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Bankhead Theater
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
2400 1st St(between Maple St & Mcleod St)
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 373-6800
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 12 pm - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
22 reviews for Bankhead Theater
22 reviews in English
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Review from Jenny S.
Pleasanton, CA
11/25/2011
Great, intimate venue for seeing a show. Saw Robert Cray Band, the sound was astounding. I will be back for sure.
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Review from Zoey R.
Livermore, CA
12/30/2011
Am I the only one who thinks this place is an overpriced eye sore?
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Review from Jenny L.
Berkeley, CA
3/1/2011 6 photos
Was here for the Livermore Talent Competition Finals.
Pretty small stage and okay-size audience seating.
I really liked the backstage though. There was an upright Yamaha in the green room, plenty of chairs, TVs to see the stage. My favorite room was the "make-up/changing" room for the ladies. I felt like a celebrity because there were bright light vanity mirrors for hair and makeup, dressers, and hangers for gowns. Kind of like what you would see on America Next Top Model or any back-stage fashion show minus the craziness. I had a great time bonding with other female contestants in this room. The bathroom was sparkling clean and there was also a shower.
Hmm..when I went on stage, the lights were way too bright for me. I could only see the first two rows of audience/judges. The Steinway piano was a bit "hard" to play (not a light-touch.)
I wanna live in that backstage forever =) -
Review from Melinda Y.
San Leandro, CA
3/26/2011
Livermore is way out of the way for me. Wait a minute...it WAS my first time there actually!
We went to the theater for the Golden Dragon Acrobats last night. It was a nice modern-looking building with glass completely covering the entrance side of the building. Once you step inside the theater, you'll realize that it is very much like one of the bigger movie theaters with stadium style seating. When I ordered the tickets, I didn't realize how intimate the venue really was because we were extremely elated to discover that our seats were in the 6th row(!), with awesome view of the stage. However, sitting in the outer edge of the center section had us in line with the loud speakers that really bothered me in certain parts of the show, that instead of clapping I was holding my ears in discomfort.
Flanking both sides of the theater were the restrooms and a little concession stand with the usual prices of $2 for a bottle of water.
There's a little parking lot beside the theater, but they WILL fill up quickly for a sold-out show like this. We found street parking 2 blocks away. The walk was a bit dark and scary, but hey...it's Livermore and not Oakland... -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2010
Pre-Bankhead days, had you asked me about Livermore we'd be talking about bombs for national defense and wineries. Now I know better. As the third most affluent midsized city, it makes sense that they're able to channel resources into the arts. And they've executed the Bankhead beautifully.
It doesn't fall into the same traps as most medium sized venues, compromising sound quality or comfort. The building is rather impressive, and there's not a bad seat in the house. The acoustics will give any audiophile a stiff one. So will the ravishing crowd. To be totally honest, it skews rather seasoned, so unless you're looking for a fine cougar, I'd suggest importing your own talent.
Should there be a performer with shows both here and the city, I'd take the intimacy, superb sound and laid back atmosphere here any day.Listed in: East Bay's Unconventional…, Livermore...
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Review from Kiki G.
Oakland, CA
3/22/2009
Beautiful theater! Seats are comfy, bathrooms are clean and accessible, and the lobby is inviting for intermission socializing.
Shout out to fellow Yelper, Kenny L! I was excited to see him perform. He was fantastic, as was the whole cast! Not what you would expect in Livermore, of all places. Top professional production all the way around.
So, why not 5 stars? Did I mention it's in Livermore? 'Nuf said.Listed in: Downtown Livermore is the…
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Review from Monica L.
1/25/2009 1 Check-in Here
Went and saw "Guys and Dolls" at this theater with my Mom and Grandma.
This theater is really nice! I was impressed that Livermore has some culture now ;) It's the perfect size for a community theater. Seating is done well as you can see perfectly from any seat in the house.
