Upstairs at the Western
Upstairs at the Western
Upstairs at the Western
5
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Upstairs at the Western is Leicester's first pub theatre which programmes two seasons (Spring and Autumn) of brave, engaging and inspiring performances of theatre, comedy, spoken word, music and workshops. Home to Off the Fence Theatre Company.
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5.0
12 reviews
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Paul P
Leicester, UK26 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
Situated above a pub in the heart of Leicester's student quarter, what is not to like about the city's only pub theatre?
Now in its second very successful year I have managed to see many productions including a whole raft of this year's Leicester Comedy Festival gigs
Not only does this intimate 60 seater host a myriad of visiting productions it is also home to Off The Fence Theatre company which is responsible for, amongst others, the nationally touring Climb The Crucifix and England Expects, both commemorating this year's centenary or World War 1.
Entering the pub you are immediately struck by its olde worlde decor, walls decorated with old beer advertisements and a freize of beer mats through the ages and the warm welcome from botht the pub and theatre staff.
Don't be put off by the fact that this little theatre is above a pub, included in this season's brochure are plenty of productions suitable for children from 4 upwards. Obviously many things are very unsuitable for younger audiences but they are clearly notated in the brochure.
Overall I would heartily recommend Upstairs at The Western, especially if you want to visit the theatre on a budget. With many productions only charging £10 a ticket this is a welcome change from the prices charged by mainstream theatres.
Now in its second very successful year I have managed to see many productions including a whole raft of this year's Leicester Comedy Festival gigs
Not only does this intimate 60 seater host a myriad of visiting productions it is also home to Off The Fence Theatre company which is responsible for, amongst others, the nationally touring Climb The Crucifix and England Expects, both commemorating this year's centenary or World War 1.
Entering the pub you are immediately struck by its olde worlde decor, walls decorated with old beer advertisements and a freize of beer mats through the ages and the warm welcome from botht the pub and theatre staff.
Don't be put off by the fact that this little theatre is above a pub, included in this season's brochure are plenty of productions suitable for children from 4 upwards. Obviously many things are very unsuitable for younger audiences but they are clearly notated in the brochure.
Overall I would heartily recommend Upstairs at The Western, especially if you want to visit the theatre on a budget. With many productions only charging £10 a ticket this is a welcome change from the prices charged by mainstream theatres.
Written 10 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrissy1706
Leicester, UK46 contributions
I have been twice in the last month and the performances were outstanding. It s a fabulous venue and as much as I like it to become better known, I would also hate it to become too famous so that I couldn't get a ticket anymore.
Online booking is easy and the booking fee appropriate for the convenience of securing a seat.
Online booking is easy and the booking fee appropriate for the convenience of securing a seat.
Written 10 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daisychain50
Lichfield, UK147 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Went to see a brilliant musical called Ordinary Days which was really awesome! Loved the venue which was quirky and unusual in a great way! It's the Great Western pub with a theatre upstairs! Couple of tips take a cushion as seats can be a little uncomfortable and also the parking round there is a bit challenging so take care as it's a student area and a lot of mixed residents only and parking meters which are very cheap! Make a date and go it's a fun night out!
Written 27 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterlawyer
Leicester, UK2 contributions
Sept 2016 • Solo
Loved it ! A very enjoyable evening (about an hour) with a very energetic and well thought out one man performance in this intimate studio theatre. I have already booked to see further events here. As an elderly pensioner I had no problems although there may be access problems for those with mobility issues but a welcoming and pleasant venue. Over a pub and probably not usually suitable for small children. I noticed this performance was later going to Barnsley where I have friends and have recommended it to them.
Written 20 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Partw0rn
High Wycombe, UK30 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
The billing sounded intriguing - someone cooking a 3 course meal using only hotel room appliances! And George met and exceeded our expectations. First it was very funny as only comedy with a strand of truth running through can be. Anyone who has tried hotel room service will yearn for food of George's menu calibre. And it was all genuine, and above board (apart from the popcorn - I was disappointed you couldn't cook it with a hair dryer.) But, secondly it was educational, all kinds of interesting facts, observations and experiences. It was monumentally clever, inventive and creative in a 'Roald Dahl' style (that you don't want children to see as it will give them ideas - but actually you do as it does engender free thinking out of which greatness comes). It was hilariously nostalgic with interludes involving 'painting' Twiglets with Marmite and sculpting Soreen Malt Loaf into unmentionable items for practical jokes (with tips for maximum impact). All told, it was excellent entertainment and Georges remarks on Brighton (his home town) and lack of diversity notwithstanding, I should like to see a more ethnically 'flavoured' version involving more of the trouser press. I only wished I had seen the promised recipe cards on sale as had been promised after the tasting. This is a great venue for intimate shows like this and suitable for everyone with an open mind and stomach.
Written 6 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IPRI111
Milton Keynes, UK20 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
Who would have thought a great evening at this miniscule pub-theatre would include a chemistry experience and a docu-comedy mime. John Hinton who wrote and performs all the parts is a genius reminiscient of Rik Mayall, Dame Edna Everage and your favourite teacher all rolled into one. The story is a look into dark parts of the life of Marie Curie as she slogged through purifying tons of pitchblende to obtain tiny amounts of radioactive radium; her venture to America to try and acquire more in return for a punishing lecture tour but supported by her daughters. And the plight of the luminescent watch-dial painters who innocently refined their radium-loaded paintbrushes with their tongues only to suffer dreadful jaw malignancies. In amongst that the audience participates in a chain reaction depicting isotopes of radium decaying, via a series of intermediates to radon, polonium and lead isotopes. A truly 'adult' theme, it is also excellent for older children who are astonished to find themselves on an equal footing with their parents. I only wished John's wife who was supporting him on stage with piano accordion could have taken a more active role .... watching John do everything was exhausting. Can't wait to see the the other two plays in the trilogy on Darwin & Einstein.
The venue (Upstairs) above a "spit & sawdust" pub (The Western) was really good - tiny (max audience of 60), but perfectly formed. It was well organised with the worlds tiniest box office, excellent online ticketing website, and top notch fliers, brochures and a fantastic programme of plays. Great to have a draft cider or real ale while waiting for curtain up.
The venue (Upstairs) above a "spit & sawdust" pub (The Western) was really good - tiny (max audience of 60), but perfectly formed. It was well organised with the worlds tiniest box office, excellent online ticketing website, and top notch fliers, brochures and a fantastic programme of plays. Great to have a draft cider or real ale while waiting for curtain up.
Written 3 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen B
Leicestershire, UK3 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Gary and Verity have great taste and host excellent productions. They are friendly, thoughtful and listen to feedback. With the help of volunteers they have improved the venue in each closed season. To be able to see high quality productions of new plays in an intimate setting in our local pub, which incidentally always serves a good pint, is a genuine thrill.
Written 19 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham M
Corby, UK6 contributions
Feb 2020
Had many a hilarious night at the comedy here. Please keep it going it is so appreciated. Decent beers in the pub are worth a mention too making for a good nigh all round.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrjohnkirby
4 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
I can't recommend this venue highly enough. Lovely staff, great shows and beer! A great venue to see shows up close.
Written 11 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickiBoop23
Leicester, UK5 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Been to a few plays here over the last year. Every one has been brilliant. Looking forward to the next season!
Written 11 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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