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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 fully booked until July 2025. We are currently taking bookings until August 2026 (we don’t yet have term dates beyond this). Please enquire to discuss your proposed dates.

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

  • Wed 9 – Sat 12 July 2025
  • Wed 23 – Sat 26 July 2025
  • Fri 19 – Sat 20 December 2025 (Limited, 1 or 2 days only)
  • Wed 8 – Sat 18 April 2026
  • Tue 7 – Sat 25 July 2026

 

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 usually included as 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 and minimum audience numbers).

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 2025 (all +VAT)
Minimum hire charge £1,500 (for single-day events).
Fit-up / tech / rehearsals £750 per day, up to 8 hours + £75 per hour for additional hours.
Amateur / youth / charity performances £750 per performance, or £125 per hour for continuous performance events.
Professional performances 20% of ticket sales; £900 minimum per performance (depending on requirements; subject to negotiation).
Hourly rate £150 per hour.
  • We are expecting to be VAT registered from January 2025, in line with government’s policy for all independent schools. All lettings which are not already in contract will be subject to VAT.
  • 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). We can offer a discounted rate for short performances.
  • 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.
  • Proof of charitable/non-profit status may be required.
  • Published rates are subject to change without notice.
  • VAT is charged at the prevailing rate at the time of invoice.

 

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.

Conferences & Events

Conference enquiries are handled on a case-by-case basis to provide you with a bespoke response and costing.

Please note that unfortunately we cannot host conferences or other commercial events during The Leys School term time, and at present we do not have any residential opportunities available.

Please download our Conference Brochure

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.

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