Theatre FAQs

General Information

Programs start promptly at the advertised start time and latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Smoking is not allowed in any part of the Pilbeam Theatre. The use of cameras and recording devices is illegal and penalties for infringement of copyright in this way are severe. Please note that the Pilbeam Theatre Bar now closes after interval for all performances.

The Pilbeam Theatre is situated on Victoria Parade. An off-street carpark is available. Access to the building for patrons with disabilities is available off Cambridge Street. Parking is also available in Cambridge Street. A lift now enables patrons with a disability to gain access to the Box Office foyer.

Ticketing terms and conditions can be found here.

Seating Plan

If you buy your tickets online you will see a live seating plan for your selected performance, showing available and sold seating. You can download a standard seating plan for the Pilbeam Theatre here.

Please note that this downloadable seating plan does not show available seating for a particular performance. Sometimes there will be changes to the plan to accommodate technical and performance requirements.

Refunds & Exchanges

Please choose carefully when buying tickets as no exchanges or refunds are possible except in exceptional circumstances. In these situations, refunds or exchanges will incur an administration fee. Check with the Box Office for more details.

Theatre Etiquette

For those who haven’t been to the theatre before, here are a few points to help make the theatre experience for you (and those around you) more enjoyable.

Mobile Phone

Make sure your mobile phone or pager is turned off before going into the auditorium. Even phones set to vibrate or in ‘silent’ mode can be distracting to other patrons. Sometimes, mobile phones can interfere with technical equipment being used on stage. If you are on call, ask the Box Office about how we can help.

Cameras / recording devices

Cameras, mobile phone cameras or any video or sound recording devices are strictly prohibited inside the auditorium. Recording images or sound can infringe copyright as well as distract the performers and other patrons.

Food and drink

Food and drink are for sale in the bar and candy bar before the show and at interval With the exception of sweets from the candy bar, please don’t bring your purchases back into the auditorium. Please note that Delizie, the restaurant at the Pilbeam Theatre, has permanently closed.

Dress standards

There are no strict dress standards at the Pilbeam Theatre. While some people take the opportunity to dress up, a tuxedo or evening gown isn’t necessary. Smart casual is probably the best advice (but no thongs, please!).

Arrival Time and Starting Time

Doors to the Pilbeam Theatre auditorium usually open about 20 minutes before the advertised commencement, but arriving at the theatre before then is probably a good idea (the bar, candy bar and Box Office are open from 90 minutes before the start time). If you haven’t bought your tickets, there may be a queue at the Box Office, so allow some time for this. Performances start promptly at the advertise starting time, so make sure you arrive in enough time to be seated – late comers may not be admitted into the auditorium until a suitable break in the performance so they do not disturb other patrons or performers.

Allocated seating or general admission?

Pilbeam Theatre tickets are usually allocated seating, although for some events they can be general admission. Allocated seating means you choose specific seats at the time of purchasing your tickets and these are printed on your ticket, such as D13. You sit only in the seat allocated on your ticket. If your ticket says General Admission (or GA) with a number after it, this means the performance is general admission and you can sit anywhere in the auditorium. The best seats are usually taken by the first people through the door, so arriving early is important in this situation.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in any part of the Pilbeam Theatre or other council venues, and not within 4 metres of any entrance to the building.

Parking

The Pilbeam Theatre's car park can cater for a large number of vehicles, however with some very popular shows, it may become full quite quickly. There are plenty of on-street car parks available, but do allow time to get from the carpark to the venue.

Visitors with individual needs

There are a number of wheelchair seats available for performances at the Pilbeam Theatre. Please advise the Box Office staff when booking your tickets if you need this service.