Wyvern Theatre
Wyvern Theatre
4.5
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
We are the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. A 635 seat venue hosting musicals, comedy, plays and gigs.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,367 reviews
Excellent
723
Very good
434
Average
140
Poor
39
Terrible
31
h1968.
UK249 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.
MikeyG53
Emersons Green, UK3,976 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.
Noel D
2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
My friends and I went to the theatre last night for a meal as well as seeing The Jersey Boy’s, what an awesome evening it was, the Christmas meal was served hot and it was soo delicious followed up with a sweet dish of Christmas pudding.
The Jersey Boy’s were very entertaining & lots of people watching got up to dance the evening along.
I have to say a very special thank you to the waitress’s who looked after us all throughout the evening, especially Summer, she was very attentive, happy to help, served our meals as well as our drinks long into the night, when she wasn’t looking after us she as well as all the other waitress’s were dancing with us all.
Given where we have been in lockdown, it was great to be able to enjoy ourselves once again.
We will certainly book another date for another show soon, thank you Summer for looking after us all 💕💕💕
The Jersey Boy’s were very entertaining & lots of people watching got up to dance the evening along.
I have to say a very special thank you to the waitress’s who looked after us all throughout the evening, especially Summer, she was very attentive, happy to help, served our meals as well as our drinks long into the night, when she wasn’t looking after us she as well as all the other waitress’s were dancing with us all.
Given where we have been in lockdown, it was great to be able to enjoy ourselves once again.
We will certainly book another date for another show soon, thank you Summer for looking after us all 💕💕💕
Written December 19, 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 lovely comments. We hope you have many more enjoyable visits. Perhaps you might like to sign up to our mailing list for future events.
Sophie Dodson
Guest Experience Manager
Written December 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lesley W
Swindon, UK12 contributions
Feb 2020
Love this theatre, there’s not a bad view of the stage in the house. It has some really good acts and big names. A real variety of shows to see. Staff are friendly and helpful. If you have the time, dine there too in their restaurant. Food is a really high quality bar-style menu in a very nice setting and excellent value for money. Can have your dessert in the interval with drinks waiting too. Highly recommend.
Written March 5, 2020
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.
Thanks for your review and rating, this is lovely feedback to receive and we hope you have many more enjoyable visits
Darren Chivers
Customer Service Manager
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ccws50
Ferndown, UK1,248 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
A first visit to this great little theatre. This occasion was the Russian State Ballet performance of the "Nutcracker". The performance was tremendous. The size and layout means every seat is a good seat. No stantions or pillars to obscure the view. Will look out for future events after this good experience.
The Spotlight restaurant is a great place to enjoy a meal before the performance. The staff were very friendly and helpful. A great chickpea & spinach curry was one item on offer.
The Spotlight restaurant is a great place to enjoy a meal before the performance. The staff were very friendly and helpful. A great chickpea & spinach curry was one item on offer.
Written March 10, 2020
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.
Thanks for the 4 stars and review. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed this performance so much. Have you signed up for our mailing list so that we can keep you up to date with our latest shows?
Darren Chivers
Customer Service Manager
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jaynechick
3 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.
JulieJ48
Exeter, UK151 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.
Footprints92107
Fairford, UK20 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Attended on Sunday 5th with Grandchildren,Panto looked to be good .Well dressed ,slick and moving well ,although. Must endorse previous comments as to music drowning out the singers .
However after some 45 Minutes cast rush off ,curtain down and move to auditorium next announcement performance cancelled due to technical difficulties.End of ,no further statement made .So what did happen communication with your customers is paramount.
However after some 45 Minutes cast rush off ,curtain down and move to auditorium next announcement performance cancelled due to technical difficulties.End of ,no further statement made .So what did happen communication with your customers is paramount.
Written January 6, 2020
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 contacting us. In the initial stages of any incident our priority is to clear the venue if required for everyone's safety, this was the case with this incident. At that stage the priority is not to communicate to everyone why we are having to take action but indeed to take it as quickly as possible. Every single booker was contacted by our Ticket Office the following day, that is the time when are best able to communicate to people as we did. If you were therefore the main booker you would have spoken to a member of our team yesterday, if not the person who booked your tickets would have done so. All customers were contacted and refunds/alternative performance tickets arranged within 24 hours in line with our communication procedures which worked very well in this case. It was a huge disappointment to all cast, crew and staff and understandably audience members that this occurred but it was due to an unprecedented technical failure with the sprinkler system.This incident could not have been foreseen and was out of anyone's hands but our team were able to act quickly to ensure everyone's safety.
Assuring you of our best intentions at all times
Darren Chivers
Customer Service Manager
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Loadsamoney
Lechlade, UK19 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.
carol l
Calne, UK70 contributions
Jun 2020
Coronavirsus ......so no contact!!! Obviously I understand the situation, had 4 bookings... 3 rescheled to next year great. The odd one cancelled, so they have issued a gift voucher. Had a. Email today (26th June) with new shows, but it one show would accept the gift voucher details I was given. I. The end gave up, had to book the one I wanted as paid full price. No one manning phones and all the emails I’ve received are no reply ones. Being a member expected more than this.
Written June 26, 2020
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.
Karen
Motherwell, UK5 contributions
Que es la Wyvern Theatro?
heather0215
Purton, UK79 contributions
In the centre of Swindon with ample parking close by.
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?
SwindonTheatres
Swindon, UK
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.
hannahmarie32017
Swindon, UK16 contributions
Hi, could anyone provide a photo of the view of the stage from the stalls, Row H, please?
spamo
Chippenham, UK56 contributions
It’s very small Theatre so most seats good view
NannaSue51
Horsham, UK2 contributions
Will a three and six year old be able to see from row b as its not tiered
WyvernTheatre
Swindon, UK
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
ChrisHindle
South Elmsall, UK44 contributions
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
Brian P
Abingdon, UK67 contributions
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
whats on??
WyvernTheatre
Swindon, UK
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.
rance2015
Cold Ash, UK2 contributions
Where is the nearest car park for the theatre
Laura J
London, England, United Kingdom1 contribution
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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wyvern Theatre
- Wyvern Theatre is open:
- Mon - Sat 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Wyvern Theatre:
- (0.10 mi) Premier Inn Swindon Town Centre Hotel
- (0.12 mi) Travelodge Swindon Central Hotel
- (0.05 mi) Wessex Court, Town Centre, 1 Bedroom Apartment
- (0.19 mi) Leonardo Hotel Swindon - Formerly Jurys Inn
- (0.18 mi) Thistle Express - Swindon
- Restaurants near Wyvern Theatre:
- (0.03 mi) Swindon Rendezvous
- (0.11 mi) The Jewel In The Crown
- (0.13 mi) Fratello's
- (0.08 mi) Poppins Restaurant
- (0.12 mi) The Trident Fish Bar
Wyvern Theatre Information
Excellent Reviews | 723 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 434 |
Wyvern Theatre Photos | 71 |