A great little theatre in the heart of Durham, The Assembly Rooms seats about 200 people. The…read morebuilding itself is lovely, though a little run-down and there isn't any of your traditional interval drinks or ice cream here. The reason I rate it though is because of the performances put on there, they're not productions with huge budgets but what they do have is talented actors. The main company to put on plays here is Durham Student Theatre who have the best student actors in Durham and put on some really innovative, unusual and sometimes controversial plays.

I really love the Darlington Civic Theatre! It has a very luxurious sort of feel, the decor is so…read moreplush and well luxurious! I've seen some brilliant shows there over the years, and always look forward to going - it makes a really nice evening out. The staff are lovely, too - really friendly. It has a bar for the interval, in fact if I remember rightly it also has a sort of cafe/coffee bar area, so you have plenty of choice. On the downside, I do feel the ice creams and sweets are over-priced, but if you've got children you can't not get them an ice cream in the interval. There is no dedicated parking for the Civic. There are, however, some pay and display car parks just down the road directly opposite the main entrance to the theatre. If you are at an evening show, that's even better, as I think the pay and display car parks are free after 6pm.

Like most people I adore the Civic Theatre, I've heard that it's known as one of the best outside…read morethe West End of London. The performances it attracts are always top line which of course helps. The yearly pantomime is a treat and tends to follow a traditional format suitable for all the family. Easy access the only downside is the parking being a bit of a walk away but people can be dropped off at the side entrance. A good addition was the conservatory which means there is more than one place to arrange to meet people before/during and after a performance. Nice to see that it still has most of the original features including the ghost of an early Manager!

Journal Tyne Theatre - my favourite of the two theatres in Newcastle. Though its rival is seen to…read morebe the Theatre Royal, I can honestly say that I prefer the general atmosphere and architecture of the Journal Tyne Theatre. On my first visit I found it virtually impossible to locate despite having lived in the North East all of my life. When I did eventually find it, he staff were welcoming and cheerful. Last year I saw numerous pantomime performances throughout the North East, but I can honestly say that despite its lack of special effects and its very basic stage, the actors and actresses were more engaging than any of the celebrity endorsed pantomimes. I guess they have to be in order to keep up with the competition and pull in an audience over the christmas season. The actual inside of the theatre is lacking - it goes without saying that it is a very old building, which isn't particularly well maintained. However, it does have a certain charm and for this reason I look forward to the christmas pantomime every year.

This is a lovely old place to visit,The Theatre stands at the bottom of Westgate Road in the city…read morecentre,so is very easy to get to.It's a listed building so it has'nt lost its charm and has lots of original features.There is always a vast variety of acts available and even the annual pantomime so there really is something for every age. There's a good sized bar which is always a bonus. It's not a glitzy place but it's atmosphere more than makes up for anything it might lack in looks.Much nicer than a lot of the newer venues around.

Beautiful, well-preserved historic concert hall. Acoustics are better than ok, too…read more Went there for a concert by the visiting Manchester Hallé Orchestra in September 2014. The decor in this Victorian age concert hall is stylish indeed, from the peculiar circular corridor around the back to the stunning, plush auditorium. When you're entering it truly is like a step back in time. The venue offers classical as well as pop concerts and many other kinds of performances and shows (A town the size of Harrogate does not have its own professional orchestra - of course). The acoustics are not as colorful as at, say, the Manchester Bridgewater Hall or the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, but they are still very good, with a nice presence. Seats in the auditorium are comfortable, even cozy. Amenities include a bar, located along said circular corridor.

It would be so easy to give this beautiful venue a 5 star ***** review. It's breath-taking inside,…read morejust stunning. The recent restoration that was finished in 2008 has made it one of the most outstanding looking theatres in the north of England. It has one of the oddest features in the form of a circular corridor around the outside of the foyer area - this must have been truly spectacular with all the sides open in good weather. The ceiling of the auditorium is quite amazing. The whole place is a classic old-fashioned theatre. A few things let it down. Brownie points for the large number of ladies toilets which meant that when I was there recently my other half didn't spend the whole interval queuing to use them. On the other hand I actually did spend most of the interval queuing as, for reason, it was decided to make the number of toilets in the gents minimal. This meant a good 60 or 70 caught-short blokes standing around the stair area in confused fashion. It's almost like the place has taken revenge on men who have hardly had to queue to use the loo! In addition the place has a heavy handed approach to anyone trying to take photos. While this might make sense for many theatrical productions when a rock band play there - and quite a few do - it's just weird. People tend to take photos at music shows these days, but try it here and you'll get into trouble There is a team of stealthy black-suited ladies who's sole occupation it seems is to police the venue and creep up on anyone who dares to take out a camera. I sat almost at the back with no one behind me and as soon as I took a picture I hand grabbed my shoulder and a lady stage whispered into my ear: 'no photography'. We then watched in amusement as this team of ladies crept about, shoulders hunched, trying to find more culprits. They didn't bother with people in the middle of rows but anyone sitting in an aisle seat was considered fair game. We saw about 20 people get collared. It became silly. I sneakily took a few shots but I suspect I'd have been ejected if I'd been caught a second time. For such an old-style place to be so strict is a bit off putting. I'm all for stopping vast numbers of video cameras and the like but an occasional snap when bright flashing lights are all around is mad.

