Came here to watch a comedy show - Zarna Garg is hilarious!! We watched her last year in Medford and this year she had 2 shows one in Medford and one in Boston. We had front row seats essentially next to the stage at the tables and chairs upfront. When you sit that close to the stage chances of being called upon by the comedian and worked into a joke are very very high - and that's exactly what happened- so fun!!! The theater is nice with the decorative ceiling and the decor. Our seats were essentially like dining chairs and were good. Sound was great and obviously we could see everything clearly. We had a really great time! Our friend was in the mezzanine level and had a good time too! Outside in the lobby, we took pictures with Zarna's two sons - they were really nice. As we were leaving outside and crossing the street, who should we see in a car in front was Zarna Garg!!!! We started waving and she rolled down her window and we ran and took selfies either her right at the light! Got honked at when the light turned green, but omg what an amazing experience!! She was so cool and her daughter was in the back too! Celebrity photo op!! Overall good experience at this theater. I think we had been to this theater a couple years back to see musician Richard Marx and that was a great show too. At the end we took photos in front of the stage - one of the workers there was very sweet and took our photos. Will be back! read more

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I enjoyed seeing the show here, the view was good from my seat and the interior is nice with a classic aesthetic. They do have a bar so you can enjoy a drink with your show. I will say I was met with an unfriendly usher with put me off a little. I was seated in the mezzanine and my friend and I got there a little into the opener. The doors were open and people in front of me were going in, so we followed. I had an idea of where my seat was based on research. I had paper tickets. I get to the row I was seating in and I was met with a man tapping my shoulder while I was looking at the seat number. I was stunned and he said "where are you seated, take your flash light out and show me". I was calm and said "I think over here". He was so rude and said "this is why you need to WAIT FOR ME AT THE DOOR". I was shocked, no people skills for an usher and this was really disappointing. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I have been to two shows here and they were both great. I sat on the upper level to see Ben folds and sat on the first floor for a comedy show. No bad seat! read more

Wilbur Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I always enjoy the world theater. They have great entertainment. The seats are very well done the people are friendly. There's plenty of garages for parking. read more

I went to the recent TJ Miller show at the Wilbur and the comedians were phenomenal but overall was not a good experience first they sold us parking as part of a package when we bought the tickets for $33 which is reasonable unfortunately that parking garage is a 15 to 20 minute walk depending how far you walk to the venue and from working in the area in the past there is minimum five parking garage is closer and within a two minute walk of it On top of all that when we went to use our parking voucher to get out of the garage, it would not accept it so we had to pay for it ourselves and it was only $11 so you were trying to take advantage of us. Ian made us walk an extra half hour. The people that seed at us were very friendly and nice the security staff when we came in were very nice and accommodating, but overall just some very shady business practices very tight seating not the greatest experience. I would only go back if a really important comedian was there just because I feel like I was taking advantage of. read more

The theater is a nice, intimate place to see a show. Unfortunately, it's not so handicap accessible. There are multiple floors, but the bathrooms are on the bottom floor. I came to see the Gaelic Storm, and this is probably not so much on the theater than the band, but they had some kind of Rev. big band as they warm up act. Their style was not at all consistent with the Boston Police Pipe band to lead off and the Gaelic storm to close. Underwhelmed by the experience. read more

Wilbur Theatre - A small but mighty bar on the top floor. - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The venue was astonishing. The Wilbur theatre is an incredible and beautiful historic facility in the heart of Boston! The acoustic characteristics were astonishing and complimented the performing artists to a 'T'! !!10/10!! A MUST to catch a performance here!! read more

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Wow! What an amazing theater and a double wow to the Wang family that made the preservation of this theater possible. Just gorgeous. We hadn't been here in decades, but it was truly a wonderful experience. We saw Riverdance 30 and enjoyed it thoroughly, but we also spent a good deal of time looking at the incredible paintings, walls, ceilings, etc.. So much more like a European theater than an American one. Don't miss it if you haven't been there. read more

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Old historic theater however the stairs to the balcony section was arduous. Not good for elderly or handicap . Also no sign in front of theater made it difficult to find. read more

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This places is as awful as the last time I was here. Not quite one star bad if only because it's within walking distance of the Tufts Medical Center T stop and I enjoyed the shows I've seen here. This time I was in the balcony so I had the pleasure of ascending a very cramped staircase to get to my seat. I didn't bother buying a drink as I'm sure they're outrageously expensive as is often the case at venues like this. The neighboring Boch Center Wang and Shubert theaters are far better. read more

