4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jan 8, 2018 17:20:40 GMT
Dire ones in the West End: Ambassadors (no room FOH and tiny loos) and Phoenix (big queues for loos for both women and men). Outside London I have a positive vote for the New Victoria in Woking. On each level FOH (if I remember correctly) is a bar, loads of space, seating and loos. Also, I don't understand why the Churchill Theatre in Bromley has a negative comment. It has loads of space (particularly downstairs), drinks available on several levels and quite a few loos (if you know where to look). Theatres that do quite well (facilities and ambience) are those that have a new extension to an old auditorium. The Opera House in Belfast is an example - nice old auditorium, but to the side is a nice modern area with good loos, bar, seats, etc. and sufficient space for the audience before house opens. I mentioned the Churchill, only because to access the stalls, you have to navigate 100 steps. if you have a disability this is far from ideal. Almeida not too bad for gals now. In the old days, it was queuing in the rain! But let us please call out THE OLD VIC. Still despite adding a few cubicles, a massive queue and squashed next to the men who swan in and out, albeit sheepishly. If ever there were a case for uniloos, this is it. Take down the wall between the two facilities and remove the urinals. Then possible to widen the corridor to allow for disabled and a more pleasant entrance. Simples. I mentioned the Almeida on my original post as poor, because the lobby is extremely cramped and to get from the lobby to the circle, this can only be done, via the outside. I do realise the was built as a Victorian Music Hall, so therefore facilities 150 wasn't as important. Indeed, the loos at the Old Vic are legendarily terrible. I don't know who designed that place so the loos are either in the roof or the basement with none on the middle floors, but they need to be shot. There's no possibility of going from one to another to manage the queue lengths sensibly because they're so far apart, and they get so long they impede anyone going up and down the stairs. The basement loo layout needs to be re-designed entirely - even if not unisex, it would make more sense for the men's to have direct access from the bar and the women's to gain the corridor space that the men currently squeeze through. It can't be that hard to do! The Bridge is lovely - I have recommended it to people just for the loos! The Donmar downstairs bar bit has really opened the place up and makes it feel much more spacious and welcoming, too, though they also fail the loo test. The queue for the ladies in the Old Vic goes all the way up the stairs, so I am pretty confident that for a lot of females, do not complete their mission and have to cross their legs for act 2. Incidentally you can walk across to the Young Vic and use their facilities and they cannot refuse as it is a public building, as it receives Art council funding, however if you're seeing something in the Young Vic, you cannot go across to the Old Vic, as this doesn't receive funding!!! This is still not the perfect solution though. |
|
6,276 posts
|
Post by Jon on Jan 8, 2018 17:44:59 GMT
The Old Vic is over 200 years old so I suspect changing the toilets would require planning approval. I think they're planning to refurb the place within the next few years
I imagine because toilets aren't revenue generating, they're last on the list of things to improve.
|
|
2,302 posts
|
Post by Tibidabo on Jan 8, 2018 17:51:32 GMT
Love Trafalgar Studios for its bar, friendly staff, comfy seats (I know, I know, they only fit oompa loompas, but even us oompas like to rest our feet on the floor occasionally!) Add me to the Palladium list too - always love visiting.
Chocolate Factory. Just ugh. Dark, rickety stairs, crowded bar, having to share my bum space with strangers (move up or buy 2 seats, d'you hear?) and don't even start me on those toilets.
|
|
1,465 posts
|
Post by foxa on Jan 8, 2018 19:19:48 GMT
I love the Royal Court- Downstairs the seats are the best, the bar area is fine; toilets okay, front of house pleasant, good free cloakroom; bookshop to browse in.
The stalls seat at Stratford East are comfortable, well-raked good legroom. There is a roomy bar/restaurant though it was a bit off last time we went (half of the menu not being served, service decidedly odd and careless.)
|
|
4,799 posts
|
Post by The Matthew on Jan 8, 2018 19:27:27 GMT
I thought this thread would mostly be about the quality of toilets.
