Gordon Craig Theatre
Gordon Craig Theatre
4
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4.0
285 reviews
Excellent
157
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76
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25
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10
Terrible
17
HenryStaresfamily
3 contributions
Feb 2022
Visit to see ‘An Audience with Harry Redknapp’ on Saturday (19th August 2022) in a ‘Concert Hall’/Sports Hall – be warned this is not the actual Gordon Craig Theatre – make sure you read the whole advertisement!
My husband, daughter and son-in-law purchased tickets to see this show as a special treat due to it being cancelled last year due to COVID restrictions.
This special occasion turned out to be horrendous. On arrival at the theatre there was utter confusion - no staff anywhere to give guidance or directions. When we finally found the bar, in good time before the show started, we joined an enormous queue of people waiting to be served, again utter chaos ensued. It took about 45 minutes to get served with people pushing in all around. No staff to monitor the situation. We eventually got served just as the show was starting which was very stressful.
We eventually we were shown to our seats which were unbelievable. The seating was so uncomfortable and we were so squashed in we could hardly move. The theatre looked cold, there was no proper staging and there was not the exciting atmosphere of a normal theatre. Please be warned if you suffer from a bad back or you are claustrophobic. If you had seats in the middle of a row you would have an extremely hazardous time trying to move or get out.
We began to think something wasn’t quite right and realised to our amazement that we had not booked to see the show at the proper Gordon Craig Theatre but at the ‘Concert’/ Sports Hall!
This is unacceptable as the show was advertised under the heading of the Gordon Craig Theatre with website images showing a lovely comfortable theatre with comfortable seating and a proper stage. The advertisement was misleading and caused us major disappointment.
The cost of tickets to see this show in a sports centre was not acceptable. The organisation of the reception area, lack of staff and bar area is appalling, although the bar staff were extremely apologetic and were exceptionally nice, friendly and helpful.
The only other positive thing to say is that Harry Redknapp is a great performer and we would have really enjoyed seeing him in a relaxed, comfortable theatre setting.
We did email to register our dissatisfaction and to ask for some kind of compensation but was fobbed off with all sorts of excuses saying they were short of staff, etc., etc. but that is the fault of the theatre not the people attending the theatre who expect (and have paid for) a special theatre experience. In response to a further email they didn’t have the courtesy to reply.
Our special evening was totally ruined and we would not consider returning.
My husband, daughter and son-in-law purchased tickets to see this show as a special treat due to it being cancelled last year due to COVID restrictions.
This special occasion turned out to be horrendous. On arrival at the theatre there was utter confusion - no staff anywhere to give guidance or directions. When we finally found the bar, in good time before the show started, we joined an enormous queue of people waiting to be served, again utter chaos ensued. It took about 45 minutes to get served with people pushing in all around. No staff to monitor the situation. We eventually got served just as the show was starting which was very stressful.
We eventually we were shown to our seats which were unbelievable. The seating was so uncomfortable and we were so squashed in we could hardly move. The theatre looked cold, there was no proper staging and there was not the exciting atmosphere of a normal theatre. Please be warned if you suffer from a bad back or you are claustrophobic. If you had seats in the middle of a row you would have an extremely hazardous time trying to move or get out.
We began to think something wasn’t quite right and realised to our amazement that we had not booked to see the show at the proper Gordon Craig Theatre but at the ‘Concert’/ Sports Hall!
This is unacceptable as the show was advertised under the heading of the Gordon Craig Theatre with website images showing a lovely comfortable theatre with comfortable seating and a proper stage. The advertisement was misleading and caused us major disappointment.
The cost of tickets to see this show in a sports centre was not acceptable. The organisation of the reception area, lack of staff and bar area is appalling, although the bar staff were extremely apologetic and were exceptionally nice, friendly and helpful.
The only other positive thing to say is that Harry Redknapp is a great performer and we would have really enjoyed seeing him in a relaxed, comfortable theatre setting.
We did email to register our dissatisfaction and to ask for some kind of compensation but was fobbed off with all sorts of excuses saying they were short of staff, etc., etc. but that is the fault of the theatre not the people attending the theatre who expect (and have paid for) a special theatre experience. In response to a further email they didn’t have the courtesy to reply.
Our special evening was totally ruined and we would not consider returning.
Written March 10, 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.
CYOUNG91
Letchworth Garden City, UK89 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
The tickets say "bar open 1 hour before show" and the website only mentions the coffee shop being closed.
In fact, the bar and bistro are shut!! There is a small hatch which says cash only, also not true. It has a list of about 5 items- no hot drinks or sweets on the list and half of the list unavailable!!
When we asked a member of staff, he said because of Covid. We felt this was a poor excuse as the show was still going ahead and other businesses are managing!
