The Hull New Theatre

It’s quite a nice theatre although it looks plain on the outside, but the theatre is nicer on the inside than it is on the outside.
It has more of an art deco /​modern feel inside than most English theatres, but still retains the traditional opulent feeling, with red upholstery, wall panels, and curtain. The theatre is a very nice size as it’s not too big or too small and is easy to get in and out. I visited here to see Derren Brown’s show on two occasions which we really enjoyed. The theatre staff seemed very on top of things, and I would definitely come here again.

hull new theatre shows quite a variety of plays and shows, with something for most people. i have been to seen many different types of things there from family and childrens shows to ballet, musicals and very serious theatre. of course they have their famous panto every year with stars from tv. its a lovely place, very grand inside which makes you feel like you’re having a trip to the theatre in the old fashioned proper sense. the seats are comfortable and they will provide booster seats for youngsters. there isnt really anywhere where theres not a good view. the satff are always helpful, a very pleasurable place to visit.

The hull new theatre was built as an assembly room in the 1800’s and became the New Theatre in 1939. There were experimental bingo sessions in the sixties when the numbers of people attending the theatre dropped. Thankfully these were scrapped and in 1985, after a major refurbishment, New Theatre reopened as the Hull New Theatre. There is much more information regarding the theatre’s history at
. Here I also read that, amongst further improvements in 1985 access for the less able bodied was addressed. This was in the form of a lift from Jarrett Street to the foyer, and a lift from the foyer to the lounge bar.
My first experience of the Hull New Theatre was in the late fifties on a school outing. We were booked to see the pantomime that year. I can’t for the life of me remember whether it was Cinderella, Snow White or something similar but I do know it starred a famous female singer of the day Ruby Murray. As a small child the theatre seemed enormous, exciting but slightly daunting. However for me it began a love affair with theatre in general which has survived the test of time. The only thing which prevents my visiting more frequently is finances.
So with the background over on to my most recent visit.
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Saturday saw us visiting the New Theatre to see a West End production of Footloose. This Theatre has a fine frontage in cream stone with pillars and three lots of stone stairways leading up to the entrance. You will see on the outside and in some places inside a symbol of three crowns. This is the Hull City Council logo who administers, owns and maintains this theatre.
For me as soon as I enter I always feel a touch disappointed as it is really quite a small theatre and foyer in particular. I think that’s because of my first experience and as I have now been to quite large theatres. However that soon passes as it is a well kept theatre and has a good programme throughout the year.
The theatre foyer was full of youngsters queuing for standby tickets which are sold at cheaper rates. These soon went. There were the programme sellers, ladies dressed as cowgirls and the for sale item was cowboy hats, mainly pink and fluffy ones. You can buy sweeties or pick up information leaflets in reception also.
Saturday was the last night of Footloose and I don’t know if that was why but they did an exceptionally long finale. The early show didn’t leave till just after eight and ours was due to start at 8.30pm. As it’s such a physical show the actors must have been knackered. I’m not sure if there hadn’t been a matinée performance also. Phew.
We had seats in the circle so popped into the upstairs bar for a drink. This has a couple of sofas, comfy chairs and bar stools. As usual it was packed, so no chance of a seat or any peace and quiet, it was a cacophony of voices There are some tables and chairs through a couple of arches where you can sit looking out onto the square through the full windows.
There a ladies and gents toilets on this floor. There is also a bar down a spiral staircase from the ground floor but this gets full also. Again toilet facilities are there. My moan about the loos is that as usual the ladies are small and each only have two cubicles so you have to queue for ages. The queue always is right outside the toilets. Also I did not see any disabled toilets although I think there must be some. Despite the introduction of lifts for less able bodied visitors the building, with all the staircases, probably needs further improvement.
From the foyer to the inner stairs and the bar the theatre has a plush, traditional sort of homely but luxurious feel to it Finally we thought we’d make our way to our seats. It was a bit chaotic on the stairs as the people leaving were going to the bar and the loos. There just wasn’t enough room for everyone but it did add to the buzz of the place. After getting seated I looked round and listened. It seemed as if you could hear a million people all talking at once, and all full of excitement.
The main theatre is mainly done out in red and cream these days and is very classy looking. There are two boxes which you can book and I noticed one had a large family group. It’s great seeing youngsters enjoying the Theatre.
The ordinary seats have a rich red velour covering and are quite comfy. They are the old type of lift up seats which can be a pain if you get settled and someone wants to get passed you. We had chosen two end seats as with my hubby being 6ft 2 tall leg room can be an issue. As I’m a shortie no such problems for me. The end of aisle seat for him was perfect. There are some seats in the upper circle with very poor leg room. We once booked these and hubby moaned all night and ended up with cramp. When you book you can ask for seats with leg room etc and make sure you have a good view of the stage. I noticed the ushers were dishing out lovely velvet cushions for the children at