Garrick Theatre
Garrick Theatre
4.5
About
Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters, one of the world’s greatest vocal groups, and the truth about the woman who made them. Beverley Knight stars as Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager of The Drifters, who, alongside her husband, fought for three decades to turn Atlantic Records’ hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon. From the highs of hit records and sell out tours to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, The Drifters Girl charts the trailblazing efforts of the world’s first African American, female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group she loved. Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl. Booking until Sunday 12 February 2023.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Leicester Square • 2 min walk
- Charing Cross • 4 min walk
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4.5
853 reviews
Excellent
475
Very good
223
Average
81
Poor
44
Terrible
30
Ava
Redditch, UK1 contribution
Aug 2019
Racist Staff
I am coloured..
Please note this incident happened in May 2016, but there is no "when did you go" tab for it.
I arrived early to the venue and saw a few people going into the theatre. The two men at the door were polite and allowed them into the theatre without any problems. All six people allowed in were white and did not have their bags checked.
When I approached, the staff (who happened to be white) they asked me to unzip my bag and turn out my pockets. After they made a thorough examination of my bags and searched my pockets they allowed me in but told me to wait in the foyer and not to wander round the theatre.
I was watching the two men from the window and noticed they allowed every single person in ( all of whom were white, into the theatre without any checks whatsoever.
I phoned up the manager the next day to complain and explained the situation without embellishing and the manager, a woman, mocked me by making a childish whiny sound and put the phone down. I had no idea one of the great institutions in the UK,employed racist staff and managers.
I am coloured..
Please note this incident happened in May 2016, but there is no "when did you go" tab for it.
I arrived early to the venue and saw a few people going into the theatre. The two men at the door were polite and allowed them into the theatre without any problems. All six people allowed in were white and did not have their bags checked.
When I approached, the staff (who happened to be white) they asked me to unzip my bag and turn out my pockets. After they made a thorough examination of my bags and searched my pockets they allowed me in but told me to wait in the foyer and not to wander round the theatre.
I was watching the two men from the window and noticed they allowed every single person in ( all of whom were white, into the theatre without any checks whatsoever.
I phoned up the manager the next day to complain and explained the situation without embellishing and the manager, a woman, mocked me by making a childish whiny sound and put the phone down. I had no idea one of the great institutions in the UK,employed racist staff and managers.
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlBee24
Reigate, UK130 contributions
Dec 2019
I realise that having seen the play with the original cast in 1983 of Paul Eddington, Patricia Routledge and Roger Lloyd-Pack, all of whom were masters of comedy acting, that it would be a tough act to follow. But even after so many years I was greatly disappointed by the quality of this latest production.
Either it was appallingly directed or the actors were acting under their own misguided direction. The result wasn't funny but uncomfortably embarrassing.
There is nothing wrong with the script as it left me hurting from laughing so much in 1983.
The cast in this latest production didn't have any natural comic timing so didn't use any and they obviously felt that shouting was the only way of portraying anger, which just isn't the case. The whole show was over played whereas the original was underplayed, which made it funnier.
With hindsight I guess that as with other long-running shows such as the Mousetrap the quality suffers greatly because quality actors and production staff are not willing to work on such productions. Shame!
Either it was appallingly directed or the actors were acting under their own misguided direction. The result wasn't funny but uncomfortably embarrassing.
There is nothing wrong with the script as it left me hurting from laughing so much in 1983.
The cast in this latest production didn't have any natural comic timing so didn't use any and they obviously felt that shouting was the only way of portraying anger, which just isn't the case. The whole show was over played whereas the original was underplayed, which made it funnier.
With hindsight I guess that as with other long-running shows such as the Mousetrap the quality suffers greatly because quality actors and production staff are not willing to work on such productions. Shame!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah R
2 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Went on Saturday to see drifter girl 3 ladies in their 50s. The show started well great feel good production. The songs everyone new so we were swaying to the music as were the group in front. Started to sing to tunes we new. We were aggressively spoken to by the staff to stop singing which is fine we understand but we were in the back row no one behind us. We continued watching in silence one of the group who was sat next to me asked me a question was not singing just talking and was told very loudly to shush. In the interval we went to the bar and were aggressively told by the manager we had to leave she was very patronising spoke to us as if we were children not grown adults. We assured her we would not sing so went back for the second half. Again the girls in front were swaying next the manager came and asked the girls in front to leave she then turned to us and told us to leave she had a security guard with her and so we left as we felt intimidated. We as a country have not done anything for 3 years we just want enjoy life again. Great show if you want to sit there mute. It is a shame the staff were on some sort of power trip. I have attended many shows and never been told to not sing. The group in front refused to leave. When we went back we did apologise to people around us but none of them had a problem we’re just glad we were enjoying ourselves.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy G
Essex, UK249 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Absolutely Brilliant show belly full of laughs. Good seats for us in row T with plenty of leg room for those that are on the tall side!