Been to this theater dozens of times. Never had as bad of an experience as the Mae Martin late show. Mae was absolutely great - but the staff were insufferable. I agree - shouting out and heckling (even when positive or supportive callouts) should NOT happen. But it seemed very apparent that the upper levels were the only ones being so strictly and aggressively policed by the staff. You couldn't take a picture of Mae saying "thank you" at the end of their stand-up set (during applause) without being ridiculed by a staff member. They hounded the mezzanine and balcony incessantly. And yet, the highest-paying customers (floor-level) didn't appear to experience any intervention at all. Way to show your hand, Wilbur staff. read more

They really do the bare minimum here. No air conditioning in August is uncanny. I recognize that maintenance issues happen, but to give no warning ahead of time so one could prepare for a venue that feels like a sauna just shows lack of care for the experience of the patrons. Made the attempts to cool down with a cold beverage. Unfortunately, that didn't work either because the water and beer were also warm. Drenched in sweat while seated and trying to cool myself off by positioning myself behind the stranger in front of me that is fanning herself with the bathroom sign she ripped off the wall is not what I expected. It's hard to imagine going to a show here agai read more

Wilbur Theatre - The bathroom sign that was removed from the wall from a patron to fan herself. You can see the blue tape on the back. - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We came here to see Ronny Chieng's comedy show, and the staff were great. We arrived early (for the later show), and the staff managed the process efficiently, which was appreciated given the cold weather that day. The venue's interior is well-designed, offering plenty of space and ensuring that each seat had a clear, unobstructed view of the stage. The show itself was entertaining, and the venue maintained a clear no-recording policy, which was communicated beforehand and contributed to an uninterrupted experience. The seats are a bit small, but overall didn't cause a problem. Overall, it's a fantastic venue for live performances, providing excellent service and a comfortable, thoughtfully arranged environment. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A pretty nice and small theatre downtown, where our back row balcony seats gave us the same view as the mezzanine at a larger theatre. The bathroom was really tiny, though, with two stalls fit into the space of one, and the drink stand charging $6 for water and $13 for an IPA. All-in-all, a decent place to come for a show. read more

A band I really like is coming here - so I needed to jog my memory about this place and oh did I. I've seen a few bands here over the years. This maybe my least favorite old-school venue of all time. Upstairs the seats are tight as they come...so much in fact I would think they would be outlawed. Any dude that's not 120 pounds soaking wet could probably skip a vasectomy and just sit in these seats for a few hours...luckily the upcoming band I want to see is more a stand up and rock than sit down and chill group...so I will still probably go, but unless your 110% committed to the offering, you'd probably be better off driving to another city. I wish I was making this up. As for staff, I've never had a problem here but I will try and offer a more timely review the next time I attend. read more

I have to disagree with the most recent reviews. The entire staff went out of their way for me . There was so many employees I felt like I had roadies. Every single guest, was personally escorted to their seats, received the rules and regulations. Our seats were perfect, the lady at the box office was super nice, Heather was expinancial in this entire process. Chips $5, MM's $7 and non alcoholic drinks $7. It's a bit chilly so wear an extra layer. If I had to give a negative, the phone was off the hook for two days before the show. Able to reach Managment on google biz if needed. Google & me that's another review. The theater itself is clean and didn't have that library smell. I throughly enjoyed the show. Thank you to the entire staff for making this a pleasurable experience! read more

I came to see Nick Carter and I enjoyed my time. The security was great, the staff was decent. The venue is very intimate. I want to say almost any seat is a good one, but I can't say for sure because I was underneath the mezzanine level. Aside from an intimate venue, the seating arrangements are also interesting. There are small tables and seats around them making it a little weird for a concert style and making it very cramped. Really though, where ever you sit you'll have a good view of the stage. What was a little obnoxious was that I was sitting on the left side from the stage and as people would walk by the aisle my view would get obstructed. I get that people get up from their seats, but because of the lack of space sometimes people just stand right in front of you without realizing it. There's a bar, but only waiter service. The bathrooms are downstairs. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Just saw Chris Distefano here -- cool venue, especially for a smaller concert/comedy performance. The security team, I'm pretty sure, thought they were auditioning themselves for the secret service. A woman got removed from her seat for no reason, multiple staff members were approaching folks in the crowd telling them to stop talking even though nobody could hear them. 2/5 -- @Wilbur Security Team, especially the guy who was wearing the checkered picnic pants -- I would recommend meditation, smoking a J or having a drink every once in a while, everything's going to be alright. read more

I've seen a couple of comedy shows here (including Taylor Tomlinson whose Netflix special was recorded in the Wilbur!). Both times I enjoyed my experience. It's a great theater but suffers from age (as it was not built with AC and large seats in 1914). The shows run smoothly and I see a lot of staff helping with tickets, moving lines along, directing seats, etc.. The mezzanine seats are small and not cushy but provide a good view of the stage despite being in the back. The shows feel more intimate as the seats aren't too far and it's easy to hear the performers because the acoustics are good. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The good was there are lots of parking garages nearby so you can access the theater . I went here to see comedian Justin Silva and it was fun .. the ONLY thing was that they didn't have the AC on at all it was super hot the whole time . The chairs are very tight together with no leg room space and it's dangerous to walk in there cause the stairs for everything be high and it looks like your gonna fall forward read more

Sears are super crammed in. The show started 30 minutes late. People were still walking in 1 hour after the show was supposed to start.

