
ECOS Amphitheatre
A charming outdoor amphitheatre and indoor theatre in Frome, offering diverse performances from drama to film screenings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for outdoor plays & picnics

ECOS Amphitheatre
Best Time
Perfect for outdoor plays & picnics
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming outdoor amphitheatre and indoor theatre in Frome, offering diverse performances from drama to film screenings.
"A great little theatre with steeply tiered seating, meaning you get an excellent view."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Theatre Magic
ECOS Amphitheatre
Experience captivating live performances under the open sky, from classic plays to vibrant dance shows.

Resin-Bound Stage
Amphitheatre Stage
A durable and colorful stage surface, a testament to lasting design and student artistry.

Intimate Indoor Venue
The Merlin Theatre
A cozy and well-organized indoor space perfect for a variety of performances and workshops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Book Ahead for Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Book Tickets Early 🎟️
Popular shows, especially during festivals, sell out fast. Don't miss out!
Great Acoustics 🎶
Enjoy clear sound quality even in the open air.
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Book Tickets Early 🎟️
Popular shows, especially during festivals, sell out fast. Don't miss out!
Great Acoustics 🎶
Enjoy clear sound quality even in the open air.
Friendly Staff 😊
The team is known for being welcoming and helpful.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, The Merlin Theatre provides toilet facilities for attendees of the ECOS Amphitheatre. Reviews mention they are clean.
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.
The ECOS Amphitheatre features stone terraces for seating. While offering a unique atmosphere, bringing a cushion is recommended for comfort.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Reviews suggest that drinks at The Merlin Theatre are reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for attendees.
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.
Frome town centre, a short walk from The Merlin Theatre, offers a variety of dining options, from traditional pubs to international cuisine.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
Golden hour, just before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the amphitheatre. Daytime shots will showcase the natural surroundings and the stage structure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts
☀️ Summer Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The ECOS Amphitheatre Experience
Beyond its natural charm, the amphitheatre boasts a stage with a durable and colorful resin-bound surface, a testament to its longevity and artistic design, which has stood the test of time for over 15 years. This outdoor space is a key part of the Frome community's cultural offerings, especially during events like the Frome Festival, drawing crowds for its open-air performances.
The Merlin Theatre itself complements the amphitheatre with its well-organized indoor space, ensuring a diverse range of cultural events can be hosted year-round. Both venues are praised for their friendly staff and efficient organization, contributing to a positive visitor experience.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
Accessibility is a consideration; while The Merlin Theatre aims to be accommodating, specific arrangements for wheelchair users at the outdoor amphitheatre should be confirmed directly with the venue. Parking is available but can be limited during busy periods, so arriving early or considering alternative transport like cycling or public transport is a good strategy.
Food and drink policies can vary per event. Some performances allow picnics, while others may have restrictions or offer refreshments at the venue's bar. It's always best to check the specific event details or contact The Merlin Theatre for clarification on what you can bring.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit