Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.. (Winston Churchill)
Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.. (Winston Churchill)
Member since:07.12.2002
Reviews:261
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Chester is famous for its architecture boasting the remains of a walled Roman city, a Gothic Town Hall, a Norman Cathedral and the Rows - Tudor shops. It is a picturesque and interesting mélange of architectural styles. Yet tucked away behind the Town Hall is the Gateway theatre, a product of the 1960s concrete architectural movement.
The Theatre isn’t very pretty to look at nor is it grand or luxurious inside but it is friendly, welcoming and stages a wide range of theatrical performances.
The Theatre can be accessed by walking through the Forum shopping centre or via a set of stairs situated at the corner of Trinity Street and Hamilton Place. The theatre is easily accessed by disabled patrons with a lift available from the street and parking area to the Theatre and ramps to areas inside the theatre itself.
A paved area leads to the glass fronted building that opens into a small lobby. A small box office is located by the entrance where tickets can be booked and postcards bought.
A small café is situated just inside the lobby. With only six tables, this is very compact. Limited refreshments can be purchased here, tea, coffee, cold drinks, biscuits and sweets. Up a double flight of stairs is the bar area where interval drinks can be purchased. These are laid out on shelves lining the area.
The toilets are specious, clean and enough of them to minimize the queues that can often occur in performance intervals.
The main auditorium is conventional with the stage facing tiered rows of seat. Rows E to X, rise upwards with a central section flanked with seats to either side. Seats are quite basic with folding chairs and little leg room.
There is also a smaller auditorium situated downstairs, The Studio. This is even more basic. Seating is again tiered with a series of long benches.
What the theatre excels in though, is the extensive range of performances it stages. Over the years, I have seen Operas, musicals, farce, dramas, comedies, pantomime, dance and talks at this Theatre. The Theatre also provides opportunity for and encourages amateur performances. This season for example there are six amateur productions listed. It runs a Youth Theatre Group called Gateway Live who put on regular productions throughout the year.
Information on performances is provided in clear easy-to-read glossy leaflets, a small brochure and via a well designed website (www.chestergateway.co.uk). The brochure is also available in large print or audio tape if required.
Tickets fees range between £6 and £18 with concessions for pensioners and children. Bookings can be made in person, by post or online.
If you are in the vicinity, I do recommend that you attend a performance at the Gateway. It may not compare aesthetically to or have the comfort of some the grander theatres around but you will be assured of a friendly welcome and a good show. I have been a regular for many years and will be for years to come.
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