FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

This does depend on the venue we are using. When we are able to have a bar onsite are are able to offer the following: red and white wine, local craft gin, ale, lager and prosecco, along with soft drinks. Ice creams will also be available.

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.

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.

Yes, there are toilets on site for our outdoor summer productions and when we are inside a venue there will be toilets onsite.

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) or @guildfordshakespeare (Instagram).