Colonial Theatre
Colonial Theatre
5
About
The historic Colonial Theatre originally opened in 1915 and is the oldest continuously operating movie theatre in the United States. Now, after a series of renovations and improvements, the 300-seat Colonial offers state-of-the-art digital projection and surround sound for independent and world cinema, hosts Grammy award-winning performing artists, family entertainment, and community events from May through October—all without losing the intimate charm of a vintage summer theater. The Colonial Theatre is on New Hampshire Registry of Historic Places and was named “Best Vintage Movie Theatre” by Yankee Magazine.
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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.
5.0
54 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Bruce C
Bethlehem, NH730 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
The theatre is everything that Bethlehem NH is about - has great acts, it's artistic, it's eclectic, it's a ton of fun, and it's the best place to see a show. theatre is small so there's not a bad seat in the house. Drinks are cheap. Bottled water is free. Blankets are available for those chilly nights, and everyone always has a great time. Can't beat it!
Written August 9, 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.
Cazza02
Melbourne, Australia86 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We stumbled across this Art Deco style theatre whilst visiting Bethlehem, New Hampshire in the US. The Front of house manager gave us a personal guided tour. Quaint and vital to the community with a wide range of events. Visit this Arty little town, have a great coffee across the road and then if your timing is right take a tour of the theatre.
Written November 22, 2014
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.
lesiel
Oceanside, CA113 contributions
Sep 2019
Went to see Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn and it was more than fabulous. The theater is so conducive to live music and a small enough venue that every seat is perfect. Highly recommend.
Written September 2, 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 and we hope to see you again soon!
Written September 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol R
Providence, RI40 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
We love old movie theaters and artsy films that don't play at other larger venues. We were not disappointed for we went to see the Mr. Rogers' movie that we could not find playing anywhere near our home.
Written August 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.
Shlomo E
Haifa, Israel124 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
During our recent vacation in the White Mountains area we visited this lovely place two evenings in a row. Watching a film there, while tucked up with a blanket courtesy of the place, is really a unique experience! As a matter of fact, the second time we were the only spectators in the hall...
The staff is very friendly and that's too enhances even more the experience.
The film selection is also great and of high standards.
A true must for any movie lover!
The staff is very friendly and that's too enhances even more the experience.
The film selection is also great and of high standards.
A true must for any movie lover!
Written October 25, 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.
mikeelder2016
Boston, MA5 contributions
Aug 2016
We had made a trip to Mount Washington for the day to get away from the Boston heat wave, and stayed the night in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. In driving through town, noticed the Colonial Theater. When we checked into the Wayside Inn, I picked up a flyer of shows, and there was one scheduled for that night. Although I'd never heard of The James Hunter Six, tickets were only $25. The theater probably seats around 200. The show started promptly at 8, and was really just a rocking good time. The theater is old, but the acoustics were great. They had snacks, drinks, etc that you could buy and bring into the theater, so very comfortable. There were a number of families with children, mostly in the 8-12 year old range, so no babies. The band played, without intermission, for 1 1/2 hours..and they really were good. In looking through the flyer, I was amazed at the acts who were scheduled to play the Colonial.. Folk legend Tom Rush.. And Difranco. Justin Townes Earle. The Barr Brothers.. The Klezmatics. Valerie June. Birds of Chicago. They also have children's events and a film series. The clientele was mostly local, so it gave you a good chance to mix with people who live in the area. It was a really good time, and a great price. Would strongly recommend seeing who is playing there if you are staying in the area. It was a real fun night.
Written August 16, 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.
Elisrun09
Boston, MA10 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Lovely old theatre venue celebrating their 100th year in business! Saw Gaelic Storm performance. Excellent. Very friendly staff of volunteers, excellent acoustics, comfortable seats, lots of leg room. On street parking. No problem finding a space. Will definitely go back!
Written June 7, 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.
washashore
MA17 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Saw a movie here in the summer...most fun was talking to the manager and his daughter.....fun night.
Written December 22, 2014
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.
CavalierJCS
Princeton, NJ303 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
This theater, presenting live performances in summer and cinema year round is an amazing asset to a small-town community, and deserves the support of every visitor to the region. It's often touted as the oldest operating movie house in the country--one that was rescued from an uncertain fate not long ago. Let's make sure it lasts for decades to come!
Written October 6, 2014
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.
JackiSue
Bethlehem, NH2 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
There's not that much going on in the North Country, which makes Bethlehem's volunteer-run Colonial Theatre all the more precious. This is a place to really enjoy a movie or live show: big clean screen, good projector, comfortable seats (with plenty of handicap options) and great sound! The concert series brings a critical dose of live music to the community. It's usually the party of the week, with people crowding the dance floor beneath the large, beautifully-lit stage grooving to the balanced, clean (and not too loud) sound. Both films and concerts cater a broad range of tastes. I've seen Indie festival award-winning documentaries to the latest vampire and Woodie Allen flicks. Concert offerings range from Celtic to African to OldTimey to string quartets. There's a pretty outdoor patio for evening events; it glows at sunset. True - it isn't heated. That's why they offer blankies for you to bundle up in if you need to. I am so grateful to the folks who keep this place going.
Written October 3, 2014
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.
Colonial Theatre
Bethlehem, New Hampshire
The theatre is fully handicap accessible for both audience and performers, but not air conditioned – we have natural air conditioning up here in the mountains on most nights!
Written July 13, 2018
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