A Unique Theater Experience at the Red Mill Gastronomic Theatre

I'm a huge theater fan, and my daughter's picked up on that, so we're super familiar with all the theaters in Novosibirsk. We've seen countless shows for both adults and kids, and one place that really stands out is the Red Mill Gastronomic Theatre - it's a must-see for anyone looking to experience the best of the city.

The theater scene in Novosibirsk is a bit of a sad state. There aren't as many theaters as I'd like, but the city has a huge population, so buying tickets well in advance has become the norm. I've even had to try and snag tickets on the day of sale, only to find out they've already sold out. It's frustrating, to say the least.

The state of the theaters varies, with some looking brand new and stylish, while others have a more retro charm. The repertoire is mostly classic shows, which is fine by me, but I can see how some people might get bored with the same old stuff.

But in 2023, something new and exciting happened in Novosibirsk - the opening of the Red Mill Gastronomic Theatre. This place is unique because you can enjoy a meal while watching a show, which is perfect for families or anyone who wants to make a night out of it. The theater itself is stunning and unlike anything I've seen before, but it does raise a few mixed emotions in me - mostly positive, but with a few reservations.

Key Details:

Full Name: Red Mill Gastronomic Theatre

Address: Galuschak Street, 1a

Age: Family-friendly shows for all ages, adults 18+

Price: Varies depending on the show, kids' shows from 500 rubles, adult shows from 800 rubles

Design:

I have to admit, I was a bit taken aback when I first found out the theater is located on the basement level of the mall. I mean, it's not exactly the most conventional place for a theater. But once I stepped inside, I realized that there would be plenty of... really, really great photo opportunities.

The attention to detail here is impressive, and the design is done with great taste. We have some other nice theaters in the city, but this one takes the cake. It's essentially one big photo studio.

The coat check and even the restrooms blend in perfectly with the overall aesthetic and look stylish.

There are a few areas specifically designed for taking great photos. The swings in front of the glowing mirrors are a particular highlight.

I have to say, the "Red Mill" theater is one of those places where people actually dress up for the occasion. You won't see many kids in sneakers and sports jerseys here, unlike other theaters. To me, going to the theater is a special event, so let's make an effort to look our best, especially for the kids.

Another great spot for taking photos is the big white mask against the backdrop of musical instruments.

The large flower cart is also a great location for taking cool photos, but be prepared for a crowd and a potentially awkward photo shoot.

Unfortunately, many photos don't turn out as great because you have to crop out people or, in my case, myself.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the cozy lounge area in the lobby. It's got plenty of comfy sofas, tons of mirrors, and lots of nooks and crannies that make it feel really spacious. I never felt like I was stuck in a crowded area - whether I was in the lobby, the main hall, or the bathroom, people were always spread out and it felt really relaxed.

Now, I know what you're thinking - this place isn't that big. But trust me, the layout is really well thought out. It's got a great balance of open space and cozy nooks, so whether you're a kid or an adult, you'll find something that suits your taste. I loved exploring every corner and taking in all the details.

The Main Hall:

The main hall is like a fancy restaurant, minus the fact that there's a stage right in front of the tables. It's a really unique setup, and I loved it.

The tables are pretty small, seating about 4 people each. On either side of the tables, there are little sofas that look like they might be part of the VIP section - the seats here are a bit pricier, and there's also a balcony with a few tables. I'm not sure how much of the stage you can see from up there, but it's definitely a nice spot to grab a drink and take in the show.

The columns in the room aren't really an issue, since the tables are arranged so they don't obstruct anyone's view. The chairs are pretty close together, but it doesn't feel cramped.The seats are super comfy, and I've sat for hours without any issues. It's on par with the comfort of a regular theater seat.The stage is pretty small, and there's not a ton of decoration going on, at least not during the shows I've been to. But the costumes are always on point, especially for the kids' shows. The lighting and sound system are top-notch.The venue itself is also super photogenic, and there are plenty of opportunities to take some great shots. Honestly, I'd come here just for the aesthetic, and the show would be a bonus. Plus, they host concerts, musical lotteries, and other events, so it's not just about the theater productions.Tickets:

This one thing I wanted to highlight, as there are some nuances when buying tickets to this theater.

So, the table is designed for four people, which means if you're a couple, you might end up with another pair at your table. On the one hand, making new friends is always a plus. On the other hand, sitting at a small table with strangers in close quarters isn't exactly my cup of tea. We always bring a family member or friend along, it's way more comfortable.We prefer to book tickets for the second or third row of tables.

Also worth noting is that you'll pay for food and drinks separately, of course. The pricing for the menu items is pretty average for our city.

Menu:

I mentioned earlier that this theater is unique because you can eat during the performance.

I'm not sure if it's just me, but I'm not entirely comfortable with it. To be honest, I get distracted by the food and miss out on the show. It's hard for me to multitask, and I've always been taught that you don't eat in the theater because the performers are real people.

On the other hand, the format is what it is, and the actors know what they're getting into when they agree to perform here, so their feelings shouldn't be hurt.

To be honest, I still try to order something that's not too crunchy, easy to gobble down, and perfect for munching on during a show or intermission. Although most people seem pretty relaxed, a drink or two in the evenings is definitely allowed and actively encouraged.Everything we've ordered so far has been a hit with both adults and kids (they've got a separate kids' menu). The portions are decent-sized, and while there's nothing super original on the menu for me, they've got a great selection of classic favorites that everyone loves.

I've got to give a shout-out to the coffee and hot chocolate - the kid's absolutely obsessed with the hot chocolate, and I've tried it too - it's really got a special flavor. I also want to highlight all that junk food stuff like cheese puffs, nuggets, fries, and potato chips - it's all way better than what you'd get at your average fast food joint.

Repertoire:

From what I've seen, the theater's mostly doing comedy shows, and I'm really loving that. Sometimes you just want to unwind and have a good laugh, and the atmosphere in this theater is perfect for that. Everyone seems to be in a great mood, and the whole vibe is really relaxed and friendly.

I've got to say, the kids' shows are really something special. There aren't many of them, but each one is top-notch, and I wanted to highlight them a bit more. My daughter absolutely loves this theater because she can enjoy a meal while watching the show, and that's because:there's a sense of freedom, so she can run around, dance, and be herselfthere's plenty of interactive elements, where the actors ask the audience questions, play games with them, and even run around the room between tablesafter the show, everyone's invited to take photos, and she loves hugging and chatting with her favorite charactersThe kids' shows feature life-size puppets and incredibly colorful costumes for the actors.

As for the adult shows, many of them have a musical component (I'm not sure if the actors are singing live or using a backing track each time, to be honest).The shows are pretty straightforward and light-hearted, more like a one-off experience, similar to a night out at the Theater Afanasyev or the Red Lantern.

This theater has its pros and cons. On the one hand, the design is stunning, and the comedy shows are really easy to follow and enjoyable. The food is delicious, and there's a huge selection of dishes to choose from. The kids love it here, and the costumes are incredibly beautiful. On the other hand, visiting this theater can be quite pricey, especially considering the average ticket price is around 1000 rubles. For a family of four, the cost of tickets alone would be around 4,000 rubles, not to mention the restaurant bill.

For me, this theater is a top choice, and it's all about the atmosphere. I feel so relaxed when I'm there, and I love the unique setup of the main hall. It's a great place to unwind and have a good time. I highly recommend it - you should definitely give it a try at least once.

P.S Check out my review of Airecommend. Apparently, it's a funny one.