Frequently Asked Questions
Please note, these questions focus on our Summer Open-Air performances.
Please email us with any specific questions relating to our educational work or special events. For questions regarding Ticket Refunds and Exchanges, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
We have small children, will the performances be suitable for them?
We believe that it is crucial for children and young people to see
live theatre, so our productions are always made suitable for all
ages. (If you have very young children (4yrs and under) you may
wish to consider how well they can concentrate for two and half
hours).
Is seating provided?
Yes. We provide seating for our audiences, set out in a theatre style, subject to availability.
Is the seating reserved?
No. Seating is unallocated. Once you have booked your ticket, this
guarantees you a seat, but we do not reserve a seat number for
you. Simply turn up and choose your seats when you arrive. The
earlier you arrive, the more choice you have.
What if the seats are sold out?
If the seating is all sold out for a particular performance, our
Box Office will let you know about this and advise you to bring
your own chairs, if there is space. There is no reduction in ticket prices for bringing
your own chair.
Are the audience undercover?
No. Both audience and actors are completely open to the elements.
For further weather related questions please refer to our Weather
Policy in our TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes, but please be aware of other audience members around you when
using one. Waterproof ponchos are available from the Box Office
for £1.
Are there toilets?
Yes. There are portable toilets on site.
Are dogs allowed at the performances?
Only disability dogs are allowed to attend the performances.
Can we bring a picnic?
Yes. Part of the experience is the picnicking! The Box Office and
Bar are open one hour before the performance begins. BBQs are not
allowed. The on site bar sells crisps and chocolate, along with
soft drinks, beer, wine and cider.
When do we eat our picnic?
We would recommend before the performance begins and during the interval,
though you can continue to picnic throughout the performance providing
that it is not distracting for other audience members.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
No. As part of our license, Guildford Shakespeare Company is responsible
for whatever alcohol is consumed at the performances. Therefore
only alcohol purchased from our onsite bar may be consumed during
the performances.
This is an outdoor performance, can I smoke here?
We kindly ask that anyone wishing to smoke refrains from doing so
during the performance. At other times, please respect other audience
members by not smoking near them.
Where can we park?
Nearest car parks to Guildford Castle are Castle Street and Millbrook
Car parks, where parking is chargeable at all times. Parking
at the University is free. Click here for Directions. Coaches – there
is parking for coaches at Guildford Park Road Park & Ride – please
contact our Box Office for information.
Can we take photos/videos?
No. The taking of photographs and videos is strictly prohibited.
If you would like pictures of the production please contact the
Box Office.
Is the dialogue updated, or is it Shakespeare’s original
words?
The performance will always be Shakespeare’s original text
and not modernised, though the setting of the play might well be
modern. Previous shows have been set in the 1790s, 1920s and 1960s for example.