On 24 Aug we are opening our doors for Open Day 2024, where we invite you all to see the magic behind the scenes at Norwich Theatre.
There will be drop-in guided tours around Norwich Theatre Royal and Norwich Theatre Stage Two, starting in the Box Office foyer throughout the day, or you can take it at your own pace and walk around unguided. Audio Described tours are available to book in advance of the day. You will be shown our auditoria onstage, backstage, under the stage and the dressing rooms where stars have prepared for shows!
Head into the auditorium and let the magic whisk you away! Get a glimpse of what it’s like to work behind the scenes, check out the Sound and Lighting Desks, then tread the boards of the stage and see what it’s like to star in a show!
After your theatrical debut, get involved with the Technical Team backstage. There will be a chance to check out: inflatable set pieces, stage tracking equipment, Flyrail demonstrations, Prompt Desk demonstrations, video walls, PTZ cameras AND light fixtures demonstrations.
Don’t miss out on our Family Activity Trail happening around the buildings. Complete all the activities for a chance to win pantomime tickets for a family of four! Pick up your stamp card from the Box Office foyer and be sure to return it for your chance of winning.
Whilst you are at Box Office, chat to the team to book tickets for upcoming shows. There will be special Open Day offers available for selected shows, including a lucky dip where everyone is a winner!
Children wanting to add extra magic to their day can get their face painted for free in our restaurant, Prelude. You will also find other free and fun creative activities, like designing your own theatre costumes and decorating your own theatrical mask.
Wander upstairs to our Octagon Lounge to delve through Norwich Theatre’s archives and learn about the rich history. Children’s imaginations can run wild in the play area, with a costume rail, puppet theatre and soft play items.
Pop by our access display to learn more about My Theatre, a way to book accessible performances online. It also offers audience members on low income the opportunity to access discounted tickets and subsidised or free places on our Take Part activities.
If you’re feeling peckish, head over to our Long Bar, where drinks and refreshments will be available throughout the day, your own packed lunches are also welcome! Whilst you’re there, spread some love to those who have shown you kindness by filling in one of our Thank You Postcards. Enter their details to nominate a deserving person to win free theatre tickets.
Adults don’t have to miss out on the dressing-up fun! Check out our Costume Display and try-on area in the Balcony Bar. You can live your theatrical fantasy, from playing the prince to trying out the dame’s elaborate outfits. This creates the perfect chance to pose for a photo in front of our Pantomime Photo Wall. Everybody say ‘cheese’!
There will be several display stands dotted around, so you can find out about our Friends and Supporters scheme, our Corporate Memberships and Sponsorships, and discover what careers are available at Norwich Theatre. Be sure to stop by and say hi!
Heading back downstairs, indulge in a delicious drink and snack from Café Royal. You can even tune into our Theatre of Sanctuary Soundscape whilst you’re visiting.
That’s not it! Head over to our Norwich Theatre Stage Two building, by our car park, for Tech Talks. Join three members of the Norwich Theatre Technical Department to gain insight and knowledge of all backstage disciplines with opportunities to ask all your burning questions about career prospects, special effects and life working in theatre. The talks will take place at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm, each lasting 30 minutes.
Head upstairs to our Creative Engagement and Artist Development space in Studio 2. Stretch the vocal cords and join our Parents Singing Circle drop-in at 10.30am or take a peek at the Artist Development Open Warm Up and Rehearsals at 1 – 3pm. Then, pop down the hallway to Studio 3 to learn about our Creative Assembly and Associate company.
All generations of the family are welcome to come along and explore. Be sure to note the date in your diary for some free fun at the end of the summer holidays!
Please note that our free Audio Described Tours must be booked in advance here.