Staff here is really friendly and helpful. We had my Grandma in a wheelchair and the usher assisted us to our seats and got my Grandma settled in well for the 3 hour show. Sound system here is professional and love the orchestra area. It feels like a big San Francisco theater shrunk down to a community theater size.
I look forward to coming back here again soon! -
Review from Michelle S.
Brookline, MA
10/21/2007
Once upon a time, I was a bored little girl in Livermore. At this time, Livermore was associated with hicks and nukes. It probably always will be. I used to sing my own version of "The Wizard of Oz" song as "Physics, Cowboys, and Grapes; oh my!" Also too, 1st St. was a joke back when I was younger. I remember when some guy in my Civics class was ballsy enough to say to our guests from the Chamber of Commerce, "Yeah, you keep saying that we're getting new stuff on 1st St. Why do I only see antique shops and chinese restaurants?" Then, John Madden purchased most of Livermore and started shaking things up...for the better.
Many will still associate "The L" with hicks and propellorheads. Maybe wine to an extent. However, Livermore is looking pretty slick these days. I, of course, as an urban socialite, can only take Livermore in doses. However, it is often a treat to go back and visit every once in a while. And I did last night for the Livermore Valley Opera's production of "La Boheme." Can you believe it? I actually went EAST to the SUBURBS for CULTURE! GASP! And you know what? It was worth it.
This theatre is beautiful! It is exactly what Livermore needed. It is in a great location. It is beautiful inside and out. The lobby serves very upscale refreshments (Yes, Livermore wine being on the list. Duh!) The seats are not horribly uncomfortable. Even the nose-bleed seats in the balcony are good seats. The acoustics are pretty good. Lots of parking in the garage and on the street. Near MANY restaurants. Judging from the literature at the theatre, LVPAC is getting some good shows. I am so happy that the rich talent pool in the Tri Valley (or the attempt to entertain the Tri Valley) finally has its own theatre to perform in rather than having to rent out Livermore High or Amador High! My only complaints are a) the balcony is quite chilly and b) the laser sensors on the automatic sinks and toilets are slow responders and the trigger location is difficult to pinpoint.
So, there you have it. You don't have to go all the way to SF's Tenderloin or UC Berkeley's Zellerbach or Oakland's Paramount for culture anymore (although, you still should every once in a while). Livermore is really bending over backwards to be cool. Make a day/night of it. Wine taste. Dine. Entertain. The parking is even free and easy.Listed in: Allow me to entertain you....
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Review from Jodi B.
Livermore, CA
Updated - 1/12/2009
well, it's been almost a year since my review so I thought an update was due. I even added a star because I'm excited about the hope and promise that 2009 brings to enjoy even more performances at this venue.
Last year, I was lucky enough to attend several plays here as field trips with my daughter's class. I am grateful that my daughter gets this kind of exposure to theatre, rather than being limited to school plays and assemblies. (I also want to thank the performers that put on these performances-usually just for the benefit of local school children! THANK YOU!!! )
We were lucky enough to attend several paid performances and I enjoyed every one. I'm still amazed at the acoustics, and the proximity to the stage that you feel from every seat in the house!
You can now purchase tix online and by phone (for a small fee). This has made it even more convenient!
The volunteers have been friendly and accomodating, always adding to the experience for us as they have a celebratory attitude that we usually feel when we are here.
I just can't say enough about how this theatre has added alot of variety to our social calendar (besides the winetasting events) and my kids (even my 3 yr old) have got to see some incredible shows.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/4/2008
Some people say that Livermore is a cultural wasteland. I say they haven't been here lately...
With… Read more »
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Review from Jessica R.
Oakland, CA
3/13/2008
One of the best things that has happened to this town. Who would have know that we had so many amazing and talented artists in our own backyard.
The theatre and patio and great. I love the grass area and I thought the Mardi Gras event this year was fabulous. Livermore so needed this. -
Review from Vittorio L.
