Pyramid

The Parr Hall has just benefited from a refit and best of all new chairs. For such a small venue it attracts some decent acts. The Parr hall is like it says’ it’s an hall with a stage and not a theatre.
The Pyramid centre all so isn’t a theatre, it’s a series of rooms. It’s a pity Warrington doesn’t have a real Theatre.

We went to see Dick Whittington. Were very disappointed when we first arrived as they advertised a family ticket for £34, we had been charged £42 on-​line for 2 adult and 2 children. They were also promoting their book on-​line facility!
I queried this with the box office and they said this price was not available on-​line and was clearly stated. Checked the internet and guess what, it isn’t stated at all. Just says ring the box office for parties of 10 or more.
We thought this was outrageous.
The theatre itself is very dated and tatty and was only half full.
A child was sick and the staff had no idea how to deal with it i.e. some disinfectant to get rid of the smell.
However, I must say that despite these shortcomings the actors worked very hard and put on a good performance. This must be extra hard when the theatre is only half full.

The Pyramid centre is an interesting place, a number of different spaces used for classes, entertainment, event etc. It also has the Olive Press restaurant in the basement so provides a place to eat before you see a show. You can see some really interesting things here, we went for a showing of an old silent film, and while the rooms look a bit bare and empty, they are actually quite good when you’re watching something, The seating does leave a bit to be desired though as there isn’t much room when the row is full, and if you need the loo while there, then there is only two on each floor so you can face quite a wait.

This is a great venue for different types of performances. The auditorium is quite big but the foyer and the bar area aren’t that big.
The venue attracts a lot of big stars and is a great place to see them as it’s not too big trhe atmosphere is great much better than big theatres and arenas.

A superb venue for most types of event, this is never sufficiently publicised, to my mind.
I have been going to events here since the early 1970’s and have watched as it has been decorated at times, with minor alterations, but so much opportunity lost or missed.
I have seen Jasper Carrott, Saw Doctors, Splinter Group and Male Voice Choirs. I have been to many beer festivals and charity events. I have always enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff attitude, but still think that it could be much improved with better bar/​foyer service and somewhere to park with good signage.
Additional, May 2012;
Took a group to the Saw Doctors concert last night and, in most parts, we were pleasantly surprised. As we had two who are becoming increasingly unsteady on their legs, we booked for the seated areas upstairs. This didn’t actually help as the legroom is so cramped that they ended up standing anyway and missed the incredible atmosphere downstairs! The staff actually seemed to smile quite a bit, the redecoration really looks good, although I don’t know about the new seating as it was removed! The new upstairs bar, complete with extra toilets, is a masterstroke it must have made some money last night as the staff were continually serving. I can’t speak for the standards as, apart from various strange bottled stuff, the only draught on offer were Fosters, Strongbow and Extra cold John Smiths Bitter none of which is actually beer! It has to be the only licensed premises in the land, hosting an Irish band and not serving Guinness! I heard a lot of comments on this, to be answered by the staff with the classic lineThere’s no call for it! Unbelievable!
All said, we had a great night.

Great venue and choice of acts. I don’t think they publicise it enough — we get a lot of big stars in this venue and at reasonable ticket prices too. Parking is freely available around here and the box office is open most of the time to pick up your tickets. You can book online too which is handy.

I recently visited the Parr Hall to see a comedy act. I was really inpressed with the venue. I’m not sure what the building was used for originally but to reinvent it into a concert hall was a great idea. The ticket desk and doors did not open till 30 mins before the performance so don’t arrive to early as you will have to wait outside!
They have a small br counter at the main entrance serving tea, coffee beer soft drinks and snacks, and the main bar at the back of the building. well worth a visit. There is a resturant attached to the side of the Hall. Parking to the rear so very handy all in all.