FAQs

"A must see"

ViewMags

"Captivating"

Susan Elkin

"Enchanting"

Broken Spine

"Flawless"

Big Issue North

Whether you're new to outdoor theatre, or if you're an expert Illyrian, check out the advice below to make the most of your experience this summer.

On the day

What if it rains?

Cricket is for wimps – rain does not stop play for Illyria! We perform in all weathers, so come prepared. After all, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” (Alfred Wainwright). Shows will only be cancelled if the weather becomes dangerous (e.g., lightning or strong winds). Please don’t bring an umbrella; it blocks the view of the performance for those sat behind you as much as someone else’s umbrella in front of you would block yours. Leave the brolly at home and wear waterproofs, a hat and a smile instead.

Do I need a chair?

Grass stains aren't a good look, so at most venues you'll definitely need something to sit on. Bring a cushion, blanket, camping chair or other folding chair. Top tip: if you want to sit near the front bring a blanket to sit on rather than a chair. At our shows, blankets are at the front, chairs are behind them! A few venues provide chairs, but this is uncommon.

Where can I sit?

Venue staff will help you choose where to sit. If you’re sitting on a rug or a cushion on the ground then you will be seated in a special area right at the front. Those seated on chairs will be seated behind those on rugs. Our actors are highly trained professionals who are hugely talented and have powerful foghorn voices, so we don't use microphones. In order to hear the performance at its best we recommend you to sit in the designated area as close to the stage as possible. Please bear in mind that if you sit outside the designated seating area then you may not hear the performance satisfactorily. And if you leave too much space in front of you then we reserve the right to fill it with another row of people who arrived later than you.

Can I bring my dog?

Well-behaved pooches are welcome at most venues, but each venue is different so check with them in advance. Assistance/guide dogs are always welcome.

When should I arrive?

Many venues open their gates 60 minutes before the show. Very often there is already a queue of people waiting to be admitted, who naturally bag the best places to sit. At some venues there is also a moderate walk from the car park to the performance site, so if you arrive 30 minutes before the show there is probably enough time to walk to the site, show your tickets and get settled. Latecomers will be admitted, but our actors reserve the right to make a joke or two at their expense.

Can I bring a picnic?

Every venue is different, so check with them if in doubt (some might sell snacks during the interval). Otherwise, you've got an opportunity to pack all of your favourite foods! Celebrate summer in style with champagne, cakes, crisps, caviar...

What should I wear?

Prepare for a matinee show on a hot day by bringing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and plenty of water. For when the sun sets (or if it rains) bring warm, waterproof clothing and especially a waterproof hat. We also recommend insect repellent and warm rugs for evening shows. Please don’t bring an umbrella; it blocks the view of the performance for those sat behind you as much as someone else’s umbrella in front of you would block your view. Leave the brolly at home and instead wear waterproofs, a hat and a smile.

Can I take photographs?

We love seeing your photos online after each performance. You're welcome to take some pictures, but please be respectful of those around you as not everybody will want to become an internet sensation. Focus on yourselves, the performance, and remember to keep the flash turned off.

How long is the show?

Performance lengths are advertised on the 'shows' page of our website, and will include a short interval unless indicated otherwise.

Booking

How do I book tickets?

Tour dates are published on our website's homepage each season. Usually these are released around February (with performances taking place between May and September, depending on the show). Use the filters to find a show near you and click 'book now'.

What is Ticketsource?

Ticketsource is a third party ticketing platform. While some venues sell tickets directly, we manage sales on behalf of others using this platform. Ticketsource may sometimes offer additional services like Refund Protection. This might be useful, but please note that this service is not affiliated with Illyria and comes with it's own terms and conditions of use.

Can I transfer or refund tickets?

We're unable to transfer or refund tickets because we enter into individual agreements with each venue. If you've bought from the venue directly, they might have their own policies about this so it's best to contact them.

Who should I contact, Illyria or the venue?

It depends, because Illyria has different kinds of agreements with different venues. Some of our venues sell tickets themselves, while others choose to use Illyria’s ticketing system. If you have a query about logistics and any access requirements, please approach the venue directly. If your query is about the performances or anything else you might expect on the day, please contact Illyria. If you need to discuss the tickets you’ve purchased, please check your confirmation email for contact details.

Suitability

Are shows suitable for children?

We publish recommendations on the 'shows' page of our website but, in general, we believe our shows are suitable for a wide audience. Parents and carers might prefer to bring children to our Family-friendly shows, which are designed with children ages 5+ in mind. But there's nothing to stop you bringing younger audience members or attending our other titles. None of our performances include explicit swearing or nudity. Of course, Shakespeare and authors of other classics often include romance, combat, innuendo or complex themes in their stories. So we encourage you to familiarise yourself with each story, consider the individual tastes of your child(ren), and make a decision that feels right to you. You are always welcome to get in touch to find out more.

Industry

Can I book a show for my venue?

Yes! We usually book tours between six to twelve months in advance of the season. If you’re hoping to book with a shorter lead-time than that then we'll do our best to help wherever we can. Email hello@illyria.co.uk to start a conversation.

Can I audition for Illyria?

Yes! We publish casting calls, when needed, on Spotlight, Mandy, and on our website. Please don't send unsolicited CVs or headshots to us as we are unable to store them - just keep an eye out on your casting platform of choice for the adverts we post (usually in February and March). We would encourage you, where possible, to see one of our performances beforehand to get a sense of Illyria’s style.

Can I publish a review or story in the press about Illyria?

Yes! Please approach marketing@illyria.co.uk in the first instance, and we'll be able to provide you with photos, a press-release and/or a quote. We're particularly interested in editorial opportunities, reviews, and in-kind collaborations with lifestyle brands (including social media publishers).

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