Oakland, CA
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great addition to Livermore's Downtown area. Some fun, local restaurants, stores, and cafes are within walking distance as is a large parking garage across the street. The theater itself is small, modern, and hosts some great local works. Good acoustics, comfy seats, and concessions make this place an surprisingly accommodating.
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Review from Tak K.
Campbell, CA
2/9/2008
I went there for a classical music concert yesterday. The outside looks very classy and spacious with front lawn. I do wonder if the lawn will be used for some occasions in warmer season.
Inside there were paintings from a local artist. I wish there were other creations from other artists, and stop at that :P. The front lobby is large enough to accommodate the 500 people seating. The view from the second floor to outside is lonely. Hopefully within a decade there will be nightlights to see.
The inside the theater uses lots of quality materials and engineering for very good acoustics. The reddish brown acoustic plates with black walls made the interior tight-looking. The city surely got a lot of money invested for this hall.
While having such a nice hall in Livermore will be a proud thing for its residence to talk about, concertgoers need to be more educated. Sure, Bartok is not easy to comprehend as much as Mozart, but hearing old ladies chatting that they could not stand his music made me cringe. I have not overheard that in SF, Chicago, Mountain View, Sacramento, and Davis (yeah, Davis...). Having this hall should encourage more educated concertgoers to attend (or so I pray) _ (|) _. -
Review from Mike M.
Livermore, CA
1/9/2010
Amazing, Wonderful, Beautiful. Perfect. My wife and I have been here several times since the Bankhead opened and we've had a great time every time. The people in charge have done a great job of bringing in local, national and international talent.
The sound in this facility is amazing and the seats are some of the most comfortable I've encountered in a theater. As one recent performer I saw there put it "Truly one of the Bay areas best kept secrets" -
Review from Christine g.
Livermore, CA
2/8/2010
My boyfriend and I have been wanting to check out the new theater .So we were downtown Saturday night and decided to pop in. It looked beautiful from the outside. Excited, we walked right in. We were in the lobby for one minute when we were rudely confronted by "Carol" and told to leave "Immediately". "You can not come in without a ticket" She seemed overly angry for the situation. We explained we were just looking. There was NO ONE ELSE in the lobby. She escorted us to the door, told us to leave and we promptly left.. I'm still shocked as to the harsh and abrasive treatment. It takes allot of energy to be that rude. So why the angry words Carol?
Christy G. -
Review from Kenny L.
10/21/2008
As a performer, I am privileged to have performed in this theater. This is quite possibly the nicest theater I have ever performed in. The acoustics are awesome, your sound can project to the last row in the house and not being sucked into the fly space. Lots of spacious dressing rooms.
So why four stars?
1. No couches in the Green Room. I have never seen a Green Room without a couch, you either have a green room or you don't and when you do; it better have a couch in it.
2. Overzealous security. Once, I showed up early for my call and I decided to get a cup of tea at Peet's before I get into costume and makeup. As I reached an exit door I was stopped by a surly person in a suit and the "secret service earpiece," seriously is Barack Obama or John McCain coming to see the show tonight?
Security: Hey! What are you doing?
Me: I'm going to Peet's.
S: Who are you?
M: I'm Kenny L. and I'm in the cast.
S: You can't exit through this door, you have to clear it first.
M: But I've been looking for that person I couldn't find him. Look, inside my bag is box a makeup. What kind of a guy would carry around makeup? I'm in the cast and I want some tea before I get into costume and sing.
S: You haven't been cleared and you can't exit through this door.
M: Fine. (under breath and as walking away) Asshole.
I left through another door and went well out of my way to go to Peet's. I understand security concerns, but can you be less of dick about it? Security people are customer service as well. Or are you just trying to feel important by exercising what little authority you have to the fullest extent and by wearing a cheap suit with the "secret service earpiece." -
Review from Valerie N.
CA
12/16/2007
My friends and I saw The Nutcracker at the Bankhead Theater last night. It was a wonderful evening! And the theater itself is a knockout! The grounds are beautiful and the theater is lovely inside and out.
