Box Office 02380 711811

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions about visiting The Mayflower, please call the Box Office on 02380 711811.

Other methods of contacting us can be found on the Contact Us page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do you open the doors?

The front doors are opened one hour before curtain up. This allows you access to the foyer and the bars. The auditorium is then opened approximately 45 minutes before curtain up allowing you access to your seats. Auditorium access can vary due to rehearsals and warm-ups on stage.

Can I buy food and drink at the theatre?

We have three fully stocked bars, one on each level. Sweets, ice creams and a small selection of savoury items are available in the foyer along with soft drinks.

Can I use a credit/debit card for purchasing sweets, programmes etc.?

Yes. We can take card payments at any of our tills, including the foyer, bars and merchandise sales areas. The only exceptions are the ice cream sales points in the auditorium.

Is there a cash point nearby?

The nearest cash point is at the railway station which is just behind the Mayflower (please note - as of April 2008, these are inactive; the next nearest are in the corridor between Asda and the Asda/Marlands multistorey car park). We provide a cashback service at our tills in the foyer and bars.

Do you have booster seats?

We have a limited number of booster seats which can be collected from staff at the standing boxes in the auditorium on a first come first served basis. It's best to arrive early to ensure you are able to get one of these.

You are welcome to bring your own booster seat with you.

Can I bring my baby with me?

There is a strict 'no under two's' policy. Customers bringing in babies will be asked to leave. The only exceptions are shows advertised as Children's Shows.

Can I sit my child on my lap and not purchase a ticket for them?

No. We are strictly licensed about the number of people that are allowed in the building at any one time. Every person within the building regardless of age must have a ticket.

Can I pre-order ice creams for the interval?

If you are part of a group booking you will have been sent a pre-order form automatically for ice creams. To ensure that we have got the items that you have ordered in stock you must return the form at least seven days in advance. You can order on arrival in the foyer but we can not guarantee what products will be in stock or that the prices will not have changed. We do not take pre-orders for less than ten.

Do you have first aid facilities?

We are very lucky to have the voluntary help of St John Ambulance at most of our performances. In the absence of St John a number of our staff are trained in first aid. We have a first aid room where we are able to take anybody that is ill for discrete treatment.

Will I be allowed in if I am late?

In the majority of cases, yes. Some shows, in particular Opera and Ballet, do not allow latecomers to enter the auditorium once the show has started. Sometimes we may have to hold people in the foyer for a short period of time before seating them at a particular moment that will ensure the minimum of disturbance to both cast and audience. For most shows, however, we are able to seat latecomers at a suitable moment.

Can I take photographs?

No. The appearance of artistes along with the designs for sets and costumes etc are all copyrighted, therefore it is against the law to photograph any of it. It can also be both dangerous for the artistes and distracting for other members of the audience.

Can I dance during the show?

Consideration for the rest of the audience must always be shown. If you stand up and dance you immediately block the view of the person sat behind you which is very unfair, especially if that person is unable to stand due to any kind of disability. Therefore if you wish to dance you will be asked to do so in one of the standing boxes to the sides of the auditorium. Dancing in the aisles is not allowed due to licensing regulations that demand that the aisles are kept clear at all times.

Is there a lift that will get me to my seat?

There are two lifts at The Mayflower. However due to the nature of the building there are only limited areas that are accessible without any stairs at all, even with the lift access. Ask the box office when booking your seats to ensure that you have level access to your seats if you require it. More information can be found on the Mobility Services page.

Is there a cloakroom?

There is an unattended cloakroom next to the circle lounge. This is purely for coats, bags must not be left here. All items are left at the owners own risk.

Is strobe lighting used at the theatre?

It is during some shows. There is always a sign displayed in the foyer to tell you if strobe or flashing lights are used in a show. If we know in advance, we will put a warning on the show's page on this website.

Can I take my drinks into the auditorium?

Alcohol is not permitted within the auditorium. Soft drinks are allowed, although nothing in glass is permitted.

Can I park at the theatre?

The theatre does not have its own car park. There are public car parks nearby.

Can the cast of the show wish me or a member of my family Happy Birthday / Anniversary during the show?

All shows at The Mayflower are touring productions and as such we do not have say in the content or script. We receive a lot of requests like this and are unfortunately unable to help.

Can I audition for a show?

As a touring venue, The Mayflower does not usually hold open auditions for shows; productions are cast for tours and generally advertise in The Stage. On the rare occasion we are asked to hold open auditions (usually for child parts) we publicise them in the local press and on our website.

Can I meet the cast?

The best suggestion we can offer is to go to stage door after the show and see the performers as they are leaving. It is up to the individual performer as to whether they wish to stop and chat to fans, pose for photos, or sign autographs. Please do not pester them or be upset if they do not wish to stop; remember that they have finished their working hours and are on their way home, and may be very tired after a performance.

Any official meet-and-greets are well publicised on this website; you may wish to look at our Limelights membership package to gain access to exclusive events.

Meetings and Conferences at The Mayflower