. As arranged, I called her from the car park and she escorted us in through a back entrance and up in a lift. She arranged access to the disabled toilet on the same floor. We sat and had a drink in the lovely cafe area and then moved to our seats. The visibility was great because the chairs are offset. During the interval, another staff member showed some ladies to some additional toilets, when the queue became quite long. The show was great and the brilliant staff helped us to leave in the same way we had entered. It is rare today to experience such consistently excellent customer service. I was extremely impressed.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 3, 2024
- Dream403343809482 contributionsCinderella PantoTook my 6 and 7 year old grandkids to see Cinderella and they (and I) absolutely loved it. The Panto Dame and Buttons were brilliant giving the biggest laughs. Cinderllas carriage and flying horse were magical. We were at a relaxed performance by chance but the kids were none the wiser and loved it all. My only criticism was the cost of £17.25 for 3 small tubs of ice cream !!!Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 17, 2024
- StevoChippenham, United Kingdom71 contributionsGreat pantoA thoroughly enjoyable evening at the 2024 Christmas panto. The show was excellent with a great cast, fantastic costumes and amazing sets. The theatre was lovely and warm and staff all friendly and enthusiastic.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,377 reviews
Excellent
728
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435
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141
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41
Terrible
32
MikeyG53
Emersons Green, UK5,884 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We visited this town-centre venue on cold and squally, thoroughly miserable, mid-April evening. We were here to see a ‘shared performance’ by Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan. Two comedians of some years experience in delivering stand-up comedy; it was a very good show, and very much enjoyed.
We had already dined at a local restaurant; arriving here at about 18:55. We quickly transited the ticket check with the minimum of fuss, and were told the door number to enter the auditorium in which to gain easy access to our seats. All staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful.
The lobby area has several café/bar serveries selling snacks, ice creams and drinks, but there are limited seats and tables. The conveniences were large, clean and gladly didn’t smell, but attention is needed to some taps.
We were sat and ready to enjoy the performances a good 20 minutes before the show started. Looking around we were impressed with what was a small, but spacious seating area which has a capacity for an audience of 635. There is a single floor (no separate balcony area). The main stalls area is not raked but the three banks of seating above are raked. The right and left stalls sit at an acute angle to stage and again are raked. A small area right in front of the stage offer seating for 36 patrons, but leg room and viewing angles here could cause some discomfort. We were sat on the penultimate row of the right stalls, and the height and rake meant that we had an excellent unobstructed view of the stage.
During the performances we found the sound system more than adequate and the auditorium was warm and airy. Some people’s mobile phones were left switched on and unmuted (despite an announcement to turn phones completely off) and, of course, went off during the performances; I don’t know how people are so crass. The general decoration was fair to good, but some of the seats had torn, frayed and threadbare coverings.
You can take drinks and ice creams into the auditorium for consumption during performances, and can order drinks for the interval. We didn’t do either, having dined beforehand. There were ice cream vendors on duty in the auditorium during the interval.
I was impressed that someone collected used disposable cartons and cups during the interval, it kept aisles clear.
It was a pleasant experience, but perhaps the long outdoor access steps up from the carpark were a bit daunting for some, and cruelly exposed in the prevailing weather conditions. Also getting out of this conveniently located pay and display carpark was a frustrating 15 minute bun fight!
We had already dined at a local restaurant; arriving here at about 18:55. We quickly transited the ticket check with the minimum of fuss, and were told the door number to enter the auditorium in which to gain easy access to our seats. All staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful.
The lobby area has several café/bar serveries selling snacks, ice creams and drinks, but there are limited seats and tables. The conveniences were large, clean and gladly didn’t smell, but attention is needed to some taps.
We were sat and ready to enjoy the performances a good 20 minutes before the show started. Looking around we were impressed with what was a small, but spacious seating area which has a capacity for an audience of 635. There is a single floor (no separate balcony area). The main stalls area is not raked but the three banks of seating above are raked. The right and left stalls sit at an acute angle to stage and again are raked. A small area right in front of the stage offer seating for 36 patrons, but leg room and viewing angles here could cause some discomfort. We were sat on the penultimate row of the right stalls, and the height and rake meant that we had an excellent unobstructed view of the stage.
During the performances we found the sound system more than adequate and the auditorium was warm and airy. Some people’s mobile phones were left switched on and unmuted (despite an announcement to turn phones completely off) and, of course, went off during the performances; I don’t know how people are so crass. The general decoration was fair to good, but some of the seats had torn, frayed and threadbare coverings.
