Norwich Theatre's Open Day
This event is in the past
Your chance to get backstage with our annual Open Day.
Calling all theatre lovers, thespians, and fans of stage magic, our annual Open Day is returning, offering a behind-the-scenes spectacular you won’t want to miss.
The event is completely free to attend and offers a wide range of activities for all ages, including:
- Guided or self-guided access all-areas tour around Norwich Theatre Royal and Stage Two
- Audio Described and Quiet tours (book in advance)
- Tech Talks with our expert technicians to delve into all backstage disciplines (book in advance)
- Costume try-ons from past pantomimes
- Norwich Theatre Archive exploration
- Face painting
- Family activity trail with the opportunity to win fantastic prizes
- Check out the local artists we support, including drop-in activities and sit-down sharing of work
- Creative Engagement taster sessions
- Plus, Café Royal will be open throughout the day!
Important information
Ticket prices: Free
Running time: 10am - 3pm
Age recommendation: All ages
Theatre Tours
Drop in and explore
Join a guided access all-areas tour around Norwich Theatre Royal and Stage Two led by our knowledgeable guides. You will have the opportunity to explore on stage, backstage, under the stage and in the dressing rooms where stars have prepared for shows. Craving a more independent adventure? No problem! Take the self-guided route and go at your own pace.
Accessible Tours
Audio Described tours will be running throughout the day. These are free and bookable in advance:
For those who prefer a calmer environment, a Quiet Tour will be held at 9.45am before the theatre opens for the day which you can book in advance.
Tech Talks
Get involved with Norwich Theatre’s Technical Team and see some of the work that goes on behind the scenes to make the show happen. Don’t miss the Tech Talks, where our expert technicians will delve into all backstage disciplines and offer opportunities to ask all your burning questions about career prospects, special effects, and life working in theatre. These free sessions are for anyone wanting to understand what happens behind the bright lights.
Book in advance to guarantee your spot:
Duration: 30 mins approx.
Activities
Join our free drop-in session of Parents Singing Circle at 10:30 – 11:30 am in Studio 2, Stage Two. The whole family are welcome!
Our Parents Singing Circle is a new creative community for parents, providing space to connect with your little one and fellow parents through music. The sessions are for parents with pre-school age children, but our drop-in session is open to the whole family.
Throughout this summer Norwich-based artist Chris Jackson will be working with Norwich Theatre Royal to build a new installation inspired by the shimmering, shifting forms of bird murmurations and fish shoals which represents our collective human experiences as a golden, glittering cloud of miniature tokens or ‘votives’.
Join Chris from 11am – 1pm on Open Day for this free creative drop-in workshop at the Balcony Lounge in Norwich Theatre Royal.
During the day, you can also live your theatrical fantasy and try on some fabulous costumes from past pantomimes; take a look the Norwich Theatre archive; and even get your face painted! Remember to tick all of this off on your family activity trail for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.
You will have the opportunity to check out the local artists we support with our artistic development scheme, which includes rolling drop-in activities and sit-down timed sharing of work. With Creative Engagement taster sessions running throughout the day, you can try some of Norwich Theatre’s fabulous take part activities and be inspired to get creative.
Feeling parched after all that? The Café Royal will be open throughout the day, serving a selection of hot and cold drinks.
Fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. Enjoy the best in food and drink at our restaurant Prelude or a quick delicious bite before the show.
Directions to the Theatre Royal. Where to park near the theatre, drop-off & disabled parking plus public transport information.
Up-to-date information on access our building, accessible performances and details on personal assistant tickets.