Watford Palace Theatre
Watford Palace Theatre
4.5
About
Watford Palace Theatre, opened in 1908, is an Edwardian Grade II listed building in Watford, Hertfordshire. The 600-seat theatre on Clarendon Road was refurbished in 2004. It houses its own rehearsal room, wardrobe, cafe and bar.
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- Watford High St • 8 min walk
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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
124 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
38
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Christopher A
London, UK38 contributions
Mar 2023
I went to see The merchant of venice 1936. The show itself was very good and well-acted and executed.
Though the overall theatre experience was weak.
The staff appeared a bit timid and inattentive. They didn't seem to know where things were, or were unaware of basic layouts and waypoints in their own establishment, such as the toilets or the bar.
One such staff member , in the middle of a dark auditorium one must say where I couldn't initially see him said "DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE SITTING??!" out of the blue. No "hello, sir, do you need any help?" or "hello, sir, can I guide you to your seat or are you OK?" He made an assumption that I was lost, when I wasn't, and could find my own way.
The bar staff, amidst many people talking, were also very quietly spoken, and I felt bad and having nearly to shout to understand them and them understand me.
And the disabled toilet was on the ground floor, and after a person had used it, the smell shall we say was intolerable, and no staff member could have at least closed the door.
The theatre itself is well-designed and laid out, and has lots of top shows on like this one. But the staff needs training, or at least to be more empathetic to their customers.
Though the overall theatre experience was weak.
The staff appeared a bit timid and inattentive. They didn't seem to know where things were, or were unaware of basic layouts and waypoints in their own establishment, such as the toilets or the bar.
One such staff member , in the middle of a dark auditorium one must say where I couldn't initially see him said "DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE SITTING??!" out of the blue. No "hello, sir, do you need any help?" or "hello, sir, can I guide you to your seat or are you OK?" He made an assumption that I was lost, when I wasn't, and could find my own way.
The bar staff, amidst many people talking, were also very quietly spoken, and I felt bad and having nearly to shout to understand them and them understand me.
And the disabled toilet was on the ground floor, and after a person had used it, the smell shall we say was intolerable, and no staff member could have at least closed the door.
The theatre itself is well-designed and laid out, and has lots of top shows on like this one. But the staff needs training, or at least to be more empathetic to their customers.
Written March 7, 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.
Sandra H
59 contributions
Jan 2023
Visited this theatre after many years on Saturday 21st January to see a tribute band called Queen Rhapsody. Extremely disappointed in the performance, so much so we left at the interval together with the couple who were sat next to us. We have seen better performances in a pub! We will not be returning to WPT if this is a sample of their standard of entertainment!
Written January 24, 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.
marann19
London, UK35 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
Aladdin was just wow, good sets and costumes are the best I ever seen and try to book your tickets early then you get the best seats and great scenes, very comfortable seats, the staff very polite and friendly we hope to return next year!! Thanks to reception very kind polite and helpful
Written December 16, 2017
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.
mark_davie_2000
Watford, UK303 contributions
Oct 2019
I went here to see: "Gaslight" in October.
The rating I gave reflects the theatre itself not the performance.
Theatre itself is beautifully retro with grand old soft red cushioned seats in the auditorium, comfortable with good views of the stage.
The performance was problematic for 2 main reasons. Firstly: When you have a specific agenda to push such as partner abuse you tend to miss out on the subtleties of the drama itself.
Secondly, resulting from the first reason, Jack the villainous husband is portrayed as firstly violent and only then as unfaithful and psychologically manipulative.
The drama hangs on Jack's attempts to persuade his wife of her madness. He could never do this if he were so physically abusive.
The agenda of the director precluded this aspect of his behaviour and as a result his wife Bella's anxiety is not real, it's just fear.
The lighting and stage design were very good.
The rating I gave reflects the theatre itself not the performance.
Theatre itself is beautifully retro with grand old soft red cushioned seats in the auditorium, comfortable with good views of the stage.
The performance was problematic for 2 main reasons. Firstly: When you have a specific agenda to push such as partner abuse you tend to miss out on the subtleties of the drama itself.
Secondly, resulting from the first reason, Jack the villainous husband is portrayed as firstly violent and only then as unfaithful and psychologically manipulative.
