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ECOS Amphitheatre

4.7
·225 reviews·, United Kingdom

A charming outdoor amphitheatre and indoor theatre in Frome, offering diverse performances from drama to film screenings.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Perfect for outdoor plays & picnics

CrowdMedium
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ECOS Amphitheatre - Image 1

ECOS Amphitheatre

Best Time

Summer evenings

Perfect for outdoor plays & picnics

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming outdoor amphitheatre and indoor theatre in Frome, offering diverse performances from drama to film screenings.

4.7
(225 reviews)

"A great little theatre with steeply tiered seating, meaning you get an excellent view."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring a Cushion! 🛋️

Stone terraces can be hard; staff sometimes offer cushions, but bringing your own ensures comfort.

Check the Weather ☀️

It's an outdoor venue! Pack accordingly for sun, rain, or cooler evenings.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 225 reviews

Type

Performing Arts Theater

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Theatre Magic

Outdoor Theatre Magic

ECOS Amphitheatre

Experience captivating live performances under the open sky, from classic plays to vibrant dance shows.

Resin-Bound Stage

Resin-Bound Stage

Amphitheatre Stage

A durable and colorful stage surface, a testament to lasting design and student artistry.

Intimate Indoor Venue

Intimate Indoor Venue

The Merlin Theatre

A cozy and well-organized indoor space perfect for a variety of performances and workshops.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

The ECOS Amphitheatre offers a unique outdoor performance space. Check the weather forecast and consider bringing a cushion for the stone terraces, though staff sometimes provide them. It's a fantastic spot for enjoying live shows in a relaxed, open-air setting.

Book Ahead for Shows

As an outdoor venue, performances at the ECOS Amphitheatre are popular, especially during festivals and summer months. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot for drama, dance, or film screenings.

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Perfect for outdoor plays & picnics
Crowd
Medium
When
During Frome Festival
Why
Diverse shows & lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A timeless surface, 15+ years later 🌍 Back in 2004, SureSet helped bring the ECOS Amphitheatre in Frome to life with a colourful resin bound stage surface designed by local students and artist Barry Cooper. Then, in 2019 (15 years on!) we returned to carry out a simple maintenance clean. No loose stone. No cracking. Just a surface that stood the test of time and came back to life with a quick re...
sureset
7 likes • 708 views

Bring a Cushion! 🛋️

Stone terraces can be hard; staff sometimes offer cushions, but bringing your own ensures comfort. Reddit

Check the Weather ☀️

It's an outdoor venue! Pack accordingly for sun, rain, or cooler evenings. Instagram

Another wonderful Illyria show heading to Frome! Join us on 3 Sept as the brilliant cast & crew bring Gilbert & Sullivan's THE GONDOLIERS to the Merlin ECOS amphitheatre. Full info on times, prices plus other upcoming shows via our website or via link in bio - merlintheatre.co.uk
merlintheatre
2 likes • 185 views
Yeh! Sneaky peak ... ROBIN HOOD is on his way. Start the school holidays as you intend to go on - full of adventures! Join @hobgoblintc_ on 24th July at the Merlin outdoor ECOS amphitheatre
merlintheatre
9 likes • 276 views

Book Tickets Early 🎟️

Popular shows, especially during festivals, sell out fast. Don't miss out! Instagram

Great Acoustics 🎶

Enjoy clear sound quality even in the open air. Reddit

⛅️Plays & picnics! Ahhh, summer🎭 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE🧺from the amazing @illyriatheatre ☀️ Head down to Merlin's ECOS amphitheatre for outdoor theatre at its very best - right here in Frome with Illyria Booking now for August 5th.
merlintheatre
2 likes • 326 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring a Cushion! 🛋️

Stone terraces can be hard; staff sometimes offer cushions, but bringing your own ensures comfort. Reddit

Check the Weather ☀️

It's an outdoor venue! Pack accordingly for sun, rain, or cooler evenings. Instagram

Book Tickets Early 🎟️

Popular shows, especially during festivals, sell out fast. Don't miss out! Instagram

Great Acoustics 🎶

Enjoy clear sound quality even in the open air. Reddit

Friendly Staff 😊

The team is known for being welcoming and helpful. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(225 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the ECOS Amphitheatre and The Merlin Theatre for their friendly staff, excellent acoustics, and charming atmosphere. The outdoor amphitheatre is a particular highlight for summer performances, offering a unique and enjoyable experience, though comfort on the stone seating is often mentioned as an area for improvement. Overall, it's a highly recommended venue for live entertainment.