In fact, the bar and bistro are shut!! There is a small hatch which says cash only, also not true. It has a list of about 5 items- no hot drinks or sweets on the list and half of the list unavailable!!
When we asked a member of staff, he said because of Covid. We felt this was a poor excuse as the show was still going ahead and other businesses are managing!
Written October 31, 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.
Saffer70
Stotfold, UK19 contributions
Dec 2021
We went to see Aladdin Panto as a group of 6 with an age range of 10 to 70.
Everyone enjoyed the show. Views were not obscured and the seating in the venue is generously spaced. Lots of laughter and some engagement from the younger members of our group.
Compliance with mask wearing within the venue was good.
The show itself was very professionally done, with good visual effects, a band and a someone to sign the dialog. It felt that the cast wasn't simply going through the motions, and there was some amusing ad-libbing at the performance we went to.
All in all, a recommended outing, and for a pre-show meal, the Prezzo in the nearby leisure park does a mean Christmas burger.
Everyone enjoyed the show. Views were not obscured and the seating in the venue is generously spaced. Lots of laughter and some engagement from the younger members of our group.
Compliance with mask wearing within the venue was good.
The show itself was very professionally done, with good visual effects, a band and a someone to sign the dialog. It felt that the cast wasn't simply going through the motions, and there was some amusing ad-libbing at the performance we went to.
All in all, a recommended outing, and for a pre-show meal, the Prezzo in the nearby leisure park does a mean Christmas burger.
Written December 18, 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.
Power2014
London, UK27 contributions
Feb 2022
My husband and I went to see the Dick and Angel tour last week. On arrival, it was busy and we had a drink at the bar. The staff were actually very pleasant there and service was quick..
After that, it was all downhill. You have no idea how to get to the actual theatre part and there are no signs anywhere. So many customers were asking each other where they should go. No obvious signs and no one to ask.
Inside the theatre, the seating is absolutely terrible. Tiny chairs clipped together. You would never think we were in a pandemic not to mention how incredibly cramped you are. Grown men sitting in these chairs is a challenge. You have to all keep your eyes completely folded into your lap so you are not touching a stranger in the next chair. It feels claustrophobic and even more so as we were in the middle. You cannot get out without everyone getting out first. At least in normal theatres, people can simply stand up and you can get past.
We left after the first half as I couldn't bear it anymore. I am slim as well so it must have been awful for someone bigger. Shame as I wanted to see the second part of the show. We won't go back and I would not recommend to anyone. It is pure greed cramming in so many people like that! Stupid management.
After that, it was all downhill. You have no idea how to get to the actual theatre part and there are no signs anywhere. So many customers were asking each other where they should go. No obvious signs and no one to ask.
Inside the theatre, the seating is absolutely terrible. Tiny chairs clipped together. You would never think we were in a pandemic not to mention how incredibly cramped you are. Grown men sitting in these chairs is a challenge. You have to all keep your eyes completely folded into your lap so you are not touching a stranger in the next chair. It feels claustrophobic and even more so as we were in the middle. You cannot get out without everyone getting out first. At least in normal theatres, people can simply stand up and you can get past.
We left after the first half as I couldn't bear it anymore. I am slim as well so it must have been awful for someone bigger. Shame as I wanted to see the second part of the show. We won't go back and I would not recommend to anyone. It is pure greed cramming in so many people like that! Stupid management.
Written February 23, 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.
Mark B
St. Neots, UK481 contributions
Apr 2022
The Theater itself is a nice theater although it is difficult to find the theater. There isnt any obvious signs surrounding the theater on how to get into the theater or indeed where the theater is.
when you eventually find out where the theater is the staff inside are very helpful and very friendly.
The theater itself and the seatin is very good. Loads of leg room ! normally when you go to a theater the leg room is awful but on this occassion it was great. the chairs were a bit close together and certainly anyone visiting who is a larger person would struggle.
when you eventually find out where the theater is the staff inside are very helpful and very friendly.
The theater itself and the seatin is very good. Loads of leg room ! normally when you go to a theater the leg room is awful but on this occassion it was great. the chairs were a bit close together and certainly anyone visiting who is a larger person would struggle.
Written April 4, 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.
Rob
Stevenage, UK1 contribution
Feb 2020
We met our friends and had a drink at the bar first, for some reason they have a big red wheeley bin in the middle of the floor, and the bar staff take great pride in throwing empty glass bottles in, from a height, every few seconds, the noise is terrible.
We then proceeded to the Paul Carrack show in the ground floor theatre. The seating was so cramped and uncomfortably hard that our party had to leave before the finish, as we were all in great pain from the seating. In the past we have been lucky enough to be in the upstairs theatre , therefore we will not book anything else unless it is in the upstairs theatre. And will give the bar a miss too. Such a shame as the entertainment was good.