You can take drinks and ice creams into the auditorium for consumption during performances, and can order drinks for the interval. We didn’t do either, having dined beforehand. There were ice cream vendors on duty in the auditorium during the interval.
I was impressed that someone collected used disposable cartons and cups during the interval, it kept aisles clear.
It was a pleasant experience, but perhaps the long outdoor access steps up from the carpark were a bit daunting for some, and cruelly exposed in the prevailing weather conditions. Also getting out of this conveniently located pay and display carpark was a frustrating 15 minute bun fight!
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your detailed review and feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your visit on the whole and hope to welcome you back again soon!
Kate Seager
Assistant Guest Experience Manager
Written April 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Loadsamoney
Lechlade, UK38 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We took our 5 year old Grandson to this years Panto, Beauty and the Beast.
It was absolutely BRILLIANT !!!
That was West End quality. Superb performances by literally everyone in the show.
The comedy element was fantastic with some really, really funny sequences. I will never forget the “meal trolley” joke and the “12 days of Christmas” sketch was riotously funny.
Our Grandson loved it with all the interaction between the stage and the audience but make no mistake, the parents & grandparents laughed and laughed all the way through.
Magnificent costumes, sets, singing and dancing.
If you haven’t booked, then please do so… you don’t even need to take a kid to enjoy that one… and it was miles better than last years Jack & the Beanstalk.
Well done again Swindon Wyvern… you have truly excelled this Panto season.
It was absolutely BRILLIANT !!!
That was West End quality. Superb performances by literally everyone in the show.
The comedy element was fantastic with some really, really funny sequences. I will never forget the “meal trolley” joke and the “12 days of Christmas” sketch was riotously funny.
Our Grandson loved it with all the interaction between the stage and the audience but make no mistake, the parents & grandparents laughed and laughed all the way through.
Magnificent costumes, sets, singing and dancing.
If you haven’t booked, then please do so… you don’t even need to take a kid to enjoy that one… and it was miles better than last years Jack & the Beanstalk.
Well done again Swindon Wyvern… you have truly excelled this Panto season.
Written December 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind and positive feedback which I have passed onto the team. We look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre soon. Next year's pantomime 'Snow White' is now on sale.
Sophie Dodson
Guest Experience Manager
Written January 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jane
Swindon, UK3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Highly recommend Jack and the beanstalk, we went as a family of 9, we all thoroughly enjoyed the Boxing Day performance. Billy was very good, and also the dame, very impressed with scenery. Louis Spence was the main attraction for us we are big fans but can’t help thinking he was not himself maybe he was unwell but the usual spark was missing. Still well worth going.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Sophie Dodson
Guest Experience Manager
Written January 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Derrick Bye
3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We attended the matinee performance yesterday Dec 8th and I am compelled to express my disgust at such a shameful panto.
I will list a few of my criticisms but just to state that after many decades of pantos this is without precedent the worst one ever.
The story alone was far removed from the original and just to qualify that here are just a few.
The two ugly sisters were pathetic as they were young women who just shreaked and had no impact.The highlight of Cinderella was the ugly sisters being drag.No woodland scene.The prince had NO impact.No decent singing.The creation of this Molly Muggins was contrary to any previous panto and can only assume that the role was created for a SWINDON dame that clearly had no other work!!! No baron Hardup etc.If this was a commodity you would qualify for a cancellation fee but that would be ignored.The only redeeming act was Buttons who was extremely talented and must wonder how he was enticed to perform .
My advice is if you haven't booked save your money and visit a local am dram group instead.
I will list a few of my criticisms but just to state that after many decades of pantos this is without precedent the worst one ever.
The story alone was far removed from the original and just to qualify that here are just a few.
The two ugly sisters were pathetic as they were young women who just shreaked and had no impact.The highlight of Cinderella was the ugly sisters being drag.No woodland scene.The prince had NO impact.No decent singing.The creation of this Molly Muggins was contrary to any previous panto and can only assume that the role was created for a SWINDON dame that clearly had no other work!!! No baron Hardup etc.If this was a commodity you would qualify for a cancellation fee but that would be ignored.The only redeeming act was Buttons who was extremely talented and must wonder how he was enticed to perform .
My advice is if you haven't booked save your money and visit a local am dram group instead.