Bar reasonable prices for London.
1 gripe ladies toilet door opens with the light beaming. Through whilst show in progress. Need dimmer lights in here as it’s detracting from show for those at the back of stalls.
4.5 out of 5
Make sure nit sitting behind a pillar though!
Bar reasonable prices for London.
1 gripe ladies toilet door opens with the light beaming. Through whilst show in progress. Need dimmer lights in here as it’s detracting from show for those at the back of stalls.
4.5 out of 5
Make sure nit sitting behind a pillar though!
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe M
London, UK509 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Telling the story of The Drifters through the eyes of their manager Faye Treadwell (played by Beverley Knight) who in turn is recounting it to her granddaughter the play is punctuated with the hits you would expect but also has some (three) new songs. It always remains enjoyable despite the complexities of the story. There are only six people in the cast so they all work particularly hard, especially the boys. A great show and a ‘must see’ if you like The Drifters music.
Written 4 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
17 contributions
July 2022
First a moan. It's way too hot in the auditorium and they need to get some better ventilation for warm days.
OK, we went to see the Drifters Girl, the story of Faye Treadway and her life and story of working with The Drifters. The cast is only six people, but don't let that put you off.
The four chaps never missed a beat, a cue, a note or a harmony and their singing energy was electric. The Faye character (not sure who was playing on the night) brought the crowd to their feet with her number just before the interval. Honestly, if you get the chance and you enjoy the drifters music, this is a surefire winner.
As a nod to the theatre, your staff are wonderful, helpful and just a fantastic experience and I'd like to give a special mention to the sound engineer who was extremely patient with me as I interrogated her!!
I came into the theatre hopeful and left ecstatic and buzzing.
OK, we went to see the Drifters Girl, the story of Faye Treadway and her life and story of working with The Drifters. The cast is only six people, but don't let that put you off.
The four chaps never missed a beat, a cue, a note or a harmony and their singing energy was electric. The Faye character (not sure who was playing on the night) brought the crowd to their feet with her number just before the interval. Honestly, if you get the chance and you enjoy the drifters music, this is a surefire winner.
As a nod to the theatre, your staff are wonderful, helpful and just a fantastic experience and I'd like to give a special mention to the sound engineer who was extremely patient with me as I interrogated her!!
I came into the theatre hopeful and left ecstatic and buzzing.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
collavfc
Seaton, UK688 contributions
Jan 2020
I was here to see Frank Skinner having failed to see him in Edinburgh; Newcastle & Durham due to him selling out extremely fast. The theatre is obviously one of many in this part of London. The décor has been restored to a grand old theatre similar to the Tyne Theatre. It is much more comfortable and pleasing than the arenas and converted bingo halls utilised for some live events these days. The staff were welcoming and friendly and the temperature on a cold January evening ideal
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Max z
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Friends
Loved the show however was disappointed we wasn't informed that Beverley Knight wouldn't be performing until just before the show.
The show was performed by the understudies (who were great) but we had travelled a long way to see Beverley Knight. We were informed over the Tanoy just before the show started that all audience would be invited back to see the show again free of charge. I have tried to contact ticket master with no joy.
The show was performed by the understudies (who were great) but we had travelled a long way to see Beverley Knight. We were informed over the Tanoy just before the show started that all audience would be invited back to see the show again free of charge. I have tried to contact ticket master with no joy.
Written 28 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1934185Kentcouple
Orpington, UK464 contributions
Apr 2022
Went to see this show yesterday.
We had a good deal on tickets and were in the Grand Circle. Good view of the stage, and seats had high enough backs that you were not looking at somebody's head.
Beverly Knight playing the lead part - was brilliant as you would expect. The show has a small and vibrant cast taking several roles - all excellent.
Of course you had the fabulous catalogue of The Drifters music, this was embellished by with the story of a woman managing a band of constantly changing characters/personalities and raising a daughter against all odds, prejudices and losses.
I had never suspected how badly a famous band were treated not just in the US, but the UK too.
At first the southern accent it a bit of a challenge but you settle into it. Excellent daughter portrayal.