I really liked the intimacy of the place and the acoustics were pretty good. We had a great view of the stage.
I will definitely go back, especially if I can encourage my husband to go. ;) Parking is FREE and nearby. Even better! -
Review from Stephanie M.
Dublin, CA
12/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
Such a delightful venue to host many wonderful plays-Especially Christmas plays for small children. Modern and elegant combined, the place buzzed with excitement and history. There is a fountain area in the front with grass for kids to play around or wait around until your play or performance starts. Everything including the beautiful Christmas tree inside was appreciated. The play was exceptional and the performers were delightful. Would definitely recommend the play for others to see as well as come here for other performances...
..minus the rude lady host that stood in the front of the theater and directed the lines to come through orderly. Since there were classes from all over the area coming in to see the Elves & The Shoemaker, she was the lucky one to move the lines in. We, the parents and small children were the lucky ones to come in contact with The Grinch herself. I wanted to take a picture of my girls in front of the gorgeous Christmas tree, and instead, was interrupted by a woman yelling at me to move along and please step outside. Not only that, but 5 minutes beforehand, we were using the bathroom, and we were being shooed out hastily by The Grinch since the next group of kids on their way in the theater! Thank goodness we had already finished going and not in midway pee. I understand field trips and class trips are hard to contain, but this was down right rude and obnoxious. I hope the next time I come here, I will have a better experience.Comment from Nancy M. of Bankhead Theater 12/7/2010
Stephanie, Thanks for taking the time to give us a review,… More » -
Review from Amy J.
4/10/2008
This is a beautiful theater. Let's hope they get some high quality acts here. It's located in the heart of the newly remodeled downtown. Swanky = yes?
Listed in: 5 Stars
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Review from Amanda H.
Livermore, CA
6/4/2009
I went here for The Nutcracker performance last year before Christmas. I really enjoyed myself and can't wait to go back. The theatre was amazing and the seating was very comfortable.
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Review from tom r.
Pleasanton, CA
9/27/2011
This is a very nice theatre, good acoustics and not a bad seat in the house. Has so far catered more to the older crowd (as in OLDER) but has started to change. I have been to see a play (good), seen a local orchestra (very good) and went on guitar fest night to see Michael Landau (studio guitarist for Pink Floyd and others, outstanding), Eric Gales (young blues hotshot, not too shabby) and the incredible Sonny Landreth (slide guitar, world class). Holds about 500, prices are reasonable. I was sitting in the "cheap seats" - second row from the back($39) and the sound was very good with no obstruction of view whatsoever . Can't bring drinks in but you can buy drinks (no waiting, service very friendly) and hang out in the stylish, modern lobby or mezzanine. This night every seat was filled, yet it never seemed crowded. Plenty of parking - big structure across the street - and street parking as well - wait for it...........Free. The whole thing has a very small town feel to it (hey, it's Livermore) but in a good way. Box office opened on time on the days I went for tix and no attitude, no service charge and discounts for students. And, as I mentioned, the guitar show was way cool and having players like those guys come to town was a big honor. Way to go, keep it up!
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Review from Ryan M.
Livermore, CA
9/26/2009
Nice, new theater in the heart of downtown Livermore. There are no bad seats in the house, parking is right across the street and completely free, everything is spotless.
The negatives? Way too few bathrooms, unfriendly staff (my kids had recitals there during the summer and we were forced to wait outside in 106 degree heat while the ushers had their 3rd meeting of the day to discuss who got to cover which door(I've volunteered there a couple times and have seen this from the inside as well)), overpriced 'cafe' with little in the way of selection.
I'd go back, but only for something really important to me or my family. I'd never go for a spur of the moment show. -
Review from Stacey G.
Folsom, CA
8/15/2008
This place is just lovely and I am happy to see such a place in Livermore. I went to the symphony last December and it was moving and the sound has been well engineered. I love this new plaza area as well.
