Swindon Arts Centre
Swindon Arts Centre
4.5
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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
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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.
Popular mentions
4.5
284 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
92
Average
27
Poor
10
Terrible
2
James O
Swindon, UK1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
Sat17th Feb 2024 went to Swindon arts centre to see show billed as Fleetwood mac &Tom petty legacy show. Tickets cost £22 each .what I saw was a 5 piece band singing Tom petty song singer chewing gum all evening .band were dressed in jeans and trainers. Much the same as band playing in pubs or practise .not a theatre. The girl singer covering Fleetwood mac songs was the only member of the 6 piece band making any effort to dress up as the singer from Fleetwood mac.i don't know how this band gets theatre gigs as a touring tribute band .I've seen many tribute band shows at the wyvern and arts centre this is the worst band i have ever seen in a theatre. At their very best they are no better than any 6 piece band you can see FREE of charge in pubs throughtout the UK and abroad.we were bitterly disappointed with thisgig.it could not in all honesty be described as a legacy show.which is what we paid for jim .o.
Written February 18, 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.
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 February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Madgermusso
82 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
The venue is OK for the intimate show feel, but unfortunately, the bar appears to be sponsored by Dick Turpin. The prices are an absolute travesty - £8 for a bottle of Old Mout cider! I appreciate they have overheads, but most shops sell the same at 3 for £6!
Written September 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.
Nat B
12 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This is a lovely little venue with friendly staff spoiled by extortionate refreshment prices. £7.80 for a bottle of cider. £9.50 for a cheap prosecco and £4.50 for a tiny tub of nuts. Disgusting - I dont pay these prices in the west end shows !
Written October 9, 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, we hope you enjoyed your visit!
Our prices do reflect the quality of the products we offer and are comparable with similar entertainment venues. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Kate Seager
Assistant Guest Experience Manager
Written October 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire P
98 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
This was much better than i expected. The facilities there are small but reasonably comfortable. The people behind the bar were swift and the prices reasonable. The show was very good, They caught the comedy of rock of ages very well, and for a small stage i thought they did a very good job of choreography. We were entertained the whole way through, i thought all the case members did a good job with what are quite difficult songs to sing. A thoroughly entertaining evening.
Written July 15, 2016
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.
Hi Claire,
Thanks for this wonderful feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back for more great entertainment in the future!
Darren Edwards | Customer Service Manager | Wyvern Theatre & Arts Centre
Written July 27, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FussyEater83
168 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
This is the 1st time I've been here as a member of the audience, not as a performer.
Firstly the show Rock of Ages was fantastic!! Couldn't fault it.
The staff seemed friendly.
I do however have a few gripes about the place... Upon entering there is no clear sign to show where to go for the auditorium - just a desk which had a bit of a queue, which we were told to get it & that the lady at the desk would help us I already had my tickets in my hand).When we got to the desk she told us to go upstairs to the auditorium. Maybe save everyone some time & put a sign showing where the auditorium is, so there's less obstruction as you enter.
When entering the auditorium it was dark & difficult to see which row was ours as the letters are nailed into the floor& not obvious. Luckily another audience member was able to assist us. Maybe turning on the lights a bit when people are entering would be useful as we weren't the only ones confused with where our seats were.
The seats weren't very comfortable either.
However all this said I would come back to watch another performance.
Firstly the show Rock of Ages was fantastic!! Couldn't fault it.
The staff seemed friendly.
I do however have a few gripes about the place... Upon entering there is no clear sign to show where to go for the auditorium - just a desk which had a bit of a queue, which we were told to get it & that the lady at the desk would help us I already had my tickets in my hand).When we got to the desk she told us to go upstairs to the auditorium. Maybe save everyone some time & put a sign showing where the auditorium is, so there's less obstruction as you enter.
When entering the auditorium it was dark & difficult to see which row was ours as the letters are nailed into the floor& not obvious. Luckily another audience member was able to assist us. Maybe turning on the lights a bit when people are entering would be useful as we weren't the only ones confused with where our seats were.
The seats weren't very comfortable either.
However all this said I would come back to watch another performance.
Written July 13, 2016
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 feedback. We do regularly review signage and I will take your comments into account for when we look at this. We do however try to opt for the personal touch and have greeters in key areas to direct people as required.
I have spoken to our technical team who have informed that the house lights in the auditorium were fully on for this performance and there was additional lighting coming from the stage. I will keep an eye on this during the incoming of this evening’s performance. We are also currently in the process of replacing our seating and a rolling programme is now underway, all said and done, we look forward to welcoming you back as a performer and audience member.
Darren Edwards | Customer Service Manager | Wyvern Theatre & Arts Centre
Written July 19, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wiltslady2016
Swindon, UK49 contributions
Nov 2019
I go to this venue on a regular basis and always enjoy the experience as it’s a very cosy Theatre. However, the drinks and refreshments in general are very expensive (£12.50 for two drinks and £3 for an ice cream is excessive) so we prefer to have a drink in the local Pub before and after the Show.