Friendly staff, great atmosphere, well laid out for easy seating and smooth leaving after show, highly recommend

Went to see Josh Johnson who was hilarious. However, theatre security staff at the entrance kept everyone standing in a thunderstorm despite ample space to line up inside. Temperatures exceed 90 degrees in the theatre, the shoulder-shrug response was that AC was at max capacity. We were helped occasionally by a staff member opening a door to the outside. Expected better after paying over $200 for my ticket at the back of the house. read more

great show, angry staff I recently visited the Wilbur Theatre and was disappointed by the rude and hostile behavior of the staff. While sitting in my seat, I looked at my phone to check my seat number. A staff member told me, "If you look at your phone, you'll need to leave." I explained that I was just checking my seat number, but he replied, "I don't like your attitude," and then stood over me in a condescending manner, as if I were a child. After the show, the manager yelled at everyone exiting the theater that the bar was closed at 8 PM. When I asked him why, he refused to speak to me. Additionally, the blonde bartender upstairs was selling water, and when I inquired about the lack of bar service, he simply turned his back on me without responding. It seems that customer service is no longer a priority at this venue. Perhaps the staff is tired of dealing with patrons, but if I treated customers that way at my job, I would definitely be fired. I won't be seeing any shows there anytime soon. read more

They don't let you purchase any merch or participate in any meet and greets if you have to go to the bathroom after the show.

we purchased tickets for the September 6 For the Josh Johnson comedy show. We selected our seats from the floor plan. When we were seated there eight seats where the floor plan showed four. This is the second time we were surprised by very this bate and switch. Buyers be ware. read more

Saw a great show last night (Leonid and Friends). Amazing performance but I won't be going back. The venue is not normal size people friendly and certainly not old people friendly. In fact, it's downright dangerous for old people. Forget about anyone with a handicap. The restrooms are not easily accessible, the very top or very bottom only with tons of stairs. It's a very old building and it smells it. The rating is for the venue not the show!! read more

Just a very very poor place to see a show. They use these old weird crappy chairs that you'd find in a dusty old cafe. They are so close together with the seat next to them that they are touching and the row in front of you is so close your knees touch them. I've never ever been so uncomfortable in any way at a theatre or concert. Just the worst. Also the way they position front tables you are looking in the wrong direction and not at the stage. Legit pathetic. read more

Went to see Kathleen Madigan last week. We had mezzanine seats. The show was fantastic. The seats, not so much. The space between the aisles is totally unacceptable if you're over five feet tall. I had two choices (but only because I had a seat at the end of our aisle): sit with my knees pointed into the aisle; or man-spread with my knees still pressing on the seat backs in front of me. The theater was built in 1913, I think. People must have been much shorter then. Not much they can do about it without major renovations since each row is at a different level. The one exception that I'm aware of is that there is plenty of legroom in the front row of the mezzanine. I've had seats there in the past. I think the legroom situation in the orchestra section may be a little better, but I'm not sure of that. For some (I think) shows, the front of the orchestra section has bistro tables instead of rows of seats. Unfortunately, at least half of the people at each table have to turn sideways to face the stage. This often means putting your legs under the seat beside you, but that's probably better than the regular seating. Those seats tend to be very expensive, though. Be warned! read more

This theater is very dumpy. The chairs were all stained. It is in need of a major rehab

Just went to see Drew Lynch Friday and he was great! Drinks are WAY too overpriced so def pregame or be forewarned. I paid $16 for one large draft cider. Everyone was really nice except one male usher who harassed us about our masks when we were drinking. He was really snide and curt about keeping ours up in between sips while we drank. Meanwhile we watched dozens of other people keep their masks down most the night while they drank. The selective harassment was a surprise and disappointment. Otherwise I enjoyed my first time there. PS I see a LOT of complaints about seating in the theatre. It's a 1914 build, guys. A historical theatre they've kept in prime shape over the years for its age. If you are of larger stature, be warned that the seating is very tight. I'm a broad women, size 12 but I was fine. No different than theaters I have been in all over New England, along with the Victoria Theatre in London. All that old seating is a bit stiff and tight if you want more room at the Wilbur, grab tickets for downstairs where's theres individual chairs for seating. Anything in the mezzanine or balcony will be a snug fit. read more