Every time I find myself having to balance on one leg and go through contortions to close a cubicle door it makes me wonder how some designs were ever signed off as satisfactory. When it comes to determining the required feature set it's not as if "people who use toilets" is an especially difficult demographic to find.
|
|
6,276 posts
|
Post by Jon on Jan 8, 2018 19:29:55 GMT
I thought this thread would mostly be about the quality of toilets. Every time I find myself having to balance on one leg and go through contortions to close a cubicle door it makes me wonder how some designs were ever signed off as satisfactory. When it comes to determining the required feature set it's not as if "people who use toilets" is an especially difficult demographic to find. Probably in ye olde times, people just did in the street! |
|
3,470 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by showgirl on Jan 8, 2018 19:43:23 GMT
Talking toilets, some of my least-favourite venues are either pub theatres, in which case it's beyond the control of the producer/director (the Old Red Lion is dire) or actual theatres but which seem to aim at a clubbing audience, e.g. Soho Theatre, where the toilets are cramped and disgusting. However, even otherwise decent theatres may have toilets which require the would-be user to be an acrobat or contortionist: Donmar Warehouse, consider yourself named and shamed.
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jan 8, 2018 20:57:15 GMT
Okay I didn't want this thread to disaggregate into one about toilets, as there are several other factors that make up guest services and quality in each one of these add to the ambient experience.
A good example how a theatre can fail on all of these, look no further than the Arts Theatre, a good case for the wrecking ball.
|
|
3,926 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Jan 8, 2018 21:07:52 GMT
A good example how a theatre can fail on all of these, look no further than the Arts Theatre, a good case for the wrecking ball. That would probably be top of my list of least favourite West End theatres, and I'm having to put up with it an awful lot at the moment! I can't decide if I dislike the lobby or the loos the most. |
|
6,276 posts
|
Post by Jon on Jan 8, 2018 21:30:25 GMT
Okay I didn't want this thread to disaggregate into one about toilets, as there are several other factors that make up guest services and quality in each one of these add to the ambient experience. A good example how a theatre can fail on all of these, look no further than the Arts Theatre, a good case for the wrecking ball. The Arts is going to be rebuilt within the next year or so IIRC. |
|
|
|
Post by profquatermass on Jan 8, 2018 21:36:14 GMT
The Bush is rather nice - lots of cafe space especially in Summer when you can sit outside
The Tristan Bates has enough loos and a cheap bar
The Union has a nice cafe and friendly staff and they've pioneered the unisex loo
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jan 9, 2018 0:47:28 GMT
A good example how a theatre can fail on all of these, look no further than the Arts Theatre, a good case for the wrecking ball. That would probably be top of my list of least favourite West End theatres, and I'm having to put up with it an awful lot at the moment! I can't decide if I dislike the lobby or the loos the most. Not withstanding the gaffer tape to hold the carpet together. The Bush is rather nice - lots of cafe space especially in Summer when you can sit outside The Tristan Bates has enough loos and a cheap bar The Union has a nice cafe and friendly staff and they've pioneered the unisex loo The Bush is a nice venue, the only gripe for me is getting there, anything more than 1 change on public transport I seriously lose interest and the Bush is 2 changes. Oddly enough I prefer the old Union, in the new one in the auditorium has serious heat issues in the summer and if you sit stage right, the orchestra drowns out the singing. The toilets and the cafe are very nice though. |
|
5,582 posts
|
Post by lynette on Jan 9, 2018 2:55:27 GMT
Donmar has always been a nightmare for women of average size and above.
Of course this thread was always gonna be about the toilets. And for one I’m delighted. I’ve been going on about them since the beginning of time.
I don’t usually bother with bars. I take a bottle of water. Drink in private. But I have noticed that the NT is a less pleasant place to sit before a performance these days. As I’ve said before the Dorfman lobby is like a funeral parlour and the Olivier/Lyttleton is messy and hasn’t enough places to sit drink or no drink. Such a waste of the brilliant location.
