gala theatre durham

We use the Gala a lot, well there's not much competition is there in the County Durham area! It is quaint and cute, offers a variety of events and cinema and I think the staff do a good job, particularly those serving beverages, they have employed some really good people there who are very good at their jobs. Be warned though leaving the building later on an evening you may get to see more of the 'locals' than you wish to, and also what they have eaten...... Usually worse on a Saturday night.

Set in the beautiful historic City of Durham, you will find the Gala Theatre/ Cinema. Just a couple of minutes walk from the Market Sqare you will find this new modern building. The theatre was opened about 15 years ago. The theatre has approximately 500 seats and is wheelchair friendly. The theatre is on two levels, there isthe stalls and the circle and both levels have excellent views of the stage, there is no restrictions in the way of your viewing. Many types of shows are on from Tribute Bands, Comedy Club, Musicals, Plays, Top class Orchestral music. There is the Intervals cafe that is open for drinks and food. There is Two cinema screens that show the latest Block Buster films. If you are looking for somewhere to eat before the show, there is plenty of places to eat and drink and are very close by. If you are staying for a few days in Durham there is a couple of hotels within walking distance of the Gala

I found out about this cinema by accident searching for showings locally of a film we wanted to see. Thought we would give it a go. Booked. It was easy and a great experience. Lovely, small, cinema. It was full when we were there at 5.30. I, and my partner, found it a great experience and we will be back. It would be a great arthouse cinema too.

We have been a coule of times to see comics and talks the last visit was to see Chris bonnington - the place was packed and we had very good night.The only thing that lets the place down are the toilets they are so small and so few

Returned to the Durham pantomine after a great time last year and we werent disappointed. It was a great pantomine without the ridiculous prices that you can pay in other cities nearby! The whole cast were excellent - great interaction with the audience - you will get soaked if you sit in the first few rows! Widow Twanky and Wishy Washy were excellent but the baddie really does steal the show - Abanazar was brilliant! Both my five and ten year old loved it . The theatre itself is lovely - maybe they could do with some more seating in the bar area but overall a lovely night.

I decided to take my sister to the panto as we haven't been to a panto in a long time. This is the first time I have been to the Gala for anything. The panto was brilliant and appealed to all ages which is great as I have been to pantos in the past which doesn't. It felt like the writers had tailored the panto to the North East as there was a lot of North East twists and references which was great. The Gala itself is great and I wasn't left disappointed about my experience. The merchandise was reasonably priced and so was the drinks which shocked me as I was expecting to pay more than what I did for drinks. I will be returning to events at the Gala especially the panto next year.

Well once again myself, grandchildren and husband enjoyed the panto at the Gala Durham.The players are very,very,good,creating a marvellous,bubbly,show.The interacting with the children is second to none and we didn't even mind getting wet half way through the show when wishee washee,widow twankee etc,came on stage with the giant water pistols...Great fun and good value,roll on panto 2015...

I took the family to watch Aladdin this year as part of the build up to Xmas....and what a hoot. Our kids aged 8 and 7 were mesmerized during the whole show. The north east twists were fantastic and the little drop in adult humour themes really hit the spot. Beware though, the ususal picking on of 2 unsuspecting members of the audience caught my wife out, who had to hand over her mobile. Classic!!!!It was my first experience of the Gala and they didn't disappoint. It was clean and easy to to find your seats. The bar was fab....and cheaper than the pubs around it.We will definately be making this an annual family xmas experience and the Gala will be welcoming us back. I couldn't recommend it higher....both Aladdin and the Gala. Well Done!!

Visited the Gala with my family to see Aladdin. We go every year for the panto and they never disappoint, very entertaining for the kids and adults. We have seen comedy acts in the past and find the venue excellent, the bar is great as they take orders for the interval to save you time. Car parking at the Walkergate is excellent and only two minutes walk from the Gala. The Walkergate also has pubs and restaurants and If you need to stay overnight there are many hotels nearby. We got tickets for Lee Nelson for next April and got booked into the premier inn for £32, very cheap but non-refundable. What ever the show the Gala is an excellent venue and a lot cheaper than the Sunderland Empire.

My husband and I came to see the Illegal Eagles on November 14th.We arrived around 7pm and were impressed at the very quick bar service.The foyer bar was extremely busy with the show being a "sell out" and also it was a Friday night.The show was excellent. We have seen this group in many theatres. Our front row seats were very comfortable.Also there seemed to be plenty leg room between the rows further back which is important when you have a tall husband.All in all an excellent visit to the Gala!

I do like the theatre here, in the small screen it feels like you are in your own house which I quite enjoy! The theatre is lovely, and great for catching the live screens from London! It is also a great venue for general events, the King con comic book convention here was great!

Visited on 9th to see the fabulous Joan Armatrading in concert, comfy seats, good accoustics, first time visit, great location by the river.

Theatre is lovely, not too big, it has a nice cafe/bar area, and it,s right in the middle of the city of Durham, and within a stone's throw of some lovely restaurants, which includes Fat Buddha,s, which I have reviewed. The theatre has housed some really excellent concert,s, we saw Let's Hang On, on Friday evening, a must see, it was amazing, the guy taking off Frankie Valli was brilliant, wow, what a voice! Also all brilliant musicians, and it seems that they can all sing too!

We go to the gala now and again with our daughter. The screens are fine and the cinema and buildings are new and accessible. Staff are always pleasant. The only thing you should know is not to visit on a weekend evening as there are crowds of inebriated people milling around as there are many bars and clubs in this part of town. It can feel intimidating at such times but is at any time a nice area to visit

We go to the Gala on a regular basis and have never had a bad experience. Tonight we came to see Irish comic Jimieoin,who was very funny as ever,but it's made even better buy the comfortable environment which the theatre provides. The Gala is a superb asset for Durham City and I for one will always endeavour to visit whenever they bring a good act to town.