Brookside Theatre
Brookside Theatre
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Brookside Theatre is an award-winning 194 seat theatre in the London Borough of Havering and the first and only professional arts venue in Romford.
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See what travelers are saying
- JaysonEssex, United Kingdom2 contributionsPure fun filled family entertainment!Well done to all involved in The Little Mermaid at The Brookside Theatre Tonight! Pure fun filled family entertainment from start to finish, if you get the chance go and see it before Christmas!! Beautifully enchanting, not to be missed!!!Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten December 14, 2023
- Steve HDagenham, United Kingdom126 contributionsFantastic visitA truly hidden gem. We visited yesterday 05/01/23 to see a new show called hail hail rock n roll and it was absolutely fantastic. A brand new show with a fantastic cast. Now for the theatre what can I say cosy very very comfortable and as for the staff who run this gem who are all volunteers thank you for making our night brilliant, we have already booked up for the Tamla show and also going to volunteer for this theatre.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 6, 2024
- P W1 contributionLovely Theatre and Great ShowWe went to the Brookside Theatre on May 1st to see Avenue Q - what a great show! The cast were superb and the theatre staff are friendly and welcoming. We saw Stepping Out at Brookside in February which was also very good. Brookside is a gem of a local theatre. I read another review complaining about the price of the drinks, but they're certainly cheaper than you'd pay in west end and the seats are more comfortable too. .Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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.
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4.5
135 reviews
Excellent
104
Very good
20
Average
2
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Jordan H
Reading, UK5 contributions
Dec 2022
What a shame, great cast and performance let down by rude manager. We decided to support our local theatre this Christmas by booking tickets to see Elf at Brookside Theatre. The website did offer guidance that this show was for over 5's, but as with many other shows we understood this as a recommendation and took our 3.5 year old along. She is the quietest and calmest of our 3 children so we knew she wouldn't cause any disturbance, and based on the fact Elf is a family show we thought we'd be fine. As expected, on arrival, there were many other families with young children, and no one seemed to mind or ask about their ages. In fact, we were even offered booster seats for the little ones, so we went ahead and enjoyed the show. Unfortunately, during the interval, the manager marched over abruptly stating that our little one clearly wasn't 5, and that we would have to leave. I'm happy to hold my hands up and accept that our youngest did not meet the age criteria, but the rude and aggressive manor in which we were dealt with was completely unnecessary. The manager who dealt with us was extremely confrontational, and not apologetic at all for the fact that our family Christmas day out was being cut short. We couldn't help but feel as though this was extremely unfair given that we'd caused no problems, had been let in at the start, and were surrounded by so many other families with children clearly under 5. As a manager (she kept reminding us of her status as 'a manager') I would expect a little tact and understanding, however the woman seemed to be on some sort of power trip, marching around and asking people to leave for various reasons (we weren't the only ones!). Unfortunately it left a very sour taste in our mouths and we won't be visiting that theatre again.
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.
Grumpy Guy
London, England, United Kingdom68 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Went to see Elf the other night and was so disappointed by the facilities, the attitude of the staff and the lack of care taken.
Firstly, not bothered to salt a very icy car park which you have to walk across if coming in from the front. The bathrooms may as well have had icicles growning on the inside. I honestly thought they may have lost a window it was that cold in there. They refuse to allow you to bring in your own food or drink but only provide one small concession stand so it’s not possible to get a drink/snack before the performance or during the interval and heaven forbid you might need a drink during the performance, you just have to keep coughing and disturb everyone else cause it’s closed.
When it came to seating we struggled to be able to sit together as we were a larger group. They don’t allocate seating to ensure groups can sit together. They don’t enforce filling the rows up or encourage 2 smaller parties to share a row so we ended up splitting up cause we had spent forever in the queue to buy a drink. If you make the poor decision to go, get a seat then send someone to queue at the concession counter.
Oh and that brings up the price gouging. There is no excuse for charging that much. It’s just greed.
The poor performers were doing a great show it seems but as no sound check had been done and I’m guessing no sound engineer 2/3rds of the cast could not be heard for most of the show as mics were not located correctly so I only have a vague idea of what actually happened.
