Building work is currently ongoing at the OT in order to make our venue a Theatre for Everyone, and this will affect some aspects of your visit.
We are doing our best to keep any disruption to a minimum and are very grateful for your patience in the meantime! Thank you for your support and understanding.
Where do I enter the theatre? Is this entrance accessible?
From 9 March, audiences will enter the theatre via our scene dock entrance (anyone who visited us during the pandemic may remember using this entrance then) which is to the left of where the theatre’s steps used to be and where our hoarding is currently. There will be signage outside the theatre guiding the way.
Our pre-show box office will be just inside the scene dock entrance, where one of our lovely team members will be on hand to check your tickets and show you through to the auditorium which remains exactly the same.
This entrance is step-free; however, if you are a wheelchair user you will need to use the entrance via the carpark in order to access the wheelchair accessible seats within the auditorium. Please contact our box office team (via email at box.office@orangetreetheatre.co.uk or on 020 8940 3633) to book access tickets, including wheelchair seats.
Is the auditorium configured differently?
No. Our auditorium will remain exactly the same throughout the building work.
How do I get to my seat if I’m sitting in the balcony area?
Audiences seated in the balcony will enter the theatre via the main scene dock door entrance, the same as audiences sitting on the lower level. They will then be directed across the auditorium to the opposite corner door, through which there is a set of stairs leading to the upper level (18 steps) and a door which accesses the balcony. There will be signage and Front of House staff on hand to help direct you to your seats.
What time does the theatre open? What time does the auditorium open?
The theatre will open 45 minutes before the show is due to start. Entrance to the auditorium will also open at this time so you can go straight in to take your seats.
Where are the toilets? How many are there? What about an accessible toilet?
During our building development our usual toilets will be out of action. Instead there are six toilets housed in what we call the Attenborough Room. The Attenborough Room is on the upper level and is accessed via the balcony. For those seated on the balcony, there is clear signage showing the route to the door through to the toilets. For those seated on the ground level, please exit the auditorium through the doors directly opposite the entrance, follow the signs up the stairs, enter the door to the balcony, and follow the signage. We will be operating a one-way system in the balcony level in order to manage congestion.
Until late March our existing accessible toilet will not be available. Instead, the accessible bathroom will now be located in the OT’s Bank building (the large orange building on the corner right next to the theatre), accessible via a lift. For each performance, there will be a member of our front of house team available to assist anybody who needs to use the accessible facilities. Please let us know when you arrive if you require the accessible bathroom.
Where can I wait before the auditorium opens?
As the auditorium opens at the same time as the theatre entrance, audiences can go straight in to take their seats. Whilst the building work is taking place we do not have a bar area so we unfortunately do not have anywhere other than the auditorium for audiences to wait until the show begins.
We can recommend our friends Bacco across the road for a pre-show drink if you arrive before the theatre has opened.
If I’m waiting outside is there cover?
There is no cover outside the theatre; we recommend arriving in good time to avoid last minute queuing. We understand of course that this is unavoidable sometimes, and if there is a queue and it happens to be raining, we have large umbrellas to keep you dry and will do our best to get everyone in and seated as quickly as possible.
Where do I go to get a drink or something to eat pre-show or in the interval?
Our bar may not be in action during our building work but we’d never dream of letting our audiences go hungry and thirsty…
We’ll be operating a special drinks trolley with an array of drinks and snacks available to buy pre show and in the interval. The trolley will be situated in the auditorium.
You’ll be able to pre-order drinks for the interval AND for before the show via your pre-show text message, or you can pre-order interval drinks from our lovely team when you arrive.
Can I pre-order my interval drinks like normal? Where will I pick them up from?
You absolutely can order your interval drinks like normal; what’s more, you don’t have to pick them up – they will be delivered to you in your seat at the beginning of the interval. No queuing, no waiting, no fuss.
You’ll also be able to order drinks pre-show as well, which will be waiting for you on your seat – the perfect way to kick off your theatre trip!
To order either pre-show or interval drinks (or both!) keep an eye out for your pre-show text message which includes a link to our pre-ordering site, or you can pre-order interval drinks from our bar team before the show.
What about after the show? Can I get a drink then?
The drinks trolley wont be in operation after the show, but we can point you in the direction of many great bars and pubs nearby.
What food and drink is on offer?
Please see our menu for full details.
Can I still collect my tickets at the box office if that’s what I’ve selected?
Yes you can.
Can I still buy a ticket on the door?
Yes, subject to availability
What happens if I'm late?
Normally, we try our very best to get latecomers into a performance if at all possible. However during our building work we are very sorry but it will be logistically impossible to admit any latecomers to the theatre as it would cause major disruption to the show.
How do I leave the theatre?
Audiences on the lower floor will exit the theatre through the scene dock door; the door by which they entered the theatre. Audiences seated in the balcony will be encouraged to exit via the carpark to avoid congestion; this will be clearly signed and staff will be on hand to direct.
What is going on with the theatre at the moment? Why are you doing this work?
We are transforming our front of house area to make it more accessible. We believe that this theatre belongs to everybody, but at the moment an audience member who requires step-free access has a less than ideal route into the building.
Our development work will transform the accessibility, embed sustainability, and create a welcoming space which is more useful and usable for more people.
How long will it go on for?
The work is expected to go on until early 2027.
How much more do you have to raise? How can I support?
We have raised over 4 million of our 4.5 million target and have another £350,000 to go. You can support us by spreading the word, continuing to attend as an audience member, or donating to the campaign. Thank you!
If you have any concerns or questions which aren’t covered, please get in touch with our team at box.office@orangetreetheatre.co.uk or by calling 020 8940 3633 (open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm).
We are deeply grateful to the supporters of our capital campaign. To follow our progress and support, visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk/open