How Can I Book Tickets?
You can book tickets in three ways to suit your preference:-
Online 24 hours a day via our website alnwickplayhouse.co.uk It will be necessary to set up an account if you do not already have one. This is simple to do, you can select your own password.
By telephone on 01665 660550.
In person at the box office.
When Is The Box Office Open?
Box Office opening times are:-
Tuesday to Friday 10pm -4pm
Saturday 1pm-4pm
Sunday Closed
The Box Office is also open 1 hour before any evening performance.
Where Is The Playhouse?
Alnwick Playhouse is in Bondgate Without situated on the edge of Alnwick Town Centre adjacent to the Bondgate Tower.
Our address is:
Alnwick Playhouse
Bondgate Without
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 1PQ
Where Can I Park?
There is ample parking situated behind the Playhouse, accessed via Greenwell Road. Disabled and mobile home parking spaces are also available. Parking is free, however some car parks are time restricted and require a disc to be displayed. These can be purchased for £1 from the Visitor Information Centre which is located in the Playhouse. Please ensure you check the boards in the car parks so as not to contravene the regulations – the civil enforcement officers are very enthusiastic about their duties.
Can I swap seats on the night/day if my seat is not suitable?
We recommend that if you have any specific seating/access requirements you discuss these with a member of Box Office staff at the time of booking. We cannot guarantee that an alternative seat, of the same ticket value, will be available on the night. Many performances/films sell out and those seats guaranteeing easy access etc. often sell out first.
Should your seating/access requirements change between booking and the time of the show please call the Box Office as soon as possible to see if an alternative seat of equal or greater value can be found for you. Please speak to a member of the Front of House team if you have any issues on the night.
Can I see the auditorium before the event?
If you have not been to the theatre before, we will be happy to arrange for you to come to have a look around to get your bearings when it is not too busy. Please call Box Office to arrange a suitable date and time. Please note we may not be able to support a visit on the day of the performance, so do call with as much notice as possible. If you would prefer to go into the auditorium just before the rest of the audience, or when everyone else is seated, please let the Front of House staff know when you arrive at the theatre.
Ready, Steady, Go booklets are available on request. These booklets provide information and images about our theatre and may help someone create a visual understanding of what to expect. Copies of this booklet will shortly be available to download.
Alternatively please contact the Box Office who will arrange for you to receive a copy.
Can I leave my suitcase/rucksack in The Playhouse whilst I watch a performance?
We do not have any storage facilities, so please do not bring any large bags or luggage with you.
How can I make my loved ones visit extra special?
Please speak to a member of our team to discuss. Contact McKenna’s at Alnwick Playhouse or the Playhouse Bar on 01665 660685 for information on catering options
Do you charge for using my card or add on any other fees?
No, for most events held at The Playhouse the published price of the ticket is what you pay. All costs are calculated into the ticket price, so what you see is what you pay.
From time to time we may sell tickets on behalf of promoters for events and in these cases we have to charge an additional booking fee.
I Paid For Tickets On My Debit Card And Payment Has Been Taken More Than Once – Can You Refund It?
This only occurs if for some reason a customer has tried more than once to pay, for example if an error occurs during the payment process and they try again. This is because once a payment is sent and it is received by their bank they hold the money until it is authorised. If it does not get authorised for any reason or if at any point a payment is rejected, it may take a day (or in some cases several days) for the hold on the money to be released. This length of time is determined by the customer’s bank, not by The Playhouse or our booking system. If a customer has tried multiple times and had rejected payments, there may be multiple holds on their account. This can be frustrating for customers as the money can appear to have already been debited from their account, while in reality it has not been taken. Unfortunately, this is in control of the customer’s bank and isn’t something that we can control.
Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets for another show if I can no longer make the performance?
Unfortunately, in most circumstances, this will not be possible.
When a performance is sold out, we may at the manager’s discretion assist clients by attempting to sell returned tickets on their behalf. There will be a service and handling fee of £2.00 per ticket for this service. (Please see Booking Terms and Conditions)
What happens if my tickets do not arrive on time?
If you do not receive your tickets prior to the show, please call Box Office on 01665 660550.
What happens if I have misplaced my tickets?