The drama hangs on Jack's attempts to persuade his wife of her madness. He could never do this if he were so physically abusive.
The agenda of the director precluded this aspect of his behaviour and as a result his wife Bella's anxiety is not real, it's just fear.
The lighting and stage design were very good.
Written November 1, 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.
David B
Watford, UK14 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Why go to the West End of London when you have this beautiful theatre right here in Watford!! The latest production right now is Guys and Dolls, the musical and what a production this is. Came home last night fully uplifted and humming the many tunes from the show. The cast was excellent and the acting, singing and musicality would do justice to a London production. Well done Cassio productions.
Rush around to buy a ticket. You have until 17th November to do so. You won't be disappointed.
Rush around to buy a ticket. You have until 17th November to do so. You won't be disappointed.
Written November 14, 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.
Bruce
London, UK60 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Great cast and Dot held the show as always...great seats and good view. Jack and the Beanstalk...another triumph...Oh no it wasn't...oh yes it was....
Written December 28, 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.
sharpace107
Watford, UK39 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Watford should be so proud to have this wonderful theatre. The staff and every show I have ever seen here have been top notch.
It's like having our own little piece of the west end in Watford.
It's like having our own little piece of the west end in Watford.
Written August 6, 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.
Stephen W
Watford, UK40 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
We went to the panto on Friday evening and had a great time - the small cast worked really hard to entertain us with all the traditional elements, including a funny slapstick scene. We especially liked the dame (oh no we didn't !!) and the actress playing the cat - all the music and singing was very good. The theatre is comfortable and car parking is right next door - or a short walk from Watford Junction station Take the kids - you won't be disappointed!
Written December 20, 2015
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.
Jacandhow
Bedford, UK2,041 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
Been going to the theatre for years, so much better now since the re furbishment as there is now air conditioning.
Being retired we tend to go to the matinees as it's cheaper, but if you book a few shows at the same time then you can get reduction.
They always put on a really good pantomime.
Being retired we tend to go to the matinees as it's cheaper, but if you book a few shows at the same time then you can get reduction.
They always put on a really good pantomime.
Written December 16, 2012
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.
CLGCLG
Bushey, UK473 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
Watford Palace Theatre is one of what must be few local theatres around.
There is always a reasonably packed season of lpays put on .. but one event we ALWAYS attend is the Christmas Panto !
Brilliant fun for all the family. This year is Mother Goose ... if you live close, give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
There is always a reasonably packed season of lpays put on .. but one event we ALWAYS attend is the Christmas Panto !
Brilliant fun for all the family. This year is Mother Goose ... if you live close, give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
Written December 12, 2012
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.
Melanie A
5 contributions
Is the seating tiered in the stalls?
Roz
London, UK100 contributions
As far as I can remember, it's slightly tiered in the stalls. I've never had any problem seeing the stage. (Upstairs it's definitely steeper.)
You might want to check with the box office re. seating if you need more info, as they are very helpful.
2015Etta
Fresno, CA
Does this Theatre perform plays or is it just a tour?
Maura J
Watford, UK131 contributions
The palace theatre performs a variety of plays, pantomime every December, films, and also links with London theatres to show live performances from London. Last year I saw a wonderful performance of "A street car named desire" starring Gillian Anderson. This was beamed from the Young Vic theatre in London. Hope this helps.
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Claim your listingWatford Palace Theatre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Watford Palace Theatre
- Hotels near Watford Palace Theatre:
- (0.07 mi) Leonardo Hotel London Watford
- (0.17 mi) Travelodge Watford Central
- (0.21 mi) Best Western White House Hotel
- (0.17 mi) Beautiful 1Bed/1Bath Flat only 20mins to London with FREE WIFI and FREE PARKING
- (0.18 mi) Rare-find 3Bed/2Bath with FREE WIFI and FREE PARKING in Central Watford
- Restaurants near Watford Palace Theatre:
- (0.03 mi) Chicken Peri Peri Bite
- (0.03 mi) Maeme's Peri Peri Grill
- (0.03 mi) Roti Pan Kitchen
- (0.03 mi) Juicy Bagels
- (0.04 mi) Pret a Manger
Watford Palace Theatre Information
Excellent Reviews | 79 |
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Very Good Reviews | 38 |
Watford Palace Theatre Photos | 13 |