I was v impressed with the Bridge foyer. Almost enough chairs and a long bar. And as has been discussed adequate loos.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2018 8:46:21 GMT
Okay I didn't want this thread to disaggregate into one about toilets, as there are several other factors that make up guest services and quality in each one of these add to the ambient experience. Oh come on Phantom you should know better than that  give this board an inch...we'll review your toilets for a mile. (Also at the risk of sparking another debate, if you were a woman you'd sure as hell have a lot stronger thoughts on the toilet situation in venues!!) And ETA as I never buy drinks in the theatre (save coffees in those venues who offer it) toilets and general 'room to move' are my only real concerns in venues, outside 'how numb does my arse get' |
|
4,458 posts
|
Post by poster J on Jan 9, 2018 9:05:14 GMT
The ladies toilets in the refurbished Victoria Palace are very nice but a nightmare to get to - if you're on the right side of the stalls to make a dash for it you'll be fine, but if you're slower the queue goes up two different sets of stairs!
And it will only get worse once people know where they are rather than having to ask for directions in that rabbit warren of a theatre!
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jan 9, 2018 12:55:01 GMT
Interesting you point that one out monkey, I read somewhere that the Pentagon, Washington, is actually in Virginia so therefore classified as a southern state, but also has a dissapportionate amount of toilets (restrooms), because back in medieval times you needed separate facilities for white people and people of colour, looks like the US could be heading back that way under Trump.
|
|
4,950 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Jan 9, 2018 13:26:13 GMT
I'm pretty sure I saw it done once in a film You've probably seen it in the Full Monty, one of the most successful British films of all time. It was set firmly in the North, where everyone, male and female, is terribly uncouth. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2018 13:37:56 GMT
^ That’s the one! My mind must have been on other things The north uncouth?! I’ve heard they’ve got hot and cold running water now. Some homes even have bathrooms... Or is that a myth?  |
|
4,950 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Jan 9, 2018 13:44:06 GMT
Some homes even have bathrooms I believe some do, in well-to-do areas like Nether Edge. One day, I hope to replace my bucket with a tin bath! |
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jan 9, 2018 16:12:02 GMT
Okay I didn't want this thread to disaggregate into one about toilets, as there are several other factors that make up guest services and quality in each one of these add to the ambient experience. Oh come on Phantom you should know better than that give this board an inch...we'll review your toilets for a mile. (Also at the risk of sparking another debate, if you were a woman you'd sure as hell have a lot stronger thoughts on the toilet situation in venues!!) And ETA as I never buy drinks in the theatre (save coffees in those venues who offer it) toilets and general 'room to move' are my only real concerns in venues, outside 'how numb does my arse get' There has been seperate threads in the past about toilets, if I recall correctly 'The Toilet Jinx' being one, however you could have a theatre that has perfectly reasonable toilets, but other awful guest facilities, don't want to just get bogged down on toilets. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2018 16:16:50 GMT
Oh come on Phantom you should know better than that give this board an inch...we'll review your toilets for a mile. (Also at the risk of sparking another debate, if you were a woman you'd sure as hell have a lot stronger thoughts on the toilet situation in venues!!) And ETA as I never buy drinks in the theatre (save coffees in those venues who offer it) toilets and general 'room to move' are my only real concerns in venues, outside 'how numb does my arse get' There has been seperate threads in the past about toilets, if I recall correctly 'The Toilet Jinx' being one, however you could have a theatre that has perfectly reasonable toilets, but other awful guest facilities, don't want to just get bogged down on toilets. *Sniggers* Bogged down. Anyway, do lighten up ...if you want a serious discussion I might respectfully suggest you're in the wrong place? (or perhaps consider a career change to buildings inspector?!) |
|
