What to know before the show
We're so excited to welcome you back to shows at The Brook and Central Theatre. We've got some amazing shows coming up, right on your doorstep.
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable time whilst with us, therefore we've answered some queries you might have which we hope will help with your visit.
Thank you for your support - we cannot wait to see you.
Before you visit The Central or Brook Theatres
Please take some time to read the information below before you visit our venues.
Last reviewed: 27 January 2022
Face coverings
Whilst there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering, the Government suggests that you continue to wear one in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
Take a lateral flow test before you visit
You are at higher risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 in crowded and enclosed spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious and where there is limited fresh air.
The government guidance continues to recommend that you take a lateral flow test (also known as a symptom-free test) before visiting indoor crowded places, including theatres.
If your test is positive, please take the necessary action needed and do not come to the theatre. Contact us for more information about your ticket.
Order free lateral flow tests to be sent to your home on GOV.UK.
If you have symptoms or need to self-isolate
Stay at home if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. If you must self-isolate, contact us for more information about your ticket.
Arrival time
The Central Theatre - Our doors will open 45 minutes before a show starts. This will help reduce queues and the number of people in our public areas. You may need to wait outside until the doors open. We will aim to get you in as quickly and as safely as possible.
The Brook Theatre - Our doors will open 30 to 45 minutes before a show starts. You may need to wait outside until the doors open. We will aim to get you in as quickly and as safely as possible.
Entrances
The Central Theatre - If you are sitting in the stalls section, you can use the main High Street entrance, as well as our accessible side entrance. The accessible entrance is located at the side of The Central Theatre (access via Rome Terrace ME4 4RE). If you're seated in the balcony, please use the High Street entrance.
The Brook Theatre - Please use the main entrance or side entrance on Whiffens Avenue.
Wheelchair users
The Central Theatre - Access via our main High Street is currently unavailable. Please use our side entrance (near the disabled car park).
The Brook Theatre - Please use the main entrance or side entrance on Whiffens Avenue.
Check-in via the NHS Test and Trace
You will have the option to check-in via the NHS Test and Trace. QR codes will be available at our entrances.
When you arrive
Showing your ticket
All staff located on our entrances will scan your tickets to avoid any unnecessary contact. Please have your tickets ready when you arrive to avoid holding up the queue.
Member of party running late and without their ticket
Ideally everyone will arrive together. If this does not happen, we'll take details of the latecomer.
During your visit
Hand washing facilities
Hand washing facilities are available, as well as hand sanitising stations throughout the building. We encourage all customers to regularly wash their hands.
More staff
We have more staff working to make you feel safe and secure. Our staff are available for any questions you may have.
Helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Along with providing scanning systems for tickets, more staff and entrances, we have enhanced our cleaning schedule with our cleaning contractors to make sure our venues are cleaned thoroughly.
Cash and card payments
We accept cash and card throughout the venue.
Bar drinks
The Central Theatre - There will be a limited bar service and a one-way system will be in place. There will not be any seating at the bar. Please return to your seats once you have bought from the bar. Do not visit the bar in groups. The bar will be open when you arrive and at the interval only.
The Brook Theatre - There will be a limited bar service. There will not be any seating at the bar. Please return to your seats once you have bought from the bar. Do not visit the bar in groups. The bar will be open when you arrive and at the interval only.
Reissued tickets for shows that have been moved
When you agreed to transfer your tickets to the revised date, we informed you that for most shows your original tickets should be used for the revised date.
We have now moved many shows, some of them multiple times. We have taken the decision to issue new tickets to avoid confusion.
We'll send tickets for the revised date to you in the post. We ask that you bring these tickets with you on the night of the show.
If your tickets already have the new date on, we will not issue new tickets.
More information
If a show is cancelled due to COVID-19
We will contact you via email and offer a refund or move to a new date. If we do not have your email address, we will phone you.
Vaccine passport or evidence of two vaccinations
In line with government guidelines, this is not a requirement for attending the theatre. We advise customers to check our website before they attend the theatre where any updated guidelines will be added.
We hope you enjoy the show!