Phoenix Theatre — Attraction in London

Visited The Phoenix to see 'Stranger Things -The First Shadow'. Very busy and on arrival unceremoniously told to go to tradesman entrance around the side as seats were upstairs in Grand Circle. Tickets were bought on initial release so limited availability and seats were quite cramped, view became very restricted by the two people in the two rows directly in front of me when they moved to try and get a better sighting and at one point when an important part of the storyline in part two occurred centre stage front, this could not be seen at all due to position and entire Grand Circle craning to see what was happening. One of party I was with went to use bathroom and purchase ice creams during interval, queues were very long and four minutes before second act began, an usher told people queuing they could have used the bathrooms in the Dress Circle 'as they're normally empty' - this after waiting all this time with 2 teenage children. After using bathroom, the usher informed the ice cream seller had gone, so they went into the bar for ice cream, was told 'they don't sell ice cream in bar'. The usher was approached again and advised them to go back to bar for ice cream, but said ice creams were no longer being sold as the second act was about to start when told had already tried and reason due to toilet queues, she said to pay for ice creams in bar and she would source them, which she did. Show had not restarted by the time they got back to seats..... A further comment on sales- before show started we went to bar at Grand Circle level and bought soft drinks and pretzels (food and drink was themed 50's American to fit vibe of show. All internal decorations are 'Hawkins' related also as is neon sign on front of building) and noticed they were selling a range of merchandise. When we asked about this we were told to use QR code on seat and any purchases would be delivered to seat. This procedure was difficult and required signing up to theatre wifi of which no instruction was given and again an usher had to be sought out to confirm which out of many options and passwords was correct, which was time consuming and frustrating. We had been told we could purchase in foyer after show but no direct access from Grand Circle and we felt it would take a monumental effort to try and re-enter. Performance was superb and if you're a fan, couldn't recommend it highly enough, and even if you're not, it's a fantastic theatrical experience. In summary, this was a celebratory event and long planned special occasion for us and although the ushers, security and servers were very efficient, they lacked empathy, understanding or the essential aspects of customer service which are amicable concern, and ensuring the customer is happy throughout. We've attended this theatre before and had no issuses but maybe too much attention has been paid to furnishing and executing this stellar production and the public have been classed as...

Was lucky enough to see Stranger Things here, which is a five star smash and one of the most incredible spectacles you're likely to see on stage.

Google wants me to review the Phoenix Theatre itself though, and the venue loses a star due to a couple of issues.

The staging of the show was superb, and can't be faulted. Likewise, the staff we spoke with were all excellent. A couple of small issues cost the venue a star in my opinion.

Like most venues of the period, the Phoenix is showing its age and a bit rough around the edges. Personally, I like the authenticity of the interior, but on a hot July evening the lack of ventilation/air conditioning was painfully obvious, and in the dress circle the audience were sweltering.

The seats and fixtures are also old and creaky, which might seem like nit picking, but when every movement from the crowd led to loud creaks from the seating, it did break the immersion on stage.

We were also told that once the performance began, there was a no readmission policy. We questioned this thinking it was designed to stop people going outside for a smoke/to the bar/to the concession stands, but were told it included the toilet.

I understand the Theatre wanting to reduce disruptions, but for any audience member with a medical condition, pregnancy or weak bladder, this seems harsh.

I held myself until the interval, and was lucky to beat the crowds to the toilet as the queues quickly got huge. Being restricted definitely impacted my enjoyment of the show however, as I couldn't wait for the first half to end to prevent and risk of an accident.

Small gripes aside, it's a lovely old theatre with good staff, and the show itself is...

I went here yesterday afternoon (12.07) with my girlfriend to watch Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

I can’t express enough how impressive the show was. The sets and stage work are out of this World. There are a few parts (which I won’t describe, to avoid any spoilers) that are so jaw dropping, I have no idea how they pull it off.

The acting was excellent all around. I particularly liked Louis McCartney as Henry, but Chris Buckley (Bob) and Isabella Pappas (Joyce) gave equally great performances.

As I am also rating the theatre, I have to deduct a star. The facilities are inadequate to serve the large audiences. There were either 2 or 3 men’s toilets, but the bathrooms are tiny and have just 2 urinals and 1 cubicle. The bar areas get very busy and there’s not much space to manoeuvre. It made me feel very stressed. Expect to see large queues everywhere.

The seats were also EXTREMELY uncomfortable (I was in Row N of the stalls). After a while, my bum became really achy and I couldn’t stop shuffling about. This is probably due to the lack of leg room, which others have voiced in their reviews.

It annoys me when people can’t go without snacking for a couple of hours, as rustling of crisps packets and popcorn can be distracting. People behind me kept whispering throughout, but that’s the risk you take when going to the theatre.

All in all though, that stuff is just a minor inconvenience in the moment (well, maybe not the awful seats). I will strongly recommend this show to my friends and family, and I’d consider watching...