Written December 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kingchef101
Cotswolds, UK182 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Firstly I want to start by saying how amazing the show was we watched, however this was blemished and ruined by the incompetent staff who all seem to only be able to go at one speed, which is very slow. They are incredible rude to you when you are doing as they asked with regards to waiting in certain areas, so its out of the main walkway, which makes sense, but without opening the doors to the seats, there really isn't anywhere else to go, no one ever seems to have any idea of whats going on or any organisation, with 3 people telling you different things on where to go. our seats were broken and duct taped up, the gents toilets were awful, the toilet roll holder and toilet seat were both broken and hanging off. Despite the show being fantastic I really wont advise seeing anything here because the experience overall is not worth it.
Written February 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin D
Plymouth, UK14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
At the behest of a friend, I drove him almost 140 miles from Plymouth to see "La Bamba the Musical". We were sorely disappointed. The theatre looks tatty, neglected and unloved, much in need of a major revamp. And all those steps!
The music was unremarkable and only just adequately performed by a cast of 12 dancers who gave the impression of going mechanically through the motions. What passed for a plot was thinner than the paper it was written on. We later heard that more than a few regional theatres declined to book it. No wonder!
The music was unremarkable and only just adequately performed by a cast of 12 dancers who gave the impression of going mechanically through the motions. What passed for a plot was thinner than the paper it was written on. We later heard that more than a few regional theatres declined to book it. No wonder!
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback, I am sorry the performance was not as you expected. We hope this will not deter you from future visits.
Kate Seager
Assistant Guest Experience Manager
Written November 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jaynechick
12 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Great atmosphere. Wonderful staff who were very helpful and polite. Its looking great since its refurbishment. Would recommend taking a hand fan in this hot weather as its a little warm when full but didn't detract from the great over all experience. Easy parking just at the bottom of the steps and every seat has a great view.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind and positive feedback.
As you are probably aware, the Wyvern is over 50 years old and unfortunately doesn’t have a modern air conditioning system whereby we can effectively bring down the temperature inside the auditorium. We have an air handling system which for most of the year works well, but it does struggle when temperatures increase in the summer, and being a very old system it does have its issues. We are aware of the problem and are doing all we can to make improvements as soon as possible. I know the team are working as hard as they can to make the auditorium more comfortable.
Sophie Dodson
Guest Experience Manager
Written September 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
h1968.
UK268 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Considering the fact theatres etc have been closed for so long, I was astonished at a recent visit to the Wyvern.
I was greeted by a lady wearing a visor, no covid checks and no signs asking people to wear a mask. I realise it is not compulsory but after Visting a theatre in Bristol last week I found the Wyvern severely lacking. In Bristol we had to show Covid pass and wear a mask. I will not re visit the Wyvern now as I felt very uncomfortable during the performance with people next to me, in front and behind me without a mask and no vaccine/negative test check.
I was greeted by a lady wearing a visor, no covid checks and no signs asking people to wear a mask. I realise it is not compulsory but after Visting a theatre in Bristol last week I found the Wyvern severely lacking. In Bristol we had to show Covid pass and wear a mask. I will not re visit the Wyvern now as I felt very uncomfortable during the performance with people next to me, in front and behind me without a mask and no vaccine/negative test check.
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We are always reviewing ways to make our audience more comfortable.
We are operating in a Covid-safe manner and following all guidelines, but would ask customers to remain considerate of fellow audience members. Before your visit, we recommend that you take an NHS lateral flow test and only attend the show if the result is negative. Anyone feeling unwell should not attend. You’ll be able to check-in via QR code using the NHS COVID 19 app when you arrive and hand sanitiser will be provided throughout the venue. We’ll be cleaning all areas more frequently and thoroughly, including wiping down surfaces throughout your visit. We’ll also be increasing fresh-air ventilation throughout the building wherever possible. Our staff are also required to show proof of a negative lateral flow test result.
We recommend that members of the public continue to wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. You should use your own judgement in deciding where you should wear one.
We’ll be following all government guidelines and our website will be regularly updated as things change. Please check again before you visit for the latest information. We will also email you before you attend.
We hope to welcome you back soon.
Sophie Dodson
Guest Experience Manager
Written October 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Birdsworthsboozeup
London, UK87 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
I had travelled down from London to see Blood Brothers with my Sister and Cousin for this performance of the show. The Ladies on the front door were lovely and very helpful and pointed me in the direction of the nearest bar !
We were served by a wonderful barman called Ryan who had excellent customer service skills and nothing was too much trouble for him
The show was outstanding and literally drove me to tears.
I had a fantastic stress free afternoon and I enjoyed every minute of it. Many thanks to all the Staff and I'll definitely be back. 10/10
We were served by a wonderful barman called Ryan who had excellent customer service skills and nothing was too much trouble for him
The show was outstanding and literally drove me to tears.