We then proceeded to the Paul Carrack show in the ground floor theatre. The seating was so cramped and uncomfortably hard that our party had to leave before the finish, as we were all in great pain from the seating. In the past we have been lucky enough to be in the upstairs theatre , therefore we will not book anything else unless it is in the upstairs theatre. And will give the bar a miss too. Such a shame as the entertainment was good.
Written March 1, 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.
Mr G
Letchworth Garden City, UK41 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We first decided to eat in the so allied Bistro....I had a few good things about it. The floor, tables, chairs and cutlery were good.
It would help if they washed the walls, or didn’t have staff dressed as if they had just been teaching in the Gym, or even new how to serve at a table. The food was awful. The couple next to us ordered a pie with puff pastry. It came uncooked and raw. Basically it was a school canteen... no better then that. As for the show, well that was very average, but the Theatre can’t be blamed for that. I wasn’t a good experience at all. If you want to go their for a show, my advice is eat somewhere else first.
It would help if they washed the walls, or didn’t have staff dressed as if they had just been teaching in the Gym, or even new how to serve at a table. The food was awful. The couple next to us ordered a pie with puff pastry. It came uncooked and raw. Basically it was a school canteen... no better then that. As for the show, well that was very average, but the Theatre can’t be blamed for that. I wasn’t a good experience at all. If you want to go their for a show, my advice is eat somewhere else first.
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.
Jackie D
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Enjoyed previous shows pre Covid and looked forward to a similar experience. Band worked extremely hard. All good musicians, especially the sax, accordion, brass, guitar player. Drummers great.
An interesting approach using adverts. Good use of lighting. Sound was the correct level.
Sadly I was expecting more sixties and seventies music. Never got to hear Pretty Woman - the joke fell flat as audience cheered when the intro was played then .... no song. Groups/singers such as Showaddywaddy, Cat Stevens, Hollies, Searchers, etc. etc. could have been included in place of an over long Blues Bros slot which became boring, and although funny at first, Mick Jagger dragged on. Bill and Ben too prolonged. The finale was good.
Perhaps you are trying to attract a younger audience but the average age must have been 65+ and those sitting near to me were singing along before the interval. This reduced during the second half. Maybe changing the name of the show would indicate a change in content so we oldies would know what to expect in future.
An interesting approach using adverts. Good use of lighting. Sound was the correct level.
Sadly I was expecting more sixties and seventies music. Never got to hear Pretty Woman - the joke fell flat as audience cheered when the intro was played then .... no song. Groups/singers such as Showaddywaddy, Cat Stevens, Hollies, Searchers, etc. etc. could have been included in place of an over long Blues Bros slot which became boring, and although funny at first, Mick Jagger dragged on. Bill and Ben too prolonged. The finale was good.
Perhaps you are trying to attract a younger audience but the average age must have been 65+ and those sitting near to me were singing along before the interval. This reduced during the second half. Maybe changing the name of the show would indicate a change in content so we oldies would know what to expect in future.
Written February 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.
Marvie
10 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Excellent pantomime. Comfy seats, helpful staff. Brilliant performances. Can't wait for next year!
I admit, I wasn't particularly looking forward to it - I recalled pantos as a bit naff but I'd bought my daughter and 3yr old granddaughter tickets so went along for the ride...
I reckon I yelled more than she did! It was really well done, very funny with great adult innuendo jokes and singalong hits plus magic, slapstick and even a water fight.
I admit, I wasn't particularly looking forward to it - I recalled pantos as a bit naff but I'd bought my daughter and 3yr old granddaughter tickets so went along for the ride...
I reckon I yelled more than she did! It was really well done, very funny with great adult innuendo jokes and singalong hits plus magic, slapstick and even a water fight.
Written December 5, 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.
Tryitoutman
Stevenage, UK181 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We visit every year for the pantomime and various times throughout the year for other shows. The quality of shows here is outstanding considering it’s a fairly small venue. Very close to West End quality too. It’s a shame that this will be gone soon. We need to petition to keep the Gordon Craig theatre! It’s a valuable asset to the town. Without it will be very disappointing for many families across Hertfordshire.
Written April 23, 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.
Go onto their website and it gives you dates for upcoming events for the whole year
Written January 11, 2019
Front row seats-is the view restricted for children as I've read it is below the stage and a friend said the musicians pit is there too?
Written September 29, 2015
If you are in the sports hall its very high so kids (and adults) will struggle. In the theatre its not so bad- all the shows I've been to in there and I cannot say I've noticed a musicians pit at all! Any seat in there is a good view tbh, its the sports hall you have to be more picky with
Written September 29, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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