"Beautiful little theatre. Drinks are cheap, toilets are clean, staff were really friendly and the seating was comfortable for two people 5"7-6"2. We had a wonderful evening here and would happily go back."

Tannas Mcmillan

"A great little theatre with steeply tiered seating, meaning you get an excellent view."

Steve Band

"went to a couple of shows at the amphitheatre at the merlin during the Frome Festival. very good staff even provided some cushions to sit on the stone terraces. Recommend going to see something at this venue , it is outdoors so certainly relieves covid anxiety it is quite beautiful and acoustics excellent."

Dale Bevington

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Great acoustics
Charming outdoor setting

What People Dislike

Uncomfortable stone seating

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The ECOS Amphitheatre is part of The Merlin Theatre in Frome. You can reach Frome by car via the A36 and A361, or by public transport with bus services connecting to nearby towns and cities. Parking is available nearby, though it can get busy during events. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available near The Merlin Theatre, which houses the ECOS Amphitheatre. It's advisable to arrive early, especially for popular shows, as parking can fill up quickly. Reddit

Cycling is a great option for local visitors. There are usually bike racks available at The Merlin Theatre, making it an eco-friendly way to attend a performance. TikTok

The Merlin Theatre generally strives for accessibility. While the outdoor amphitheatre has stone terraces, specific accessibility arrangements for wheelchair users should be confirmed directly with the venue when booking. Reddit

The nearest train station is Frome, which has services to Bristol and London. From the station, you can take a short taxi ride or bus to reach The Merlin Theatre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be purchased online through The Merlin Theatre's website, or in person at their box office. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for high-demand performances. Instagram

The ECOS Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue, so its 'opening hours' are dictated by scheduled performances. Gates usually open about 30-60 minutes before the show starts. Instagram

While possible for some events, it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Buying tickets in advance online or from the box office is the safest bet to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Concessions may be available for students, seniors, or children for certain performances. Check The Merlin Theatre's website or inquire at the box office for specific details. Reddit

Refund policies vary by performance and promoter. Generally, tickets are non-refundable unless a show is cancelled. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Consider bringing a cushion for comfort on the stone terraces, a blanket for cooler evenings, and perhaps a small picnic if allowed. Check the venue's policy on food and drink. Reddit

Yes, The Merlin Theatre provides toilet facilities for attendees of the ECOS Amphitheatre. Reviews mention they are clean. Reddit

Policies on bringing food and drinks can vary. Some outdoor events allow picnics, while others may have restrictions. It's advisable to check with The Merlin Theatre beforehand. Instagram

The ECOS Amphitheatre features stone terraces for seating. While offering a unique atmosphere, bringing a cushion is recommended for comfort. Reddit

Wi-Fi availability is not typically a primary feature for outdoor performance venues like the ECOS Amphitheatre. It's best to assume you may not have reliable access. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Merlin Theatre often has a bar serving drinks, and sometimes light refreshments are available. For full meals, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in Frome town centre. Reddit

Picnics are often permitted for outdoor theatre events, especially during summer. Confirm this with The Merlin Theatre when booking your tickets to avoid any issues. Instagram

Reviews suggest that drinks at The Merlin Theatre are reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for attendees. Reddit

If food is sold at the venue, vegetarian and vegan options may be available. It's best to inquire directly with The Merlin Theatre about their current offerings. Reddit

Frome town centre, a short walk from The Merlin Theatre, offers a variety of dining options, from traditional pubs to international cuisine. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during live performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. Always check the specific rules for each event. Instagram

The amphitheatre itself, with its tiered seating and stage, offers a picturesque setting. The surrounding natural environment also provides lovely photo opportunities, especially during daylight. TikTok

Yes, you can usually take photos of the venue and the stage area before the performance begins or after it concludes, provided you are not obstructing others or the staff. Instagram

Professional camera equipment, including tripods and large lenses, may be restricted during performances. For personal use, standard cameras and phone cameras are usually fine outside of showtimes. Instagram

Golden hour, just before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the amphitheatre. Daytime shots will showcase the natural surroundings and the stage structure. Instagram

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