Written November 30, 2019
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 this feedback, we hope to welcome you back many more times in the future.
Darren Chivers
customer service manager
Written December 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PaulPain
Swindon, UK10 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
What a great show, fabulous cast and music. The theatre is nice and small, making the whole experience feel more personal.
My only concerns about the venue is that it was too hot inside, might benefit from central heating. The refreshments were limited and expensive.
My only concerns about the venue is that it was too hot inside, might benefit from central heating. The refreshments were limited and expensive.
Written July 21, 2019
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 and rating, we hope to welcome you back soon
Darren Chivers
Customer Service Manager
Written July 22, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FussyEater83
168 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Came to watch 5 lesbians eating a quiche & whilst the show was good I personally found the theatre a little chaotic - no clear signage on where to go, people everywhere & the seats really weren’t comfortable- I’m only 5ft 2 & of a small frame & struggled to get comfortable.
Also it was a struggle finding our seats as the letters are drilled in to the floor - we weren’t the only ones- several other audience members were using their phone light to ascertain where they were sat.
Staff however were friendly & polite.
I definitely however prefer the Wyvern Theatre- more organized & better seating.
Also it was a struggle finding our seats as the letters are drilled in to the floor - we weren’t the only ones- several other audience members were using their phone light to ascertain where they were sat.
Staff however were friendly & polite.
I definitely however prefer the Wyvern Theatre- more organized & better seating.
Written June 7, 2019
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 review.
To address your comments:
Some rows do offer additional leg room, if you mention this at time of booking then our team will happily help guide to the best seating to suit you..
We do have hanging signage in the foyer, which is very small and would be hard to miss, there is also a member of our volunteer team assigned to this area to help direct people as well as the reception desk too.
We have not had an issue with people not being able to find the correct rows in the past and t is standard to have rows labelled either in this way or on the side of the seating.
Our volunteer team are always more than happy to assist people with any seating issues whenever they arise.
But I can assure you we have a highly organised team (the exact same team who also run the Wyvern infact)
Kind regards
Darren Chivers
Customer Service Manager
Written June 17, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jjtjk
Allenheads, UK65 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Good one-man show if a little short in the second ‘half’. Unfortunately Gyles has used all his best stories in his promo material on TV. Nonetheless it was an amusing and entertaining evening. The Swindon Arts Centre needs to get its air conditioning sorted. It was a sweat box or a sauna as Gyles referred to it. Please SAC, the patron experience needs to match the ticket price!
Written April 20, 2019
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 review and rating. Sadly the Arts Centre does not have the luxury of Air Conditioning and never has, mainly due to the layout and age of the building. We do all we can to keep the air moving and as cool as we can to make people as comfortable as possible but when the temperature raises outside it does impact the auditorium. We will continue to monitor temperatures and do all we can!
Darren Chivers
Customer Service Manager
Written April 25, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fatty14
Newbury46 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
We went on Saturday to see Pete Firman a magician and comedian. This was my first visit to Swindon Arts centre and I was very impressed. It is a tiny theatre, probably only 200 seats so it is very intimate and you are really close to the action.
As for Pete Firman, not only is he really talented as a magician, but he is very funny. Seriously recommend going to see him.
As for Pete Firman, not only is he really talented as a magician, but he is very funny. Seriously recommend going to see him.
Written September 24, 2018
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 feedback and star rating. We are thrilled you enjoyed yuor visit.
Darren Chivers
Customer Service Manager
Written September 25, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A friend wants to come and see a film at the Arts Centre on Wed Oct 23. She is a hearing aid user. Do you have a loop system for film nights? And, if so, is there a designated area where you would encourage her to sit, to gain full benefit from the loop system?? Thank you Libbie Sheppard
Written October 7, 2019
SwindonTheatres
Swindon, United Kingdom
We do have a hearing loop system, simply ask for the Duty Manager when you arrive and they will help you with that. There is no specific best place to sit however so wherever you book for will be fine
Written October 8, 2019
Which seats would give best view for Jongleurs?
Written September 23, 2016
Sorry for the late response. All seats at the Arts Centre have a good view. It's only a small venue and the stage can be seen clearly from any position.
Written January 9, 2017
Hi,
I have just been to see John Challis in his show which was very enjoyable, unfortunately as I was sat in seat R10 with very little leg room I had to drape my coat over my legs for the performance. After leaving the theatre I discovered my hat/cap was no longer in my coat pocket and think it may have fallen out when I removed my coat on sitting down in the theatre, is there a lost property phone number or office I can contact at the Arts Centre theatre to enquire if it has been handed in , many thanks for the show. John W
Written November 6, 2015
Hi John,
My recommendation is to call the venue on 01793 524 481, who'll be able to check.
Written November 7, 2015
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