Here to see a comedian. Every seat has a good view of the stage and there are dedicated areas for disabled people and their companions. The seats are quite narrow and tightly packed in. I was squished between two quite large men with no wriggle room or elbow room. The seats themselves are quite hard, not something I would want to sit on for an extended period of time.
There are a couple of bars serving a variety of quite expensive beverages to a captive audience. Prior to the auditorium doors opening if you get there early enough you will be lucky enough to grab a table to enjoy your expensive drink.
On the plus side the theatre has a very fresh, clean and modern feel to it. Toilets are plentiful and the staff were lovely.
If you follow signs for parking for the Anvil and end up parking on their side of the Festival Place car park, top tip. Arrive after 6pm. Parking is £2.40 and you can pay BEFORE the theatre event avoiding the long queues to pay. at the end of your theatre experience.

– Deb Ludford

I’ve just come back from Aladdin at Anvil Arts with my partner and her mum. I’ll be honest—I was reluctant to go and nearly made an early exit… but I’m so glad I didn’t.

Every single actor was fantastic, and the young dancers absolutely did their parents proud. By the end, I was crying with laughter, tears streaming down my face thanks to the endless (and brilliantly delivered) innuendos—there were plenty!

This wasn’t Aladdin as we traditionally know it. It was a clever, high-energy mash-up packed with modern pop culture, TV references, and even the infamous chicken song thrown in for good measure.

A huge credit also goes to the band in the pit. I managed to speak to them afterwards and personally thank them for their on-point performance — tight, well-timed, and absolutely integral to the show’s energy and pace.

A genuinely joyful production, and Basingstoke actors represented themselves superbly.

Take a bow. Thoroughly deserved.
⭐ 5 stars – well worth a visit.

– Fernando Rose

Wonderful evening, foyer music, drinks, well organised, and a wonderful show too.
#that'll be the day

– Slim with Sharon