Theatre Royal Windsor - A lovely old theatre by Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:33:54 +0000

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01753 853888

Website: http://www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

The Royal Theatre Windsor is a beautiful old place which - decked out as it is with gilt and red plush around a semi-circular, tiered amphitheatre - easily rivals any of the old London theatres for dignified good looks. It mostly seems to show plays, musicals and farces by such names as Oscar Wilde, Agatha Cristie, Daphne Du Maurier, Ray Cooney, Gilbert and Sullivan - usually the type that involves no more than five actors, with minimal set and costume design. Plus I've noticed that certain plays seem to crop up there on a fairly regular basis, or is that just my imagination? "Murder on Air", for example.

Nonetheless, the theatre does seem to attract a host of well-known actors, particularly those from the world of TV, perhaps because many of them live in the area. I saw Billy Piper starring in "Treats" last year, and Michael Barrymore famously tried to make yet another comeback there recently. There's also a fair amount of dance and music events thrown into the mix, ranging from opera, to tribute bands, to Riverdance, to The Glen Miller Orchestra, to Chas 'n' Dave. Yes, that's Chas 'n' Dave in November 2008... woo hoo! Bet you thought they were dead. Oh, and let's not forget the obligatory panto at Christmas.

This isn't fringe theatre, so tickets aren't especially cheap and, as with any older theatre, it pays to be selective about where you sit. I've heard that one needs stumps for legs in order to sit comfortably in the boxes, for instance. There's a bar which is currently looking a little worn and tired, but which is perfectly serviceable for a drink beforehand or during the interval. Plus the theatre's position is terrific - right next to the castle with masses of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby, some of which offer a pre-theatre menu. Parking is available in various car parks all around Windsor, but it's pricey and can get busy, so allow plenty of time. Then find your seat and enjoy!The Royal Theatre Windsor is a beautiful old place which - decked out as it is with gilt and red plush around a semi-circular, tiered amphitheatre - easily rivals any of the old London theatres for dignified good looks. It mostly seems to show plays, musicals and farces by such names as Oscar Wilde, Agatha Cristie, Daphne Du Maurier, Ray Cooney, Gilbert and Sullivan - usually the type that involves no more than five actors, with minimal set and costume design. Plus I've noticed that certain plays seem to crop up there on a fairly regular basis, or is that just my imagination? "Murder on Air", for example.

Nonetheless, the theatre does seem to attract a host of well-known actors, particularly those from the world of TV, perhaps because many of them live in the area. I saw Billy Piper starring in "Treats" last year, and Michael Barrymore famously tried to make yet another comeback there recently. There's also a fair amount of dance and music events thrown into the mix, ranging from opera, to tribute bands, to Riverdance, to The Glen Miller Orchestra, to Chas 'n' Dave. Yes, that's Chas 'n' Dave in November 2008... woo hoo! Bet you thought they were dead. Oh, and let's not forget the obligatory panto at Christmas.

This isn't fringe theatre, so tickets aren't especially cheap and, as with any older theatre, it pays to be selective about where you sit. I've heard that one needs stumps for legs in order to sit comfortably in the boxes, for instance. There's a bar which is currently looking a little worn and tired, but which is perfectly serviceable for a drink beforehand or during the interval. Plus the theatre's position is terrific - right next to the castle with masses of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby, some of which offer a pre-theatre menu. Parking is available in various car parks all around Windsor, but it's pricey and can get busy, so allow plenty of time. Then find your seat and enjoy!

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Theatre Royal Windsor - A lovely old theatre by Lacrimosa