FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bring my dog to the performance?
We can only admit assistance dogs to our performances.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please see full terms and conditions below.
I can no longer make the performance, what can I do with my tickets?
If you can no longer use a ticket/s that you have purchased, we can offer an name exchange. Please email info@thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk with your name, the new name and email address of the private purchaser of your ticket/s, the date, time and venue name of the applicable performance. The new owner of the tickets will be emailed directly. We regret the we do not offer refunds for unused tickets.
The weather forecast isn’t looking good, what should I do?
The great British Summer! We never cancel a performance sooner than one hour before curtain, with the exception of forecast lightening up to 3 hours before, 40 degrees+ forecast up to 3 hours before, or winds exceeding 29mph forecast up to 3 hours before.
You will be contacted via email and text message by us. We cannot respond to any emails about weather.
For a detailed information about weather and cancellations, please CLICK HERE.
Is the performance the original text or a modern adaptation of the original?
The original text is used, which is trimmed down to two hours. Our productions are respectful to the attitudes and social context of Shakespeare’s Elizabethan England, but may be designed in a different era, (eg A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2022 was loosely set in the Edwardian era. Romeo and Juliet, 2021 was contextualized in the 1940’s).
Are the actors amplified, or do they project their voices without microphones?
The actors wear radio microphones and are discreetly supported by a PA system.
I am a registered carer. Do I pay to attend a performance?
No, we offer free tickets to all carers. Please email info@thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk with your name, email address, date, time and venue of the performance you’re wishing to attend. We will respond with a free carer ticket.
Is the performance suitable for children?
Yes, we recommend suitability for children 5+.
I’ve brought a picnic to the event, when should I eat it?
There’s nothing nicer than munching through a picnic whilst watching an Open Air performance. Most spectators save it till the interval, but it’s fine to enjoy, (quietly!) before or during the show too. Please be respectful to our venues and clear your area of rubbish, etc.
Can I bring my own chair? How can I be sure i’ll see the stage properly?
Yes, please bring garden or camping chairs, or a blanket on which to sit. (*there are some exceptions which are listed below) The audience area is unreserved. Ushers seat the audience so that everyone has the best view possible. The stage is 1.3 metres and uses lots of levels so that everyone has a great view of all the action.
How long is the show?
The performance is two hours long, including a twenty minute intermission.
Seating?
The following venues are seated, and therefore do not require ticket holders to bring chairs and/or blankets:
Brighton Open Air Theatre, Trebah Garden, The Minack, The William Cecil, Wilton’s Music Hall and Fairlight Hall.
For all other venues the seating is not provided. Please bring fold up garden chairs, camping chairs or blankets. People on blankets will be advised to sit in the first 5 metres in front of the stage. The production is supported by a PA system, with each actor individually amplified.