If you have misplaced your tickets please call Box Office on 01665 660550. There will be an administration fee of £1.00 per ticket for this service.
Performances, Streaming and Film
What happens if a production is cancelled?
In the unlikely event that a production is cancelled, then ticket holders will be contacted as soon as possible and given the option to either exchange their tickets to an alternative performance or they will be offered a refund.
What do the film certifications mean?
Film classifications are reproduced below:
Cert U – Universal – Suitable for all. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child.
Cert PG – Parental Guidance. General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.
Cert 12A – Suitable for 12 years and over. Films classified 12A contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend that they check the Ratings information for that film in advance.
Cert 15 – Suitable only for 15 years and over. No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema.
Cert 18 – Suitable only for adults. No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.
What are the running times for shows/concerts?
Running times for shows are available on the website and in our Brochure.
Please note times may vary. For the most up to date information please call our Box Office on the afternoon of the event.
Running times are also displayed Front of House prior to the start of each performance.
Can I take photos or a recording during a show?
Unless otherwise authorised the taking of photos or recording part or all of a performance is strictly prohibited. Most people are aware that they cannot record a film as this breaches copyright (more commonly known as Piracy). There are also sometimes legal/contractual ramifications of recording or taking photos during shows and performances as well. These may be due to Safeguarding restrictions when children/vulnerable adults are on stage, licencing restrictions for a particular show, or whereby an artist/Band want this restriction enforced.
Can I have a shout out before / after the show? Can I get my programme signed by the cast? Can I meet the cast?
We can pass on the shout out requests, but due to the high number of similar requests there is no guarantee this will happen. Sometimes cast/performers hold a meet and greet after the show, but this is at their discretion. Please check for any VIP packages at time of booking.
Where Can I Eat or Drink Prior to the Show?
McKenna’s Café is situated on the ground floor level. Please click here for more information about McKenna’s at The Playhouse
The Playhouse Bar is situated on the 1st floor, selling alcoholic, soft and hot drinks. Please click here for more information about the bar.
Please note, unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the bar. For full details please click here to see our Access Policy
Can I use the Playhouse Bar or McKenna’s Café if I do not have a ticket to an event?
Yes, you may.
Can I hire/make reservations for McKenna’s Café/bar?
Yes. For larger group bookings or to enquire about hiring out the space for a full event please contact McKenna’s on 01665 660685 or mckennas@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
What are the opening times of the bar?
5pm – 10pm – Tuesday to Saturday (these times may be subject to change depending on the artistic programme for the theatre. For the most up to date information please call 01665 660685)
Can I pre-order drinks/interval drinks?
Of course! You may pre-order by using the above contact details or you may order interval drinks on the night. It is advisable to pre-order your interval drinks and if you wish to please remember to arrive in good time before the show.
Are children allowed in the bar?
Yes, but in line with Playhouse Policy if under 12 they must be accompanied by an adult.
How accessible is Alnwick Playhouse?
The Access policy sets this out in detail. Please click here
I wish to book tickets and will be requiring a wheelchair space, who do I call?
Please contact the Box Office on 01665 660550.
Do you have a hearing loop for people with impaired hearing?
We have a hearing system installed in the main auditorium. Please speak to Box Office at the time of booking to discuss this requirement.
Can I have a free ticket as a carer?
Alnwick Playhouse is a small independent charity and unfortunately, at this time, we lack funding to be able to offer free seats to carers. Where a concessionary rate applies we allow both carer and the disabled person to have tickets at that rate.
Can I take my Zimmer frame/walker in to the auditorium?
Due to the layout of the auditorium and the requirement for safe evacuation procedures, we are unable to store walkers inside the auditorium. You may use your frame to enter the auditorium but then a Front of House Volunteer will safely store your walker outside.
Who do I contact if I have special access requirements?
Please call Box Office to discuss your specific requirements. They may ask the Front of House Manager to call you to discuss your specific requirements. A copy of our Access policy can be found here
Can I bring my guide dog?
Assistance Dogs are welcome. You can take your dog into the café, bar and auditorium but please discuss this at the time of booking your ticket with Box Office so an appropriate seat can be booked. Bowls of water are available if required.
I am partially sighted and need a member of staff to assist me during my visit. Who do I contact?
