Rose Theatre Kingston

What a fantastic arts centre!

I came here to see The vagina monologues with my sister and a friend last Saturday and it was fabulous. They have a huge selection of performances showing and it's totally worth checking out their website for more details of this. Not only that but they hold workshops and bok groups and dance classes.

The bar was light and open and really quite pleasant to wait in. They have a medium selection of wines but the ones they have are good in my opinion. Right now down to the theatre, the great thing about this place is the fact that they have a huge range of prices on seats, so even if you only have a fiver in your pocket you can still see something fantastic. It's quite a small seating area but the chairs are spaced out well giving you loads of room and the stage is so large i can imagine seeing dance there is fantastic.

The £5 tickets are in 'the pit' and you have to bring a cushion to sit on. Not bad for kids but I'd rather pay that little bit more and actually be comfortable. Great show though - if you haven't been you should do!

A long-anticipated addition to Kingston's cultural heritage, this new theatre finally opened, after an extended wait, in January 2008. Sir Peter Hall has been involved with the project since its inception - although he is now moving-on - and directed the opening production of Chekov's Uncle Vanya.


Inspired by theatres of yore, the decor is far from lavish but clean and basic (in a good way) with pale wooden floors and seating in the round, on three levels. If you're on a budget, or seeking an unusual front-row experience, try the pit (unreserved). You'll need to bring along a cushion and should aim to arrive early to get your 'seat' of choice with a magnificent view of the stage, full cast and all the action. It's a great way to be a regular theatre goer for less than the price of many a cinema seat.


Uncle Vanya was magnificent; it felt completely current and incredibly easy to relate to, in terms of the vagaries of everyday life and relationships, weather extremes and (even then) the threat of global warming through forest and wildlife depletion! The cast were stunning, especially Neil Pearson, Nicholas le Prevost and Michelle Dockery (although you'll have to follow them now on their national tour as this production has just moved-on)...

Drove up recently to hear a talk in this new theatre in my former home town. Has somebody forgotten to finish the place? The foyer was most groovesome & there were volunteers aplenty to aid my, er, experience but when we went into the small studio it was breeze block central. There was even a mezzanine floor missing. I can't say it bothered me much but it would have if I'd have tried to enter from the doors on the first floor!!! Ironically, the speaker was the editor of The Idler magazine - no doubt he has a different opinion.


All this being said, how nice is it to see this theatre up & running right by the Thames? Very nice indeed actually.

The Rose Theatre is still quite new it took years to find the money to fit it out and its continuing to be a big drain on local council tax payers refused Arts Council funding it now wants 600K a year subsidy from the local council. Inside it's as bland and basic as many a modern theatre seating is in the round but viewing angles from many of the seats remain quite poor and leg room is bad throughout in the Pit in the middle you can do what you want though bring a cushion. Rather hampered by the Sir Peter Hall association it needs to break free and find it's own path whether the money will be there to support it remains a big question. An odds on chance to go dark at some time in the near future and be rescued for the better (rather like the nearby Richmond theatre).

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
modelled on the Rose theatre of Shakespere, it gives a modern feel to a traditional structure, and the result is an intense but intecactive experience. i have seen countless plays here as i live close by, and there are some fantastic productions, with some rather famous people: eg Jo Brand!!
there may be many old ladies here, but i think it is time for the younger generations to invade and discover a fantastic one of a kind theatre!

Fairly basic setup. Not what I would call a traditional theatre like the west end. (No curtains, stage wings etc.)
I went to the comedy night and it was great, the basic set up accommodates the standup comedians. The added advantage is that locals don't have to travel into London for good comedy. The ticket prices are very reasonable and it makes a good night out, with good parking (5mins walk away), and good food outlets. Pub grub / Pizzas / Jamie Oliver's / etc. to choose from. the comedy is held once a month (usually on a Sunday) and is usually good quality. They also stage plays and accommodate visiting productions. I have been several times and it is well worth a visit.

I went to see 'The Three Musketeers last week and I thoroughly enjoyed it.


It was a really engaging musical, one minute I was surprised, delighted, shocked, moved and saddened! The sword fighting was amazing; I've never seen any close up, the songs were great and I particularly enjoyed the performances of Artemis (channeling Russell Brand?) and Charlotte (I never knew what she was really thinking and was shocked when she pulled a dagger on Athos)


You can get 2 for 1 tickets here, quick, show on till 2nd Jan: http://www.rosetheatrekingstonoffers.org

Very disappointing, the performance was 15 minutes late starting. The reason for this was a teacher and school party were late arriving - so everyone had their evening ruined. Imangine the extra cost many people incurred. Babysitters, taxis, last train missed etc etc - all because teachers cannot be bothered to arrive on time. What is this teaching the children? Don't worry, the theatre will spoil everybody's evening. The audience were so loud and rude. One man was very rude when asked to turn off his mobile phone. This is the problem when under 26s are given free tickets and have no idea how to behave. A most unprofessional theatre.