We sat down with Norwich Theatre’s Head of Visitor Service, James MacDonald, to talk about Open Day on 26 July, a full day of free, family-friendly activities, backstage tours, and interactive fun. James gave us the ultimate insider’s guide to the most magical day of the summer and what’s in store for visitors this year.
Tell us about Open Day?
Open Day is brilliant! It’s our chance to let our wonderful audiences behind the scenes at Norwich Theatre Royal, explore the building in a completely new way and learn about who we are. We run loads of different activities and events, including backstage tours, costume displays, costume try-ons, and face painting. This year, we’ll also have Peter Pan pirate-themed mini golf and ticket offers for upcoming shows!
Describe Open Day in just three words
Busy, fun, free!
Why do you love the day so much?
It’s a real treat to be able to spend time with our audiences and talk about our shared love of theatre. It’s also a privilege to be able to offer a day of activities for people of all ages that is completely free! It’s our way of saying thank you to our community!
Can you share a favourite memory from a past Open Day?
In the past, I used to make balloon models at Open Day, and some very sweet kids drew me pictures to say thank you!
I also took a backstage tour a number of years ago, and a lady told me she had waited at the stage door to get Bruce Forsyth’s signature so she could have it tattooed! We love a fan, and it’s such a sweet reminder of how excited people can be for the shows and artists we bring to Norwich.
What goes on behind the scenes to get ready for a day like this? When does the planning start?
Planning starts a few months in advance! I’m keen for every department at Norwich Theatre to be there on the day, especially the staff who work behind the scenes, backstage or in the offices. They don’t get to see visitors as often as I do, and it’s really lovely for them to see first-hand how important and exciting their work can be!
We’ll have staff from front-of-house teams, as well as technical, sales and marketing, communications, programming, producing, creative engagement, creative learning, friends and supporters, and people and culture. It’s a big job, and they’re all excited to meet our audiences!
Tell us about the tours? What can we see?
Access all (or most!) areas of the building! We’ll take people into the auditorium and onto the stage for your starring moment. We’ll talk about the theatre’s history and how it operates today to bring all these incredible shows to Norwich. We’ll go backstage into dressing rooms, and we’ll go under the stage to see orchestra pits and traps doors!
The tours leave the foyer every few minutes, so there’s no need to book! However, we do have some specific access tours (level access, BSL, audio described and quiet) that people can book in advance if they need a little bit more support.
Is there a hidden gem or a specific room on the tour that most people walk right past but shouldn’t?
This year should see the return of our super-popular costume sale! We have a huge store of old theatre costumes that we hire out to other theatres and theatre companies. Our wardrobe department will be bringing loads of old costumes for people to buy and take home – bring a few quid and see what random bits you can find!
I’d also highly recommend our Tech Talks in Stage Two. Some of our technical wizards talk through their careers and the work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s a must-do activity that happens 4 times across the day.
What else is available to do? Are there any must-sees?
The costume try-on above the café is always super fun. We always love to see dads excited to dress as a panto dame or kids dressed as ducks! For those history buffs, we also have a great display from our theatre archive with items going back more than a century!
There can be a lot to discover at the theatre on Open Day, so make sure you pick up a trail flyer from the foyer, which tells you where to go and encourages you to collect stamps around the building relating to specific activities. If you complete your trail card and return it to us, you could win a family ticket for Peter Pan this Christmas!
What do you hope people are talking about on their way home?
Well, this year’s Open Day is a little bit Peter Pan themed. So, are you Team Hook or Team Tink? Y’arrr!
Last question … Are you team Hook or team Tink?
WHY MUST I CHOOSE!
I wish to be a pirate fairy! Or a fairy pirate!?
Open Day is on 26 July from 10am – 3 pm and is completely free with no need to book.