We are happy to offer assistance throughout your visit. Our staff and volunteer team have been trained in how to provide sighted guide assistance. Please inform our box office when you book and we can discuss what help may be available to you.
Do you have any accessible toilets that require a RADAR key?
Our accessible toilet does not require a RADAR key in order to access it.
I am sensitive to strobe lighting, how can I find out if the performance I am coming to have this effect in the show?
We will make customers aware of any notifications such as strobe, haze, flashing lights and gunshots on the day of the visit on signage Front of House prior to any show. We also endeavour to make customers aware in advance in written/digital marketing materials where possible.
I need a quiet space, where can I go?
Please speak to Box Office at the time of booking your ticket(s) and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.
I use a walking stick and would prefer a level access seat – where is best to sit?
Our seats on Rows A & B are level access, requiring no use of steps or slopes. To get to these seats you take the lift from the Box Office to level 1 and turn right into the Auditorium.
Take a look at our seating plan here
How many wheelchair users can you accommodate?
There are 3 spaces for wheelchair users available in the Main Auditorium – please book these in advance at the Box Office. Patrons can choose to transfer to a seat or stay in their wheelchair. *Please note a carers/friends seat is available next to a wheelchair space and if these are taken this will reduce the number of available wheelchair spaces to three.
Do You Have Baby Change Facilities?
Yes – these are situated on the ground floor in the accessible toilet.
Can I leave my pram/pushchair anywhere while I watch the show?
You can leave your pram/pushchair at your own risk in a dedicated area, please ask a member of staff and they will direct you to the area where you can leave it.
Can my child sit on my lap?
Generally children aged 18 months and younger may sit on a parent/carer’s lap and do not need a ticket. However, any child over 18 months old must have a ticket and be allocated a seat. The exception to this is where an event is specifically for children of a young age and sometimes all children will require a ticket.
Can my child come on their own to a film or other event?
It is Alnwick Playhouse policy that all children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult whilst attending any event at The Playhouse. Any film certification or age restriction for any other event must be complied with, even if an adult is attending as well.
Film classifications are reproduced below:
Cert U – Universal – Suitable for all. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child.
Cert PG – Parental Guidance. General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.
Cert 12A – Suitable for 12 years and over. Films classified 12A contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend that they check the Ratings information for that film in advance.
Cert 15 – Suitable only for 15 years and over. No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema.
Cert 18 – Suitable only for adults. No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.
What age is your Youth Theatre for?
Our Youth Theatre currently takes children from School Year 4 (age 8) up to age 19 and is divided into 2 or more groups depending on the productions/number of applicants. You can read more about our Youth Theatre and how to join here
Do you take work experience students? (Work Experience for children)
We do accept work experience students but can only take a limited number of applications per year.
How do you apply for a work experience place?
Please send an email to carrie.morrison@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk including your name, age, what dates you are looking to do the placement and why you would like to be considered for a placement with us.
What type of work experience do you offer?
Our work experience placements cover a variety of ages – for GCSE and above including opportunities for pre and post graduates – and a variety of roles in order to give a comprehensive overview of how the venue operates as a whole. General placements will include 1 to 1 meetings with department heads and experience of Box Office, Marketing, and Front of House & Technical operations.
We also offer occasional placements for those with a dedicated interest in technical roles such as Lighting, Sound and Stage Management. To enquire about this please email andy.hunt@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
How long is the placement?
Placements are usually 1 week long with hours varying depending on the theatre programme for the week. They are tailor made for pre/post graduates.
Can I volunteer at the Playhouse?
Yes – if you are over 18 please click here to visit our Volunteering information page
Do you have any vacancies at the Playhouse?
Any current vacancies are advertised on our website.
What Happens To My Personal Information?
All data, including your personal details, is retained securely on our computerised booking system. It is held in compliance with UK Data Protection law and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). If you require further information please see our Privacy Policy.
Am I Going To Be Bombarded With Emails?
We will only send emails to you to confirm and administer your ticket booking, including relaying key information to you if need be. If you wish you may opt-in to our marketing emails, which includes our weekly newsletters. This is the best way to keep up to date with forthcoming events at The Playhouse, or to receive special offers – you will not receive marketing emails or newsletters unless you opt-in. You can opt out again at any time.