Frequently Asked Questions
HOW LONG IS THE PERFORMANCE?
The running time of most of our performances is just over two hours including a fifteen minute interval.
WHAT TIME DO THE GATES OPEN?
At almost all of our venues gates open one hour before the performance begins. Gates open times are always detailed on your tickets
IS SEATING PROVIDED?
At the vast majority of our venues seating is NOT provided. Our patrons are required to bring something to sit on – ideally a low-backed chair or blanket (we recommend chairs). But, regardless of where or how you are seated there is a good view throughout the performance area. Our stage is raised and specifically designed to ensure good sightlines wherever you are sat.
IS THE PERFORMANCE AREA COVERED?
No. Both the stage and the area where the audience is seated are uncovered. We sit under the same stars as Shakespeare and are equally at their mercy. We advise patrons to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst… Please remember to come prepared for all types of weather by bringing items including sun cream, waterproofs and jumpers.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS WET WEATHER?
Our performances continue in all but the very worst weather. Please bring waterproofs and warm clothing. Umbrellas are permitted at our venues but not within the audience area whilst seated. As the performance area and stage are completely uncovered it may be necessary, from time to time, to stop and re-start the show but our goal is to complete each performance. On rare occasions, that will not be possible. Tickets are non-refundable in the event of cancellation because of the weather but may be exchanged in accordance with our policy set out in our WEATHER PAGE.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS HOT WEATHER?
Cover up to protect yourself from the sun; Wear a head covering (please note that parasols and umbrellas are not permitted to be used within the audience area); Apply high factor sun cream; Drink alcohol responsibly; Drink plenty of water.
If the temperature exceeds 40 degrees during the performance, the performance will be cancelled, and our weather exchange policy will apply. Please head to the WEATHER PAGE for more information.
WHEN WILL YOU DECIDE IF THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER?
We will not cancel a performance before the advertised start time. Very frequently it can rain all day and then clear up just in time for the play to start and bad weather can be incredibly localised.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND DRINK TO THE PERFORMANCE?
At the vast majority of venues picnicking is permitted. Likewise, you will be able to bring and consume your own drinks both alcoholic and otherwise. For more information please check on the venue’s website/individual page within our website.
WILL THERE BE A BAR OR CAFÉ?
Each venue is different and their offerings differ too. Please check the specific page for the venue that you are hoping to visit, or that venue’s web page for more information.
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKETS?
Tickets for performances where The Lord Chamberlain’s Men host the box office via TicketSource will be sent to you from TicketSource. All tickets will be e-tickets unless you have specifically requested and paid for a physical ticket. To gain access to the performance area e-tickets can be shown on smart phones or tablets, printed out e-tickets are also accepted. If you are using your phone for your ticket, please consider taking a screenshot of it before arrival in case of poor reception at the venue.
WHO DO I CONTACT WITH A QUERY ABOUT TICKETS I HAVE BOOKED?
If you have purchased a ticket for a performance where The Lord Chamberlain’s Men host the box office via TicketSource please call TicketSource directly on 0333 666 3366. Otherwise, please contact the venue/box office you purchased your tickets through directly.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM LATE?
Latecomers can be admitted at any time throughout the performance and will be seated at the rear of the performance area.
ARE THE PRODUCTIONS SHAKESPEARE’S TEXTS OR ADAPTATIONS?
The texts we use for our productions are Shakespeare’s original texts they are just sympathetically edited down.
IS THE PRODUCTION SUITABLE FOR MY CHILDREN?
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian in advance of purchase to make their own judgement as to the suitability of a production for their own child. Shakespeare’s plays tackle life’s biggest issues and do so unflinchingly. We do not dilute them down nor shy away from them. We advise parents to use their discretion. The productions do not contain modern swear words or full frontal nudity but may contain adult themes, stage violence and, potentially, references to or demonstrations of suicide.
CAN CARERS COME FOR FREE?
Yes – we are committed to making our performances as accessible as possible. To reflect this, disabled audience members/those with access needs can obtain one free carer’s ticket when they purchase a full price ticket for themselves to our performances. If you require a carer to attend with you, please book your own ticket first, then email boxoffice@tlcm.co.uk with name, email address and booking number along with proof of the carer’s status and we will email you a complimentary carer’s ticket.
For information about which proof of carer’s status we can accept or for more information about access tickets please click HERE.
PLEASE NOTE, this only applies to venues where The Lord Chamberlain’s Men host the box office via TicketSource. For venues running their own box office please contact the venue directly to enquiry about carers’ tickets.
CAN I BRING MY DOG TO THE PERFORMANCE?
Except for assistance/guide dogs, we regret that we cannot admit any dogs or other pets to our performances.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOS DURING THE SHOW?
Yes, photography is permitted during the performance. Please be respectful of other audience members whilst taking photographs – mobile phones and tablet screens can be distracting to our performers and other audience members. We DO NOT permit flash photography or videos. Please feel free to share photographs with us via social media. Adult ticketholders consent to being filmed and photographed for publicity and broadcast purposes.