
The Anvil
A versatile entertainment venue in Basingstoke, hosting a wide range of live music, comedy, theatre, and family shows with good sound and sightlines.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for live shows

The Anvil
Best Time
Best for live shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A versatile entertainment venue in Basingstoke, hosting a wide range of live music, comedy, theatre, and family shows with good sound and sightlines.
"The experience of the venue is worth it, despite some concerns about prices and seating."

🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your spot by booking in advance online or via the box office.
💺 Consider Seating
While tiered, some find seats uncomfortable. Check seating charts or reviews for best options.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Performances
Experience a diverse range of shows, from music and comedy to theatre and pantomimes. A vibrant hub for entertainment.

Tiered Seating
Enjoy excellent sightlines from well-tiered seating, ensuring a great view of the stage no matter where you sit.

Convenient Location
Easily accessible with a nearby multi-storey car park, making your journey from car to venue dry and straightforward.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Bar Prices & Seating Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your spot by booking in advance online or via the box office.
💺 Consider Seating
While tiered, some find seats uncomfortable. Check seating charts or reviews for best options.
💰 Bar Prices
Refreshments can be pricey. Consider pre-ordering or bringing your own water if allowed.
🚗 Parking Nearby
A multi-storey car park is adjacent, offering convenient and dry access to the venue.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your spot by booking in advance online or via the box office.
💺 Consider Seating
While tiered, some find seats uncomfortable. Check seating charts or reviews for best options.
💰 Bar Prices
Refreshments can be pricey. Consider pre-ordering or bringing your own water if allowed.
🚗 Parking Nearby
A multi-storey car park is adjacent, offering convenient and dry access to the venue.
🎶 Check the Schedule
The Anvil hosts diverse events from music to comedy. Visit their website for the latest listings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Anvil is a well-regarded venue for live performances, praised for its good sightlines and sound quality. However, some visitors find the seating uncomfortable for extended periods and note that bar prices can be quite high, particularly for wine. Despite these drawbacks, many find the overall experience and the diversity of shows offered to be worthwhile.
"Ive found the Anvil to be quite the brimming venue with seats for days and a bar thats actually reasonably priced. I saw the orchestra around animation last month and it was absolutely wonderful. Not being from the area I wasnt sure what to expect but don't be put off by reviews saying about prices. The experience of the venue is worth it."
Elliot _
"Theatre is well put together however the typical "trapped audience" pricing at the bar is extortionate. The acts were good however the seating being akin to an Indian train packed to the brim and about as comfortable as sitting on fresh piles. That being said, It was clean and the layout was good for viewing."
Oliver Aldous
"Look for what is is, it's not a bad venues for small shows. Have seen a couple comedians and music numbers there. Most seats have good visibility and sound is good.
Now for the real take - the seats were designed by a professional interrogator .. there seat padding is non existent and ends up killing your back as you spine settles into the bottom. Ergonomic, it's not!
The refreshments are ok. Most are expensive but not excessively so .. except for the wine. Don't order a glass of red .. it's canned and tastes like swill. All for £10 for 300ml. Total bill for two cans of water and a wine - £15. The water was £2.50 each."
Iain L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cheapest way to travel from London to Basingstoke is by coach, with services from Victoria costing around £4.30 each way. Driving is also an option, with The Anvil conveniently located near a multi-storey car park.
Yes, there is a multi-storey car park located very close to The Anvil, making it easy to get from your car to the venue without getting wet.
Basingstoke is well-connected by train and coach services. Coaches from London Victoria are a budget-friendly option.
While specific drop-off points aren't detailed, the venue's central location and proximity to parking suggest easy access for drop-offs.
Yes, Basingstoke has good public transport links, including coach services from major cities like London.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through The Anvil's official website or via their box office. For specific shows like the documentary 'Anvil: The Story of Anvil', check their ticketing partners.
Discounts may be available for certain performances, such as group bookings or concessions for students or seniors. It's best to check the specific event details on their website.
The Anvil's opening hours typically align with performance schedules. It's advisable to check their website for specific times on the day of your visit.
For popular shows, it's recommended to book in advance as tickets can sell out. However, for less in-demand events, tickets may be available on the door.
Refund policies can vary per event. Generally, tickets are non-refundable unless a performance is cancelled. Check the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Anvil hosts a wide array of events including live music, comedy acts, theatre productions, pantomimes, and orchestral performances.
Seating is tiered for good visibility, but some visitors find the seats lack padding and can be uncomfortable for extended periods.
The sound quality at The Anvil is generally considered good, contributing to a positive viewing experience for most performances.
The Anvil is designed with accessibility in mind, offering tiered seating with good visibility and likely accessible facilities. It's best to contact the venue directly for specific needs.
The Anvil is described as a well-put-together venue with a good layout for viewing and a generally positive atmosphere for live events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Anvil has a bar that serves refreshments. While some find prices reasonable, others note that wine can be expensive and canned.
Basingstoke town centre, where The Anvil is located, offers a variety of restaurants and dining options within walking distance.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the venue. It's best to check The Anvil's specific policy.
Yes, pre-ordering drinks for arrival and intermission is possible and can help avoid queues.
Bar prices at The Anvil are a point of discussion, with some finding them reasonable and others noting that certain items, like wine, are quite expensive.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography policies vary by event. For most performances, especially those with copyright, it's usually prohibited. Check the specific event guidelines.
The Anvil's exterior and interior architecture can offer some visual appeal for photos, especially before or after a show.
Consider taking photos before the show starts or during intermission when the venue is less crowded and lighting might be more conducive.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances as it can disrupt the artists and other audience members.
Professional camera equipment is typically not allowed for audience members to prevent unauthorized recording.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the venue offers a good experience, be mindful of the bar prices if you plan on purchasing refreshments. Consider bringing snacks if allowed, or factor in the cost for drinks and treats. Checking the schedule for family-friendly performances well in advance is key, as these can be very popular.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be aware that bar prices can be a significant expense. While some find them reasonable, others note them as high. Pre-ordering drinks or opting for less expensive items can help manage your budget. Attending a comedy night or a local music act might also be more affordable than larger touring productions.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
For a better experience, consider the seating arrangements, as some spots might offer superior acoustics or stage views. While bar prices can be a drawback, the quality of the musical performances often makes the overall visit worthwhile for dedicated fans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Anvil's Diverse Programming
When planning your visit, it's crucial to check The Anvil's official schedule. Popular acts, especially well-known comedians or musicians, can sell out quickly, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended. The venue's appeal lies in its ability to attract a wide range of performers, ensuring repeat visits from locals and visitors alike.
Visitor Experience: Seating and Refreshments
Regarding refreshments, the bar at The Anvil offers a range of options, but prices, particularly for wine, are noted as being on the higher side by some patrons. One reviewer specifically mentioned canned wine tasting like 'swill' and being priced at £10 for 300ml. While water is more reasonably priced, the overall cost of drinks can add up. Some visitors suggest pre-ordering drinks to save time and potentially manage costs.
Accessibility and Practicalities
For those traveling from further afield, Basingstoke is accessible via public transport, with coach services from London being a notably budget-friendly option. This makes The Anvil a feasible destination for day-trippers or those looking for affordable entertainment options outside of the capital. While specific accessibility details for individuals with mobility needs should always be confirmed directly with the venue, the overall infrastructure suggests a focus on visitor convenience.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit