Avon Theatre | Stratford Festival — Attraction in Stratford

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Avon Theatre in Stratford, and it was an experience we won't soon forget. We were fortunate enough to partake in a 'behind the scenes' tour that was nothing short of enlightening. The tour provided us with a deep dive into the rich history of the Avon Theatre, a gem in the heart of Stratford.

During our tour, we had the privilege of listening to the head of Wardrobe, the Sound Director, and the Stage Manager. Each of them shared their expertise and gave us a glimpse into the intricacies of theatre production. Their passion for their craft was palpable and added a layer of depth to our understanding of what goes into each performance.

One of the highlights of our visit was seeing the set pieces for the production of Spamalot. The creativity and attention to detail were awe-inspiring. But the tour didn't stop there; we were also treated to an exclusive look at the backstage, dressing rooms, fitting room, rehearsal space, and the intriguing 'trap room' beneath the stage.

As a group, we were regaled with numerous anecdotes that were both humorous and insightful. These stories showcased the occasional chaos that happens behind the scenes and how the incredible theatre staff and actors manage to overcome such challenges seamlessly. It was a testament to the resilience and skill of everyone involved in making the Stratford Festival a success.

To cap off our visit, we engaged in a question and answer session that was truly enlightening. It made us appreciate just how talented everyone at the Stratford Festival is, from the actors to the technical staff and everyone in between.

If I had to find any fault with our tour, it would be that it ended too soon! We were so engrossed in the experience that time flew by. We will definitely be partaking in their other tours at the Festival Theatre and their Props Warehouse in the future.

Well done, Avon Theatre! Your excellence in providing an unforgettable experience has not gone unnoticed, and we look forward to...

The show Spamalot was great, the staff were efficient and nice and everything about that part of the experience was good.

My problem was with the volume level. The majority of the show was pretty good and I had no trouble understanding the cast dialogue and most of the singing until it got to the loud parts. The acoustics in the room are meant for plays, not near rock concert sound level. Everything "falls apart" and becomes a jumbled mess and you can't hear a word they're singing during some parts, even whole songs. That's not so bad for a concert with a band you know but for a musical you've never heard it's a problem.

Maybe it's only the back balcony seats it's a problem and that would make sense with how the room is shaped. For Spamalot the show I saw last Friday, songs like "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" you can hear everything clearly and it's actually pretty good quality. Some of the more involved pieces with lots of cast singing together was the problem and some of the more powerful stuff from the Lady in the Lake was also tough to understand. It was so loud and jumbled that it was almost painful at times.

A good set of ear plugs made for live music would be perfect. I use them all the time for concerts and find I can hear every word with them most of the time. I didn't think I'd need them for Spamalot, I was wrong and it kinda ruined the experience.

I listen to music all the time at very loud levels sorta for a living so the sound pressure level wasn't the problem, it's the acoustics. The room just isn't meant for loud music. Especially not the back balcony part. I don't think the line array effect really continues to that part with how the main speakers are set and the ledge/low ceiling in the back part.

TLDR: it's hard to hear the funny lyrics on a lot...

The Avon Theatre in Stratford is a charming venue, with a classic look on the outside and a comfortable, welcoming feel inside. The seats are fairly comfortable with the sound and lighting being usually excellent. The location is great too — right in the heart of Stratford, close to shops, cafes, and parking. The staff are friendly and helpful. One thing to note is that the seating can feel a bit tight if the theatre is full, especially in the older sections, as was my case when I went to watch Macbeth there recently. Also, some of the best seats tend to sell out quickly, so it's a good idea to book in advance. Overall, the Avon Theatre is a nice place to enjoy live performances, especially as part of the Stratford Festival. The quality of the performances is first-rate.  As part of the Stratford Festival, the productions are top-tier. The Stratford Shakespeare Festival was launched in 1952 by Tom Patterson, a local journalist. Today, it has grown into one of Canada’s most popular cultural events. His vision was to bring Shakespeare's works to life in the town of Stratford, Ontario, a location that shared its name with the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. At the time, Stratford was a small town, but Patterson believed that bringing Shakespeare’s works to the town could not only elevate its cultural profile but also serve as an economic boost, drawing tourists from around the world. The idea was somewhat ambitious, given that Stratford was not known for its theater scene at that time. Patterson's vision eventually gained support from several key figures, with local residents rallying behind...