FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've listed below many of the questions that we get asked regarding a GSC show. Have a read, and if your query isn't answered, please email us

For questions regarding ticket Refunds & Exchanges, see Terms & Conditions

Visit our ACCESS page for mobility questions and details on Assisted Performances.

These FAQs were updated 24 August 2023


Weather (these conditions form part of our main Terms & Conditions)

For our SUMMER Open-Air performances both the stage and audience seating are completely uncovered. GSC kindly reminds you that the British weather can be changeable and localised.

GSC will perform in all weathers, and will only abandon a performance in the event of extreme bad weather.

The Rain

Performances are never abandoned before the advertised starting time, and only then in the event of extreme bad weather. Once underway a performance will continue even if it does begin to rain, and the company will make every effort to complete the performance.

GSC reserves the right to stop and start the action as necessary.

If cancellation or abandonment is unavoidable, you may exchange your ticket for any remaining performance during the same season subject to availability. In this instance, please retain your ticket for validation purposes. Refunds are NOT given.

Decisions on abandonment/cancellations are made solely by GSC and such a decision will not be made until the scheduled start time.

We kindly request that umbrellas are not used as they create problems of noise and visibility.

The Sun

A sunny day is perfect weather for open-air theatre, but please note that both audience and actors are not undercover. Performances will continue and not be cancelled - refunds and exchanges cannot be made due to the heat.

We advise you to bring sun-cream and hats, and wherever possible, whilst picnicking and in the interval, use the shade of the trees and buildings. Parasols maybe used but please be considerate to the audience members around you.

Also make sure you have a good supply of water with you. Bottled water is also available at the bar.


What are the running times for your performances?

Until the opening night of a show it can be very difficult to know a performance’s running time. As soon as we know the running time it will be posted on the Box Office webpage


What ages are the performances suitable for?

Whilst all children may attend our productions, we feel that these stories are best suited to the suggested audience. This may be due to the themes, presentation style or their length. We encourage you to consider this when booking your tickets.

Also see Content Warnings on the Access page.


Are there flashing lights?

During the performance there may well be moments of flashing lights and mild use of theatrical haze. Check the Content Warnings on the Access page for specific details.


Are the performances suitable for wheelchair users and patrons with limited mobility?

Please visit the Access page for more venue/show specific information.


Where can we park?

Visit the Venue & Directions page for more information.

Is seating provided?

Yes. Seating will be provided for Pride & Prejudice. 

Is the seating reserved?

No, seating is unallocated. If you require assistance or an access seat please indicate this at your time of booking. Annual Pass holders have reserved seating as part of their Annual Pass benefits.

Does GSC use understudies?

Unlike subsidised or commercial theatres, GSC does not have understudies. In the event that an actor is unable to perform another actor will be engaged, and may read from the script on stage. In the event of an actor being indisposed we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges on tickets already purchased. Tickets are sold for productions, not on the inclusion of a particular actor.


Is there a bar?

We have an onsite bar offering red and white wine, local craft gin, ale, lager and prosecco, along with soft drinks. Ice creams will also be available. You can pre-order interval drinks upon your arrival.


Can we bring our own alcohol?

No. Please do not bring your own alcohol to GSC events. Only alcohol purchased from our onsite bar may be consumed at the venue. Any alcohol brought on site, not supplied from the GSC onsite bar may be confiscated. GSC is responsible for all alcohol consumed at their events. As GSC is responsible for what alcohol is consumed on site we kindly ask that all alcohol is purchased from our onsite bar.


Can we bring a picnic or other food?

We ask that no food is brought to indoor shows. You are very welcome to bring picnics (no alcohol) to our open air shows in the summer.


Are there toilets?

Yes, there are toilets on site for Pride & Prejudice  

Are dogs allowed at the performances?

We regret that only Assistance Dogs are allowed to attend the performances. Please be aware there may be effects, amplified music and gunshots in the productions.

Can we take photos/videos?

The taking of photographs/videos of the stage or the performance is strictly prohibited; as is the use of any other recording devices.

We ask you to turn all mobile phones off for the duration of the performance.

You are welcome to take photos of YOURSELVES at our venues, and please do share your pictures enjoying the pre-show/interval atmosphere with us @GuildfordBard (Facebook/Twitter) or @guildfordshakespeare (Instagram).


Do you accept theatre tokens?

We regret that we do not accept theatre tokens.

Is the dialogue updated, or is it Shakespeare’s original words?

The performance will always be Shakespeare’s original text and not modernised, although the setting of the play might well be modern. Productions have been set in the 1790s, 1890s, 1920s, 1930s, 1950s and the present day, for example.

WATCH AT HOME

WHAT DOES 'PER DEVICE' MEAN?

You will watch this show on an electronic device - a phone, tablet, laptop or computer. Your ticket is for that one device. The recommended number of people watching the show is stipulated in the ticket type. 

HOW DO I WATCH THIS?

Watch at Home recordings will be available to watch on Vimeo. You do not need to download Vimeo or any specialist software to watch this. You can watch on your phone or tablet, though we recommend using a laptop or PC/Mac for better quality.

You will receive a link and password on the day of the performance you have booked for.


CAN I WATCH THIS ON MY TV*

You may be able to view our Watch at Home recordings on your TV if you can connect your device to it.
For laptops, if your TV has a HDMI port, you can connect your laptop to your TV using one of these.

Simply identify the HDMI ports on your TV and laptop, then connect the two devices together using a HDMI cable (you can purchase these from most electrical stores and larger supermarkets). On your TV select either HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 as the source, depending on whether you have anything else plugged in.

Then turn on your laptop and your desktop screen should now be on your TV screen. You can use your laptop to log in to Zoom and watch the show on your big screen.

Here’s a more in-depth guide on how to connect your laptop to your TV
How to connect your Phone to your TV
How to connect your Tablet to your TV
How to connect via AppleTV

The above links are from external providers, freely available on the internet, and GSC are not responsible for any incorrect information.*We cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to connect your device to your TV, and GSC take no responsibility if you cannot do so. The surest and easiest way to watch our show is on a laptop or PC, using the free Zoom app. We strongly advise you to test your devices BEFORE the show begins to ensure everything is working properly.

Recorded in front of a live audience in St Nicolas' Church, please ensure you amend your device volume accordingly.


CAN I SHARE MY LINK WITH OTHER PEOPLE?

NO. The unique link you get in the email we send you will be for you and the performance you have booked for.

If you have booked for more than one household you may share this link with them but YOU MUST COPY US IN when you send them the link and include their names. Please use [email protected] when copying us in. This is so that we know who is attending the performance. If we see a name or email address that we do not recognise we may not admit them.


WILL THERE BE ASSISTED PERFORMANCES?

With great regret we are not currently able to offer assisted performances for Watch at Home. Should this change we will post information here.

Visit our ACCESS page for more details


CAN I WATCH THIS OUTSIDE THE UK?

Absolutely! Times are all GMT.

I BOUGHT MY TICKET BUT I'VE NOT HEARD FROM YOU

Please check your SPAM/JUNK folder - some internet providers' firewalls mean that our automated emails sometimes do not always get through. Also, please check your email confirmation - the email on here will be the email that you gave at the time of booking, and is what we will use to contact you.

If you need further assistance, please email us