I had a fantastic stress free afternoon and I enjoyed every minute of it. Many thanks to all the Staff and I'll definitely be back. 10/10
Written March 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive feedback. We hope to welcome you back to the theatre soon.
Sophie Dodson
Guest Experience Manager
Written March 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JulieJ48
Exeter, UK153 contributions
Mar 2022
My disabled daughter and I went to the matinee and evening performances of The Rocky Horror Show. We found the accessible entrance without too much difficulty. The staff were wonderful, so friendly and helpful. There was a 2 hour period between shows; it was a time when we expected the surrounding restaurants/cafes to be very busy so we did not want to leave the theatre to wander around hoping to find somewhere to eat. The theatre cafe was not accessible by a public lift but we were taken to use the backstage lift so were able to sit in comfort and have some food. My daughter's seat for the evening performance was cramped for her disability; there was a spare seat nearby with no seat in front and she was allowed to move to that one. I hope this theatre takes the next Rocky Horror tour as I would love to go back.
Written March 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. I am pleased you thought our staff are wonderful, we certainly think so too. Our ticket office are happy to advise on the best available seats for your needs should you require their assistance in future.
We have had lots of positive reviews about the Rocky Horror Show and we hope they come back again soon.
Sophie Dodson
Guest Experience Manager
Written March 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, not been before.. please can someone tell me if we are allowed to dance as I'm seeing my fav band.. also best place to sit.. can someone please reply..
Written October 30, 2024
We saw the great Rob Lamberti there last Friday , everyone but a small few were dancing from the start all evening. Only complaint about the Wyvern , drinks prices are shamefully extortionate, it’s a disgrace.
Written November 11, 2024
Hi, not been before.. please can someone tell me if we are allowed to dance as I'm seeing my fav band.. also best place to sit.. can someone please reply..
Written October 30, 2024
In the centre of Swindon with ample parking close by.
Written March 14, 2019
What disabled facilities do you have? My Husband has difficulty walking any distance, so would need to park really near. Do you have a lift in the Theatre?
Written January 29, 2019
SwindonTheatres
Swindon, United Kingdom
Hello, we have a really good video that I think you will find useful that can be found on our website if you click on 'your visit' and then 'access'
but we do offer step free access into the auditorium, toilet and lower bar area if you enter via our access entrance at the side of the building which is closes to the disabled entrance.
Written January 30, 2019
Hi, could anyone provide a photo of the view of the stage from the stalls, Row H, please?
Written July 27, 2018
It’s very small Theatre so most seats good view
Written December 13, 2018
Will a three and six year old be able to see from row b as its not tiered
Written April 19, 2017
WyvernTheatre
Swindon, United Kingdom
Hi Sue,
Thanks for asking this question. Although Row B is not tiered, the seats are graduated in that they are not directly behind each other. You can take a look at the auditorium on our website, go to About Us > Venue Hire > Spaces > Wyvern Virtual Tour.
We also have booster seats available, so we don't believe the children would have a problem seeing from Row B.
We hope you enjoy whichever show you choose!
Swindon Theatres
Written April 19, 2017
Hello,
This is Chris from the CBB - thanks for the review of the show - glad you enjoyed it.
looks like you loved the show but not the seating ? unfortunate this reflects on our show and looks like you've scored it a 3 when googled.
Be great if you could rectify this please.
Regards
Chris
Written January 23, 2017
I was just warning people that the front 3 rows are not tiered which may not suit everyone. Absolutely no problems with CBB at all. The seating is not within your control.
Just to reiterate your show was great we enjoyed it just as everyone else in the auditorium appeared to.
I've been going to rock concerts for well over 50 years, my first featured Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent just before Eddie was killed. Since then I've seen Jerry Lee, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Booker. T (with Steve Cropper and Duck Dun who were also in the Original Blues Brothers Band) and many more. So you had a lot to follow!
Keep on rockin
Brian
Written January 31, 2017
WyvernTheatre
Swindon, United Kingdom
Hi Sonya, have you visited our website? All performances are listed online. Our new brochure is also out now and covers all shows up until April 2017.
Written October 24, 2016
Where is the nearest car park for the theatre
Written September 5, 2015
Hi there,
There are currently works taking place around the Theatre, meaning the nearest car parks are the Whalebridge multi-storey car park on Islington Street, or the Regent Circus car park at the top of Princes Street.
Further information can be found on the Swindon Theatres website.
Kind Regards,
Laura - Marketing Manager
Written September 7, 2015
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