The theater is beautiful and has great acoustics but it was hotter than Hades in there. Other than that, I love the space and the show I went to. The staff is very friendly and seemed very happy to work there. If you like the esthetic or an old theater, check this place out. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Howard Jones live at Wilbur 7/13/22 - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I love Wilbur since its so small and intimate. No matter where you sit it will be a great show. I've sat all the way up top and right up front. I gave 3 stars because the ac was lacking when it was 90 out and humid, I was wearing a tank and shorts and still sweating. Also the alcoholic drinks were EXTREMELY expensive. We got a large margarita on the rocks, regular size margarita on the rocks, and they were all sour mix so we wanted more alcohol to even out the mix, we ordered 2 double shots and it came out to $98! I expected it to be expensive, but not that expensive. Folks next to us had 4 beers and it was $50, so if you want mix drinks don't do it as they mix is overpowering, get hard liquor or beer. And pay attention to weather so you don't sweat your a$$ off either. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Front row at Dave Attell comedy show - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Good for kids since the seats are kids sized. I am 5'5 and had to practically dislocate my knees to fit in there. Sorry to the couple that was in front of me. Anyone had issues with their hips also? Let me know. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Why do stand up comedians LOVE this subpar venue? ...and I thought the Orpheum was run down. I've only purchased tickets for the floor seating and they are not tiered like the balcony. They are basically just your standard metal chair (with no cushion). I have never been to a show here where they opened doors sufficiently in advance where there wasn't a significant line of people waiting to have their bags checked, bodies scanned for metal, and tickets validated. It's always been seating everyone within 15-30 minutes of the actual ticket time. I can understand this if they booked another show earlier in the night like when I went to see the 10 PM show of Hasan Minhaj and there was a 7:30 PM show just beforehand. Due to the close proximity of this theater to the Wang Theater the line snakes past. Unfortunately the construction the intersection of Tremont St. and Stuart St. requires you to criss-cross the sidewalks. Once you arrive close enough to the entrance you have the staff yelling at you to open your bags, move to the "drinking" (ID check) or no drinking line, and emptying your pockets. There are many bars and restaurants in the area so we opt for eating beforehand. I usually like seeing what I'm drinking and eating. The acoustics for anything besides talking are terrible. We had one opener that was a DJ/Comedian and the music sounded so distorted. Plus the volume was far too loud for people just sitting and trying to talk to each other before the show starts. Overall this venue is probably cheaper to book than the other theaters adjacent and if that means lower ticket prices/proportionate fees then it's bearable. read more

Wilbur Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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JUST DON"T GO!! Cool old venue with great staff and they get good bands but the seating is PURE TORTURE!! You'd be way more comfortable flying home on a jam packed C-130 for a 14 hour flight. The balcony seats are old and outdated with little or no leg room and cushions borrowed from the Flintstones. Down on the floor they have the most uncomfortable chairs and what used to be somewhat comfortable amount of room between tables/seats is nothing short of insulting, a rip off and IMO a major safety hazard. People were cramping up during the recent show I attended, myself included. You not only cannot stretch your legs out you cannot move them at all. If you are sitting next to a big dude.....FAGHETTABOUTIT !! I used to love this place back in the day but the current floor seating is so uncomfortable I nearly walked out during the opening act at a show for a band I have been anxious to see for years. My advice: Unless you are a member of the lollypop guild (Wizard of Oz) ..... stay away. read more

Great old style theatre. No bad seats. We saw a comedy show there and enjoyed ourselves

They continued to let people in for 45 minutes in a 1.5 hour long show. It was incredibly distracting and they did not respond to our emails asking about this. read more

My friend and I went to see a show at the Wilbur last night and had a wonderful time! She had unfortunately broken her foot the day before and is on crutches. We did not have time to call for accommodations in advance and figured we'd make the best of it. When we arrived, the staff saw us immediately and pulled us out of line to the ADA entrance where we met Damian. Damien was the highlight of the night - he was able to help us with our bags and find us accessible seating. They also have a bathroom accessible via elevator that we were able to use. He was able to stop traffic so we could navigate to the exits without her tripping. Damien was kind, courteous, and moved at our (pretty slow) pace. Thank you for giving us a much better experience than we were expecting! read more

I went to the Wilbur to see a comedian I really like. The comedian was great. The venue is old and doesn't seem to invest a ton in maintenance or upkeep (ie many seats were stained) - which I'm all about if it keeps ticket prices reasonable and accessible. However, i was pretty shocked when we were confronted with a charge of $48 before tip (yes, you read that correctly) for two basic bottom shelf mixed drinks (ie grocery store gin and tonic water...not a specialty cocktail). I saw nothing to indicate that a portion went to charity, or any other justification for charging nearly twice minimum wage for a basic drink. It made the experience / venue way less inviting and fun...which is what you'd hope for when going to a comedy show. read more