Entertainment in Basingstoke: A Guide to the Best Events and Venues in Town
Basingstoke is a town in Hampshire, England, that offers a variety of entertainment options for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are looking for music, theatre, comedy, cinema, festivals or sports, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Basingstoke. Here are some of the best events and venues in town that you should check out:
Music
If you are a music lover, you will not be disappointed by the choice of live music events and venues in Basingstoke. You can enjoy concerts by local and national artists, as well as tribute bands and musicals, at venues such as:
The Anvil: A 1,400-seat concert hall that hosts classical, jazz, rock, pop and folk music events, as well as comedy and family shows. The Anvil is renowned as one of the top 5 concert halls in the country and has welcomed performers such as Elton John, Jools Holland and Katherine Jenkins.
The Forge: A 95-seat studio theatre that is part of The Anvil complex and hosts intimate and acoustic music events, as well as drama and dance performances.
The Haymarket: A 400-seat theatre that is located in a Grade II listed building in the town centre and hosts musicals, opera, ballet, comedy and drama shows.
The Academy: A live music venue that is located in the Festival Place shopping centre and hosts rock, indie, metal and punk bands, as well as club nights and DJ sets.
Theatre
If you are a theatre enthusiast, you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy drama, comedy and dance performances in Basingstoke. You can watch professional and amateur productions, as well as workshops and classes, at venues such as:
The Haymarket: As mentioned above, The Haymarket is a theatre that hosts a variety of shows, including Shakespeare plays, pantomimes, musicals and comedies.
Proteus Creation Space: A creative hub that is located in a former Victorian school building and hosts theatre, dance, circus and cabaret shows, as well as exhibitions and workshops3.
Central Studio: A performing arts venue that is located at Queen Mary’s College and hosts theatre, dance, comedy and music shows by students and community groups.
Comedy
If you are looking for a laugh, you will find plenty of comedy events and venues in Basingstoke. You can enjoy stand-up comedy shows by local and national comedians, as well as improv and sketch comedy groups, at venues such as:
The Anvil: As mentioned above, The Anvil is a concert hall that also hosts comedy shows by famous comedians such as Jimmy Carr, Jack Dee and Sarah Millican.
The Forge: As mentioned above, The Forge is a studio theatre that also hosts comedy shows by emerging comedians such as Ivo Graham, Suzi Ruffell and Tom Rosenthal.
The Apollo Hotel: A hotel that hosts monthly comedy nights by Laughing Coyote Comedy Club, featuring comedians such as Zoe Lyons, Paul Sinha and Gary Delaney.
Cinema
If you are a cinema fan, you will find plenty of options to watch the latest movies and classics in Basingstoke. You can enjoy films in different genres and languages, as well as special screenings and events, at venues such as:
Vue Basingstoke: A multi-screen cinema that is located in the Festival Place shopping centre and shows all the latest releases. They also serve a variety of snacks including popcorn and sweets.
Odeon Basingstoke: A multi-screen cinema that is located in the Leisure Park complex and shows all the latest releases.
Festivals
If you are looking for some fun and excitement, you will find plenty of festivals and events in Basingstoke throughout the year. You can enjoy music, arts, culture, food and drink festivals that celebrate the diversity and creativity of the town.
Sports
If you are a sports lover, you will find plenty of opportunities to watch or participate in sports events and activities in Basingstoke. You can enjoy football, rugby, hockey, cricket, golf, tennis and more at venues such as:
Winklebury Sports Complex: A football complex that is the home of Basingstoke Town Football Club, a semi-professional team.
Down Grange Sports Complex: A sports complex that hosts various sports clubs and facilities, such as Basingstoke Rugby Football Club, Basingstoke Hockey Club and Basingstoke Athletics Club.
Basingstoke Aquadrome: A leisure centre that features a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, a soft play area and a cafe. It also hosts various events and activities, such as aqua aerobics, swimming lessons and triathlon races.
Basingstoke is a town that has something for everyone when it comes to entertainment. Whether you are looking for music, theatre, comedy, cinema, festivals or sports, you will find it in Basingstoke.
