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Availability and Rates

Theatre Availability and Hire Rates

Great Hall is only available to hire during our school holiday periods. We particularly welcome non-profit and charitable organisations for young people.

 

Theatre Availability

Lettings are usually taken in weekly blocks, but we are happy to consider longer or shorter periods to suit your production. One-night events are also welcome, although priority will be given to longer bookings. We generally avoid Mondays, as that gives us a day to prepare the venue for the next event.

Next available dates:

2023 2024
  • Wed 26 – Sat 29 July 2023 (Summer)
  • Wed 20 – Sat 23 December 2023 (Christmas)
  • Wed 10 – Sat 13 April 2024 (Easter)
  • Wed 29 May – Sat 1 June 2024 (Summer Half Term)
  • Sun 7 – Sat 13 July 2024* (Summer)
  • Wed 17 – Sat 20 July 2024* (Summer)
  • Wed 24 – Sat 27 July 2024 (Summer)
  • Wed 31 July – Sat 3 August 2024* (Summer)

We are currently taking bookings until August 2024. Please enquire to discuss your proposed dates from the above list. * Some of the above dates will be reserved for our regular clients on a “first refusal” basis (shown in italics).

 

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.

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 marketing and publicity.

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 also optional.

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 2023/24 Valid until August 2024.
Fit-up / Tech / Rehearsals £675 per day, up to 8 hours + £67.50 per hour for additional hours.
Performances £675 per performance.
Hourly Rate £135 per hour, up to 5 hours.
Minimum hire charge for all charitable/non-profit bookings is £1,350 regardless of hours required.
Professional/commercial hires by negotiation; % ticket sales with a minimum guarantee per performance as above.
  • The above rates are valid only for suitable charitable / non-profit / educational organisations. Proof of status may be required.
  • 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 £35 per hour applies for any Sunday working.
  • A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking. For bookings over 1 year in advance this can be paid as 10% immediately and 15% payable 6 months beforehand.
  • Additional charges may apply for certain technical equipment and services, to be agreed in advance.
  • We are not VAT registered.
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.

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.

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

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