My last issue was the staff who seemed fed up and not happy to be working. I was snapped at, told I should have arrived earlier (when I complained about seating) and moaned at for not getting back to my seat quick enough
All in all a very disappointing experience and one I have no intention of repeating. I tried to support my little local theatre but I’m afraid it’s back to the Queens for better facilities, polite staff and a show I’d actually be able to hear.
Maybe this was a one off and normally it’s better but as a first time visit I’m afraid it’s now a last as well. Please try and do better in future for other patrons
Firstly, not bothered to salt a very icy car park which you have to walk across if coming in from the front. The bathrooms may as well have had icicles growning on the inside. I honestly thought they may have lost a window it was that cold in there. They refuse to allow you to bring in your own food or drink but only provide one small concession stand so it’s not possible to get a drink/snack before the performance or during the interval and heaven forbid you might need a drink during the performance, you just have to keep coughing and disturb everyone else cause it’s closed.
When it came to seating we struggled to be able to sit together as we were a larger group. They don’t allocate seating to ensure groups can sit together. They don’t enforce filling the rows up or encourage 2 smaller parties to share a row so we ended up splitting up cause we had spent forever in the queue to buy a drink. If you make the poor decision to go, get a seat then send someone to queue at the concession counter.
Oh and that brings up the price gouging. There is no excuse for charging that much. It’s just greed.
The poor performers were doing a great show it seems but as no sound check had been done and I’m guessing no sound engineer 2/3rds of the cast could not be heard for most of the show as mics were not located correctly so I only have a vague idea of what actually happened.
My last issue was the staff who seemed fed up and not happy to be working. I was snapped at, told I should have arrived earlier (when I complained about seating) and moaned at for not getting back to my seat quick enough
All in all a very disappointing experience and one I have no intention of repeating. I tried to support my little local theatre but I’m afraid it’s back to the Queens for better facilities, polite staff and a show I’d actually be able to hear.
Maybe this was a one off and normally it’s better but as a first time visit I’m afraid it’s now a last as well. Please try and do better in future for other patrons
Written December 16, 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.
Kay C
London, UK16 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I have had the pleasure of visiting this theatre in Romford. Somewhat of a hidden gem. Since coming across it in December I have been to several shows. The first time seen Elf over Christmas and this last weekend, listening to the Leading Ladies singing songs from various movies and musicals. Both shows were absolutely excellent value for money. I seriously felt like I was in the West End however the difference being the tickets are reasonably priced. The quality of the shows was equally on par to the West End.
Furthermore the seats are comfortable and the staff were friendly. Parking was easy with a back entrance from the local car park in South Street. If you have not come across this hidden gem you are seriously missing out!
Furthermore the seats are comfortable and the staff were friendly. Parking was easy with a back entrance from the local car park in South Street. If you have not come across this hidden gem you are seriously missing out!
Written January 30, 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.
Glen E
Leigh-on Sea, UK49 contributions
Feb 2023
I've been to a few performances with my wife and children at the Brookside Theatre - a Queen tribute band, Elf and the Sound of Music.
Every visit we've had has been excellent. The car park is very convenient, and the staff at the theatre couldn't be friendlier.
The quality of the Elf and Sound of Music performances we saw were excellent, especially the use of technology which was very impressive. The Queen show also showed what a good venue this is for live music.
They have booster seats for the kids to help them see, with the raked seating also helping with this.
I look forward to going back to the Brookside again many more times in the future!
Every visit we've had has been excellent. The car park is very convenient, and the staff at the theatre couldn't be friendlier.
The quality of the Elf and Sound of Music performances we saw were excellent, especially the use of technology which was very impressive. The Queen show also showed what a good venue this is for live music.
They have booster seats for the kids to help them see, with the raked seating also helping with this.
I look forward to going back to the Brookside again many more times in the future!
Written March 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.
David S
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
I love this theatre, it really is giving something back to the community. An opportunity to see excellent quality shows at affordable prices. The atmosphere is friendly and it caters for children and adults alike both in the content it puts on and facilities available. Thoroughly recommend it!