Runs for just a little under 2.5 hours
Small but intimate theatre. Makes you want to get up and dance, (thanks to the fabulous live musicians) which is always a good thing and just what we need right now..
We had a good deal on tickets and were in the Grand Circle. Good view of the stage, and seats had high enough backs that you were not looking at somebody's head.
Beverly Knight playing the lead part - was brilliant as you would expect. The show has a small and vibrant cast taking several roles - all excellent.
Of course you had the fabulous catalogue of The Drifters music, this was embellished by with the story of a woman managing a band of constantly changing characters/personalities and raising a daughter against all odds, prejudices and losses.
I had never suspected how badly a famous band were treated not just in the US, but the UK too.
At first the southern accent it a bit of a challenge but you settle into it. Excellent daughter portrayal.
Runs for just a little under 2.5 hours
Small but intimate theatre. Makes you want to get up and dance, (thanks to the fabulous live musicians) which is always a good thing and just what we need right now..
Written 28 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheFussyTeenager
Manchester, UK1,264 contributions
Aug 2021
My friend and I got discounted tickets through the TodayTix app- always worth a check!
This is one of the West End’s smaller theatres- there’s only two levels of seating which means no seats that are miles and miles away. I was in the centre of Row D in the Dress Circle where I enjoyed a fantastic view as well as surprisingly decent legroom.
The Garrick hosts a great variety of shows- make sure to squeeze some theatre into your next London trip!
This is one of the West End’s smaller theatres- there’s only two levels of seating which means no seats that are miles and miles away. I was in the centre of Row D in the Dress Circle where I enjoyed a fantastic view as well as surprisingly decent legroom.
The Garrick hosts a great variety of shows- make sure to squeeze some theatre into your next London trip!
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hello, I don't recognise the BB designation. if you are 6 & 7 B in the stalls you are dead centre of the auditorium and 1 row back from the front. It is not a big theatre so row B in stalls, dress or upper circle would be good. Enjoy the show.
Written 30 August 2022
Is the view from the grand circle restricted? It says it’s not but I’m worried that we won’t be able to see the stage that well. I’m looking at seats in row b. Would I be better off booting the stalls and having one of us restricted and someone not? We’re going to see a comedian so being able to see him isn’t a must. Thank you
Written 5 December 2019
I did not sit in Grand circle so cannot answer
Written 7 January 2020
Does anyone know how good the seats are W15 W16 in the stalls
Written 11 December 2018
Looking at the seating plan W is second to last row so the view will be restricted. Personally I would go for the Dress circle as you get to see the whole stage and the musicians for Don Quixote are high up and I enjoyed seeing them.
Definitely go to see it though and if those are the only seats left you’ll still have a great time.
Written 11 December 2018
Does any one know how good the view is for seat W14 in the stalls
Written 11 December 2018
I think the website has a photograph of the stage from every seat but, as stated elsewhere it depends on who is in front of you. It will also depend on the show as to whether seeing the whole stage is important.
Written 12 December 2018
Wanting to book have a choice of B5 and 6 or C12 and 13
Which are the best for viewing. Off to see Young Frankenstein in October 2017
Many thanks
Written 3 September 2017
I'd also say c......b is that bit too close
Written 4 September 2017
ncg72
London, United Kingdom
Are we allowed to bring in any sorts of drinks or snacks from home? I hear popcorn is not allowed, wondering if there is anything else!
Written 27 August 2017
We took in some snacks, fruit cups & sweets & no one said anything. Very friendly staff.
Written 2 September 2017
We are leaving London on the day we see this performance at 11am and will have our suitcases (small). Is there a cloakroom, or somewhere we will be able to leave our baggage?
Written 15 August 2017
Yes, just ask at the cloakroom.
Written 19 August 2017
Hi,
I'm trying to decide on seats and would like to know if anyone has had any experience in the follow seats especially if there is anything blocking your visibility of the stage:
P1-2
R15-16
Q19-20 ,R17-18
Thank you
Written 22 February 2017
We were fortunate to be in the third row
Written 21 March 2017
Nobody seems to be mentioning this, but is the language "modern" as well as the adaptation!? I would not go if it is, so please let me know if they are true to the Bard's original language. Thank you!
Written 16 July 2016
Hi original language but added humour updates the version to the 1950s era . Variation retains interest but does not alter meaning.
Written 16 July 2016
How large are the seats in Garrick Theatre?Specifically the Stalls section.
Written 9 January 2016
Similar to seats in all London theaters. My husband is 6' and was fine.
Written 16 July 2016
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