Question 1

1. What should I bring to an open-air performance?

Accepted Answer

For our open-air performances, please bring:A standard-sized camping chair for each person, unless otherwise statedWarm clothing and extra layers, even if the day has been warmWaterproof clothing if there is any chance of rainA blanket if you tend to feel the coldAny food or drink you would like to enjoy before or during the performanceA phone or small torch, as the route back to your car may be dimly lit after darkPlease avoid bringing large garden chairs, recliners or other oversized or high-backed chairs that may obstruct the view of audience members sitting behind you. If your chair is causing an obstruction, we may ask you to move to another position.Please also remember that umbrellas cannot be used during the performance, as they obstruct the view of other audience members.For fire safety, BBQs, camping stoves, candles and other naked flames are strictly prohibited on the theatre site.

Question 2

2. What time should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

The theatre site usually opens around 1½ hours before the performance, and you are very welcome to arrive from then.Arriving early gives you time to choose your place, set out your chairs and enjoy the surroundings before the performance begins. Many audience members bring a picnic and make an evening of it.Seating is unnumbered and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Question 3

3. Can I bring a picnic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Picnics are very welcome at our open-air venues, and many audience members arrive early and make an evening of it.You are welcome to arrive when the theatre site opens, set out your chairs and enjoy a picnic before the performance. You may continue eating your picnic in the audience area after 7pm, but we ask that all picnic rugs, tables and other picnic furniture are packed away by 7pm.This is because they take up a considerable amount of space and can mean that other audience members have to sit much further away from the performance.Picnics are not permitted inside our Little Big Top.

Question 4

4. Can I bring my own chair?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For our open-air performances, you will normally need to bring your own standard-sized camping chair, unless otherwise stated.Please avoid large garden chairs, recliners or other oversized or high-backed chairs that may obstruct the view of audience members sitting behind you. If your chair is causing an obstruction, we may ask you to move to another position.Chairs are provided for performances in our Little Big Top, so you do not need to bring your own chair. We do recommend bringing a cushion for additional comfort.

Question 5

5. Can I sit on the ground?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are welcome to sit on the ground at our open-air performances.However, there is no dedicated ground-seating area, so we strongly recommend arriving early to find a suitable position. If you arrive later, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to find somewhere to sit on the ground with a clear view of the performance.

Question 6

6. Are there toilets at the venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Toilet facilities are available at every venue.At established venues and village halls, we use the facilities already available at the venue. Where there are no permanent facilities, portable toilets are provided.Accessible toilet facilities are available at some venues, but unfortunately not all of our touring locations are able to provide them.If you need to know what toilet or accessible toilet facilities will be available at a particular venue, please contact us using the Contact Form and we will be happy to advise.

Question 7

7. Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking arrangements vary from venue to venue. Some venues have their own parking, while at others you may need to use nearby public or on-street parking.If you need information about parking at a particular venue, please contact us using the Contact Form and we will be happy to advise.We recommend allowing plenty of time to park and make your way to the theatre site.

Question 8

8. Can I bring a dog?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are permitted at some, but not all, of our outdoor venues. Each venue or landowner has its own policy and some do not allow dogs on their land.If you wish to bring a dog, please contact the venue directly before attending to check its policy.Where dogs are permitted, they must be kept under control and must not cause a disturbance during the performance.Dogs are not permitted inside our Little Big Top, with the exception of assistance dogs.

Question 9

9. What happens when I arrive?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive, make your way to our Front of House area. You don't need to print your tickets or show them on your phone — simply give us the name the booking was made under and we'll check you in.For an open-air performance, you can then choose your place and set out your chairs. Seating is unnumbered and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Question 10

10. Can I bring food and drink into the Little Big Top?

Accepted Answer

Picnics and drinks purchased elsewhere are not permitted inside the Little Big Top.A bar is available where you can purchase drinks.

Question 11

11. How long is the performance?

Accepted Answer

The running time varies from production to production. Please check the information on the current production page for running times and interval information.We recommend allowing a little extra time at the end of the evening when making travel arrangements, as live performances can occasionally finish slightly later than expected.

Question 12

12. Should I bring a torch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. At our open-air performances, floodlighting is provided in the immediate audience area, but many of our venues are in rural locations and the route back to your car may be dimly lit after dark.We recommend bringing a phone or small torch to help you find your way safely at the end of the evening.

Question 13

13. Can I bring a BBQ or camping stove?

Accepted Answer

No. BBQs, camping stoves, candles and other naked flames are strictly prohibited on the theatre site.Many of our performances take place in rural locations where dry grass and vegetation can present a serious fire risk, so we have to be particularly mindful of the danger of wildfires.