Lionel Wendt Art Centre

Absolutely loved my experience at Lionel Wendt Art Centre! The stage drama was mesmerizing, with incredible performances and a beautifully designed set. The atmosphere was vibrant, the acoustics perfect, and every detail reflected true dedication to the arts. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates theater and culture. I can’t wait to return for the next performance!

Sri Lanka’s well known art gallery and venue for musical events. This particular event was held by saman Pushpasiri. He is talented and innovative in many fields . All these paintings are done using purely natural substances and prepared by sparing months and years.

The premises comprises of an art exhibition gallery, performing arts theatre and a mini hall/room for rehearsals/classes. The centre is managed by a trust in memory of Lionel Wendt - a great painter and pianist (1900-1944). This review concerns the theatre. It is the best in town to experience performing arts. The seating (top two seat categories) is comfortable and sounding is quality. The lighting, sounds and backstage facilities for artists are also commendable. The booking process is manual and the facilities for patrons are average. Parking on the premises is only for about ten vehicles, but there's a nearby public car park. There's no cafeteria on the premises or nearby. The wooden benches in the balcony saves space but poor in comfort. Balcony is not the ideal for live vocal performances like dramas due to poor audibility. Introduction of a digital booking platform and a coffee shop would definitely add value.

I watched 'Sinhabahu' Stage Drama by renowned late dramatsist Ediriweera Sarachchandra on 2018. Some of the captures are shared below.

The toilets did not have soap or toilet paper on the opening night (and consecutive days) of a theater performance. The cafeteria is also poorly maintained. Surprising for an establishment in Colombo 7 that considers itself one of the foremost art centers in the country.

The home of Sri Lankan English theatre. The place where many an aspiring thespian trod the boards and uttered their first lines of Shakespeare. Check their calendar for performance schedules.

Spacious gallery that hosts all kinds of exhibitions all year round. The parking here can be a little tricky, especially if there happens to be a popular exhibition. The road adjacent to the gallery is one way, and a part of it is closed off to make way for parking, but it can get filled up pretty quickly.

As someone who has been coming to one of Colombo's oldest theatre since my childhood, I can say with confidence that this theatre holds a special place in my heart. The moment you step into the theatre, you are transported to a different world altogether. The atmosphere is electric, with the excitement and anticipation of what's to come palpable in the air. The theatre itself is steeped in history and tradition, and you can feel it in every nook and cranny of the building. The seating is comfortable, and the sightlines are excellent, ensuring that no matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the stage. The productions that are staged here are always of the highest quality, with talented actors, singers, and dancers bringing their best to the stage. Whether it's a classic play, a musical, or a contemporary performance, you can be sure that you will be thoroughly entertained. Overall, this theatre holds a special place in my heart, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic theatre experience. It's a true gem in the heart of Colombo.