Guildhall - Portsmouth

The warm-up act didn't start until after 8pm and did a 25-minute set before announcing that Katherine Ryan would be on soon. Katherine Ryan took the stage around 8:50pm, with the timing being somewhat vague. Despite this, we enjoyed her performance with engaging stories and audience interaction that had everyone laughing. She finished around 10pm and exiting the venue was relatively smooth. Booking tickets online was a bit confusing as we could only reserve seats in the back, upper circle, or side circle. However, there were empty seats in other areas on the night of the show. It's unclear how far in advance seats in different sections need to be booked.

Saw Paul Weller here. His show was very good and this review does not reflect on his, or his band’s performance. They were excellent. Queued for about half an hour to be served by very slow bar staff. We were standing and it seemed overcrowded. It was incredibly hot and sweaty just standing in one spot. There was no bar in the auditorium which meant you had to go down a few flights of stairs to get a drink. People were reluctant to miss part of the show to queue for a drink. Very disappointed with the lack of service and seemingly untrained bar staff. I would not visit again.

The overcrowding and ridiculously cramped seating made what was otherwise a wonderful night out a painful experience. This review in no way reflects on the show we saw, it was brilliant but the venue are putting money in their pockets at the detriment to the customers. It was **** lucky we were in the back row and were able to stand up and stretch.

I have been to this venue several times now for festivals, concerts, shows, weddings university days Each time we go it is so hot in the venue especially when there are alot of people inside. At a recent wedding and rock concert all my friends and family all complained of of how hot and stuffy it was with limited ventilation. It even took the act playing to stop and complain to Guildhall staff before they put on ventilation. Really poor effort as there were elderly and young kids at all these occasions

Rip off. Buy a £15 ticket to just enter the guildhall which is dated and dull with no atmosphere. Drinks £5 plus each and you have to buy tokens, the cheapest purchase is £25 and then £5 per sausage you want to try. Wouldn’t go again.