Royal Spa Centre - Leamington Spa

Retro

I attended the Royal Spa Centre recently for a James Bond concert. The concert itself was absolutely fantastic, I cannot recommend Q The Music enough. My ticket was checked and I was guided to my correct seat. Drinks were served in a timely fashion and in good plastic cups. Ice cream was available as well.

I do feel compelled to talk about the elephant in the room though: the air conditioning in the theatre. I think it was on, but it isn't very good. The entire room was roasting, with people using their programmes to fan themselves. Even the band on stage were getting sweaty. During the interval, the staff had to open an emergency exit door to the outside to allow the heat out, and fresh air in. It's probably alright in winter, but this was a warm spring evening.

I see from another response that the problem has been acknowledged and it is to do with the age of the building; but if you do manage to secure funding for a refurbishment, the air conditioning system should be your first problem to deal with. The heat was very uncomfortable.

Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable evening. Friendly and professional staff.

John R.

The first time I’ve been to a music night at RSC to watch “That’ll be the day” and it was absolutely wonderful for an elderly person to listen to music from the 1950’s-80’s. The band were incredibly good and the Centre and facilities were very comfortable and organised. I’ll definitely go again as the other attenders were also very friendly. A really great and enjoyable evening. Thank you so much.

Bilge U.

I had a truly unpleasant experience at the cinema. First and foremost, there was no air conditioning, just stagnant, suffocating heat throughout the screening. The lack of ventilation made it nearly unbearable to sit through the film.

To make matters worse, the audience seemed to have no regard for basic cinema etiquette. People were talking loudly throughout, as if they were in a café or a pub, not a cinema. It completely disrupted the experience.

Even more frustrating was that the lights were left on during the trailers, and no effort was made to create a proper cinema atmosphere. With the lights on, people just kept chatting loudly, further spoiling any chance of enjoying the previews or getting into the movie.

This venue clearly lacks both comfort and control. I would not recommend it to anyone who actually wants to have a decent cinema experience.

DAVE S.

We've always enjoyed our visits as it's not a huge place so feels like an intimate show.
The staff are always friendly and helpful so I would recommend giving it a go .
There's lots of parking in the area although I would get there early if you want to avoid a bit of a walk to the venue.

Pink L.

Staff were really friendly but the venue desperately needs an upgrade. Seats were so tight and literally on top of each other. Some air conditioning would be welcomed and more toilets. Only 2 toilets for the ladies! A bigger exit and entrance too.

Such a shame as the staff and shows are great, but the venue lets it down hugely.

Chris T.

Hideously hot (no air conditioning at all, apparently), balcony seats very cramped.
Enjoyed the concert we went to see but the place took away from the experience.

Nik L.

We watched Steeleye Span here & were impressed with (in no particular order) the plentiful street parking , helpful staff , very good views & sound in the Auditorium & General cleanliness/tidiness of the venue.
The show lighting was okay.
But as per usual with theatres/music venues the drinks were slightly pricey & one Ale wasn't on that I wanted .
Overall a good venue (& a brilliant gig !) , would go again.

Louise S.

Went to see Clinton Baptiste on Wednesday evening which was incredible but I wanted to review the venue as I was so impressed.

Managed to get park right across the road from the venue which was brilliant. Only had to pay for a couple of hours as it was free after 8pm (arrived early to get these spots)

Staff on entry were very welcoming and friendly. Bar staff were also really efficient and also friendly. It was a great atmosphere and a lovely venue.

Afterwards it was quite busy getting out and a really lovely member of staff asked me if I was OK and was keen to assist me in any way I needed it.

It's been a long time since I've been anywhere with such incredibly attentive and helpful staff.

Have already started looking to book something else there as it was such a great experience. It means I'm happy to look for midweek performances too now as it was such an accessible location!