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York Barbican

United Kingdom England Great BritainYork Barbican

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Awful Organisation (or lack of) The Barbican is a 1990s edifice with all the charm of postwar Coventry or Luton, but it did provide a reasonable concert venue and fairly comfortable seats. What wasn't so nice were the rottweilers at the venue; put people in a suit with "security" written on their shoulder and power goes to their head. We already knew that you were not allowed to carry anything into the venue apart from the clothes you were wearing (within which you could actually have hidden nuclear bombs), but was it really necessary to empty the contents of two branded bottles of water messily onto the pavement lest they contained something "insecure" [if they had contained acid,you would probably have lost your sight and the sight of other people nearby by splashing this liquid on the path]. Since the queuing OUTSIDE the Barbican exposed people to other 'terrorist acts', such as a bomb on the pavement or a drive-by shooting, you achieved NO SECURITY WHATSOVER. When we came out the pavement was surrounded by cars and taxis, any of which could have contained a bomb or a sniper. SACK your Security company, and face the fact that biggest risk to your customers is crossing the road outside. Once inside they kept us waiting, but didn't manage to get the tea urns hot enough to serve when the rottweilers tired of their games.

Simon “Red Simon” GeogheganSimon “Red Simon” Geoghegan

20

My first visit to the Barbican even though I visit York on a regular basis. I had tickets to see Kate Rusby. I was surprised by the level of security at the doors-the weather was absolutely foul but we had to queue outside with separate bag check, then individual check then ticket scan. The foyer/ main bar area is spacious and is where people wait for the interior doors to open. I was very impressed when we did get into the performance area-bright and spacious with tiered seating divided into sections so easier to access. The acoustics were excellent and I had a great view from row K. Kate Rusby’s show was exceptional! Good value for money, comfortable seating, a very enjoyable evening. We are keeping an eye on the programme for future shows. Located just outside the City Walls close to Walmgate bar, the Barbican has parking but it is also served well by local buses. It’s about a 10minute walk from the market, 5 minutes from Walmgate and about 7 minutes from the Rose and Crown pub on Lawrence Street which is where I was staying. I did take a photo of the stage before the show began but sadly the quality is not good enough to share.

Anne Marie StaggAnne Marie Stagg

10

Went recently to watch the snooker. It was unreserved seating which was pretty good. The place was clean and very secure. There was a smoking shelter for those who require it. The only downfall on the venue was the balcony seats were brilliant and comfy, but in the stalls - it really wasnt. I think if you are below 5ft 6 then it is probably a completely different experience but if you are above 6ft then you will find no leg room both laterally and vertically. You will be shoulder to shoulder and if someone leaves there seats or comes to your row, it can be a bit too close in my opinion. At the sacrifice of a few dozen seats (which it wasnt sold out anyway) get more spacious and comfortable seating, and it would make the whole experience better for everyone.

Connor “Gingernacho” RConnor “Gingernacho” R

00

First time I've been to York Barbican, and I went to see astronaut Tim Peake at this venue. This was an excellent evening, very enjoyable and informative. Quite rightly the security was very tight, and it was a packed audience. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The auditorium was great, with enough seat height to see the stage (the times I've had my view blocked by the person in front as I'm a tad on the small side). The only slight downsides were the drinks were very expensive and the auditorium did get very hot (the air-con seemed to kick in towards the end of the show). I would certainly attend another show at the York Barbican if the opportunity arose.

Faith YoungFaith Young

00

Well laid out theatre with the best seats being in the stalls in the middle tier - left and right of this give you a view of the stage that is angled, but there are no pillars to obstruct your sight line. Further back are cheaper seats but the view, without bionic vision, is likely to be poor. We sat in row O40 and 41 and had a great view of the stage. The acoustics are great, too. Prices are reasonable. Within a few minutes walk are a few car parks - Q parks charged £8 for the night. (The photos show the theatre filling up with a view to the left, straight ahead and right of our seats at the Champions of Magic show).

Jerry LindsayJerry Lindsay

40

We saw Rob Lamberti and the seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room. The sound quality was very good. We certainly would return. We didn't buy anything there - the drinks are expensive.

JE SpencerrJE Spencerr

10

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Overview

4.4

(1.1K reviews)

Phone

+44 1904 676332

Call

Website

yorkbarbican.co.uk

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