Written April 27, 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.
Jackie A
8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Great little theatre, run mainly by volunteers, who are always smiling & welcoming.
We've been going for a few years & they continue to work on the building and add more facilities ( raked seating went in a few years ago, new bar area etc.)
The productions are always good - recently saw the Sound of Music which was excellent, and also their adult panto ( really good fun, definitely for over 18s).
It's a little gem, just a few minutes walk from the train station and with a car par adjacent, also plenty of pubs and cafes nearby for before or after a show.
We've been going for a few years & they continue to work on the building and add more facilities ( raked seating went in a few years ago, new bar area etc.)
The productions are always good - recently saw the Sound of Music which was excellent, and also their adult panto ( really good fun, definitely for over 18s).
It's a little gem, just a few minutes walk from the train station and with a car par adjacent, also plenty of pubs and cafes nearby for before or after a show.
Written March 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.
Bradley M
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Before Christmas myself and my family went to brookside theatre to watch elf .
Venue was easy to find very well placed in the heart of romford .
Upon entering the theatre the big man was there to great me my wife and our 7 year old son, Santa claws him self with his full jolly spirit.
Seats where amazing no view restrictions by other people. Seat set up is perfect.
Now the show it's self what an amazing cast all well spoken and clearly heard.
Costumes outstanding all crisp and fresh looking along with all the props.
We was that impressed as a family we went to book again but to my sons disappointment it was fully booked.
I would rate this theatre and I'd recommend for any of you to go and see a show.
We even got to meet buddy him self after the show.
Drinks and snacks sold there aswell which is always a bonus
Venue was easy to find very well placed in the heart of romford .
Upon entering the theatre the big man was there to great me my wife and our 7 year old son, Santa claws him self with his full jolly spirit.
Seats where amazing no view restrictions by other people. Seat set up is perfect.
Now the show it's self what an amazing cast all well spoken and clearly heard.
Costumes outstanding all crisp and fresh looking along with all the props.
We was that impressed as a family we went to book again but to my sons disappointment it was fully booked.
I would rate this theatre and I'd recommend for any of you to go and see a show.
We even got to meet buddy him self after the show.
Drinks and snacks sold there aswell which is always a bonus
Written January 30, 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.
Realist
London4 contributions
Dec 2022
Disappointing from start to finish. The staff were rude and unhelpful and actors tried their best but the sound quality was terrible bearly being able to hear them over the music. The theatre was cold and the toilets freezing.
The prices at the snack bar would make your eyes water, greedy and unnecessarily expensive.
all in all a very poor show for a local community run theatre. They should be welcoming people with smiles and cheer not frowns and misery. Will not be using them again.
The prices at the snack bar would make your eyes water, greedy and unnecessarily expensive.
all in all a very poor show for a local community run theatre. They should be welcoming people with smiles and cheer not frowns and misery. Will not be using them again.
Written December 17, 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.
Helen R
Brentwood, UK8 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Brookside Theatre is a little known venue in the centre of Romford which deserves support from the local community. I know that the venue relies on volunteers to staff it and is self-funding (no council support or grants) so if we want it succeed we must support it! The recent Christmas production, Elf, had high quality acting, and the sets & props were brilliant. I've read the other reviews mentioning freezing toilets: yes they're a bit cold but it's an old building with limited heating there, however the rest of the theatre is warm! The kiosk is well-stocked and front of house staff friendly and helpful.
Written January 30, 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.
Maps814705
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Sound of music was a great show and the theatre has a nice friendly feel , they have a nice small cafe for pre and during interval drinks. Staff always helpful . already booked for Frozen Jr in April
Written March 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.
Is there parking please and are all the seats in one level
Written June 9, 2018
Hi Sarah
All the seats are on one level and are allocated on a first come first served basis. There is on street parking just up the road from the theatre which I believe is unrestricted after 7pm. There is also a car park at the rear which I believe (but not certain) is free after 7pm. There are plenty of other paid car parks nearby.
Written June 9, 2018
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