There's not much to do in a place like Brampton. And the nearest cinema is 10 miles away in the…read morecity of Carlisle, so whoever thought it would be a good idea to start a film club, was right. With monthly showings, cheap membership and a different (new release) film every month, this is the social event of the month in Brampton!

I think that this is the best all round dance, drama and singing education in the area. Very…read moreprofessional indeed. Properly run, not just someone getting as many in as possible. My children have improved in behaviour and confidence since going. Kate is the Principal and very compassionate and Sam also, the Drama tutor. The singing tutor is one of the most professional people I have ever met and is called Mr hassien. I can't recommend highly enough. It alkso works out good value when you consider what some of the smaller classes cost. Here they get all three disciplines.

Intimate little amateur theatre. Interesting range of productions which are well worth supporting.read more

Went to this place recently and was very impressed they have films on and live theatre the stage is…read moreon a level with the front line of seats so you dont have to get a crick in your neck looking up There are loads of painting on the wall from the bar to the stage area to buy from local artists The bar does tea and coffee as well as drinks from which they serve generaous measures and ice creams are sold at the other end It has some local companies as well as larger names but is not expensive Well worth a night out

It's quite a surprise that Alnwick boasts such a theatre and cinema. The Playhouse puts on a range…read moreof productions throughout the year including music, theatre, dance and pantomime. Music ranges from traditional Northumbrian through contemporary and even stretches to a decent opera programme. The cinema does tend to concentrate on popular hit films, but they often have one-off showing of great older and foreign films. It's easy to recommend the Playhouse and it's very surprising that Alnwick has such an upmarket and interesting theatre in its midst.

At first I hated this place because it involved the demolition of my two favourite places, the…read moreDovecot arts centre and the Cannon Cinema. But it grew on me. It is big and yellow and was shut down for a year or so because of mis-management. A bit of the wall revolves because of 'art.' The outside is spoilt by metal walkways to save on cleaning costs. There is one big theatre, a smaller auditorium used for stand up gigs, a gym, a cinema and rehearsal rooms, as well as bars and restaurants. It is a little too big for the area but I think the guys have got their act together in terms of publicity so that people in the area who want to go know when stuff's on. It really comes alive during Stockton festival, when all the weird european street performers use it as a base. If you're in the area this is the best place to go for a night out.

I Love this show - its the last friday of every month and they do a couple of special gong shows…read moreeach year - watch out for those in the arc brochure. The setting up stairs is excellent you can either reserve seats for larger groups or just turn up on the night. You have a choice of sitting at a table or sitting in stadium seating up the side. Only complaint I have is that the breaks between acts where you have time to go to the bar are too long - they are supposed to be 15 mins but are always at least 30 mins as the staff try and get people in from the bar area - you can bring your drinks into the show with you. By the end of the night people are getting a little rowdy as a lot of alcohol is consumed. But very good fun.

The gala Cinema is located with The Gala Theatre in the walkergate complex at the bottom of…read moreClaypath. It tends to only show one or two films at a time, usually whatevers most popular at the time. It's very small, almost like being at home! To me though, this makes the whole experience more cosy and intimate. now the seats have been replaced, they are a lot more comfortable! There is a large multi storey car park right next door which is open over 24 hours, and there are lots of restaurants in the same complex if you fancy a bit to eat or a drink when you come out.

Really nice cinema, feels like your in your living room as its a small cinema but has a nice…read morefeeling about it as its small and cosy. The price for the cinema is not cheap in my opinion but it has more character than an odeon cinema and makes a nice change. The seats are dead comfortable. It has good directions inside the building so you know where your going and you can either take the lift or go up the stairs.