Search this Site:

Availability and Rates

Theatre Availability & Hire Rates

Our aim is to be able to offer our superb venue to the wider Cambridge community. We particularly welcome non-profit and charitable organisations for young people.

 

Theatre Availability

Great Hall is only available to hire during our main school holiday periods and half terms (see Term Dates).

Lettings are usually taken in weekly blocks (Tuesday/Wednesday – Saturday), but we can consider longer or shorter periods to suit your production. One-night events are also welcome, although priority will be given to longer bookings and regular clients (which may mean that unfortunately we are initially unable to accept your booking). We generally start weekly bookings on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as that gives us time for staff breaks and to prepare the venue.

We are currently taking bookings until August 2025 (we don’t yet have term dates beyond this). Please enquire to discuss your proposed dates.

We have the following specific dates still available (other dates may also be available):

  • Wed 24 – Sat 27 July 2024 (any considered).
  • Wed 2 – Sat 12 April 2025 (1 or 2 weeks considered).
  • Wed 28 – Sat 31 May 2025 (full week only).
  • Wed 23 – Sat 26 July 2025 (full week only).

 

Theatre Hire Rates

These rates are for performance hires of the main theatre, including front-of-house areas, dressing rooms and stage/technical facilities as listed in the Technical Specification. Use of ancillary spaces such as the Middleton Studio, Dance Studio or the John Harding Drama Centre may incur additional costs, although are generally included for additional dressing room spaces.

We offer Great Hall as a ‘dry-hire’ venue – which means you are hiring only the space and facilities. You will need to provide your own stage / technical crew and front-of-house staff / ushers, as well as organising your own production, marketing and ticket sales.

We have partnered with a local bar company to provide a theatre bar for your performance (subject to availability).

Use of our Box Office is optionally available.

A duty technician is provided to oversee the building and assist with our technical systems (see below for details of Technical Support).

 

Performance Hire Rates from January 2024
Fit-up / Tech / Rehearsals £750 per day, up to 8 hours + £75 per hour for additional hours.
Performances £750 per performance, or £125 per hour for continuous performance events.
Hourly Rate £150 per hour.
Minimum hire charge is £1,500 regardless of hours required.
Professional/commercial hires by negotiation (please enquire).
  • Performance includes a reasonable time before/after the performance, plus the ‘Get-out’ after the final performance (no later than 01:00 or specified time, after which a penalty rate is charged).
  • Any time over 12 hours in one day will be charged at the full hourly rate. We discourage long working days for the health and safety of not just our staff but also for your crew and performers.
  • A surcharge of £37.50 per hour applies for any Sunday working.
  • A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking (negotiable for existing clients).
  • Additional charges may apply for certain technical equipment and services, to be agreed in advance.
  • We are not VAT registered.
  • Proof of charitable/non-profit status may be required.
  • Published rates are subject to change without notice.

 

Technical Support

Our duty technician will be on hand throughout your hire to assist with our technical systems and to provide advice and support to your crew.

For concerts and other small events, we are happy to provide basic PA and stage lighting. Additional charges may apply for any changes to our ‘Standard Rig’ and/or to operate the lighting/sound during the performance.

Please note that technician hours may be incurred before/after the event to prepare the venue if extensive changes are required to our standard arrangements. Payment for such hours will be agreed in advance, except where unauthorised changes have been made, or if our general conditions are not followed.

When necessary, technician hours are charged at £37.50 per hour (basic) or £75 per hour (performance).

 

Technical Information

Grand Piano

Our C. Bechstein D280 grand piano can be hired for music events in Great Hall. The piano must be professionally tuned before and after use. Please enquire for rates.

Middleton Studio

The Middleton Studio can be hired for smaller performances or rehearsals. Availability is restricted by main-house events, so please enquire to discuss possible options.

Contact Us

Discover more at The Leys

Great Hall

Great Hall is our Performing Arts Centre, completed in September 2013 and officially opened by HRH the Earl of Wessex in January 2014.

More information

Music School

The Music School was opened in 2005 by Julian Lloyd Webber. The Recital Hall and other rehearsal venues are available to hire during school holidays.

More information

Leys Leisure

We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming place to everyone. Everyone's safety is still our top priority.

More information