748 posts
|
Post by rumbledoll on Jan 9, 2018 17:24:15 GMT
Judging by personal experience only: Worst: Old Vic (poor facilities, nowhere to sit and wait, foyer is suffocating, cloackroom too expensive, BO staff often lack knowledge and too slow) Donmar - just totally user-unfriendly on every possible level Best: The National (once you know you way around the building feels like second home, tasty cheap food at The Kitchen, tickets self-collecting machines, sockets, free exhibitions to kill time) The Bridge (BO and users all smiles and super helpful, spacious bathrooms, loads of light (and beautiful too!), comfy seats, long bar). Royal Court: amazing vibe about this place, overall welcoming, great food, staff always ready to help, lovely little bookshop and free playtexts at SD if you are lucky  |
|
|
|
Post by profquatermass on Jan 9, 2018 18:50:58 GMT
That would probably be top of my list of least favourite West End theatres, and I'm having to put up with it an awful lot at the moment! I can't decide if I dislike the lobby or the loos the most. Not withstanding the gaffer tape to hold the carpet together. The Bush is rather nice - lots of cafe space especially in Summer when you can sit outside The Tristan Bates has enough loos and a cheap bar The Union has a nice cafe and friendly staff and they've pioneered the unisex loo The Bush is a nice venue, the only gripe for me is getting there, anything more than 1 change on public transport I seriously lose interest and the Bush is 2 changes. Oddly enough I prefer the old Union, in the new one in the auditorium has serious heat issues in the summer and if you sit stage right, the orchestra drowns out the singing. The toilets and the cafe are very nice though. The old Union had precisely one ladies' loo. IIRC it had washbasin inside the cubicle so you had to queue up not just for the loo but for people washing their hands. Though I might be misremembering - the loo was so sordid it may well not have had running water... |
|
2,302 posts
|
Post by Tibidabo on Jan 9, 2018 18:55:41 GMT
Ok, you dangled so I'll bite, as I presume you're expecting a chain reaction Monkey. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2018 19:01:52 GMT
Ok, you dangled so I'll bite, as I presume you're expecting a chain reaction Monkey. Butt seriously are we really dumping everything on the toilet facilities. That seems a bum deal... |
|
2,389 posts
|
Post by peggs on Jan 9, 2018 20:13:12 GMT
Oh, and just to throw in, that the Royal Albert Hall was build without facilities for ladies, as in those days it was believed that a lady would NEVER require facilities when out in public. The Flatiron Building in New York was the same, as were many others. Really? Presumably woman didn't hydrate in those days either. Is that likely to be true for other older buildings thus explaining the few squeezed in toilets we get? |
|
4,799 posts
|
Post by The Matthew on Jan 9, 2018 21:29:24 GMT
Is that likely to be true for other older buildings thus explaining the few squeezed in toilets we get? I think the reason is that toilets aren't revenue-generating spaces so they get crammed into the least desirable locations. |
|
2,389 posts
|
Post by peggs on Jan 9, 2018 22:01:46 GMT
Is that likely to be true for other older buildings thus explaining the few squeezed in toilets we get? I think the reason is that toilets aren't revenue-generating spaces so they get crammed into the least desirable locations. Except in a round about way they are, i'm not going to spend lots of money on drinks in a place if you then have to queue for ages for a toilet. Ok, I am a cheap skate and always take tap water but if we ignore that factor......... in a similar way if there's waiting room i'm more likely to go early and succumb to something like a programme, if it's squash room only i'm likely to leave it much later. |
|
4,038 posts
|
Post by kathryn on Jan 9, 2018 22:08:08 GMT
Indeed, the nice thing about The Bridge having fab loos is that you don’t spend the entire interval queuing for them, and so have time for a cup of tea/glass of wine and madeleines.
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Jan 10, 2018 0:17:48 GMT
The Bridge is excellent, after all it is a theatre that speaks for its time and is designed for a 21sr century audience, where some theatres featured on this thread were aimed at a 19th century Victorian audience.
Looking forward to going back there to see a Julius Caesar and going not just for the play.
|
|
give this board an inch...we'll review your toilets for a mile. 
