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What are the venue hire costs for the main theatres at Sadler's Wells?

The Peacock Theatre costs £11,000 + VAT per day, with an additional £6,500 + VAT for the first get-in day if setup is required without a show. The Lilian Baylis Studio costs £3,100 + VAT per day (09:00-22:00). Sadler's Wells East costs £12,500 + VAT per day. All venues require a non-refundable 50% deposit on signing and the remaining 50% two months prior to the event.

What technical staffing costs should I budget for theatre events?

Technical staffing is mandatory for health and safety reasons, with a minimum requirement of 1 senior technician plus 2 additional technical staff to operate theatres. Rates are charged at single time Monday-Friday, time and a half on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays. Budget approximately £3,000 + VAT per day for the Peacock Theatre and £8,000-£10,000 + VAT per day for Sadler's Wells East for technical staffing and get-out costs.

What are the ticketing arrangements and associated costs?

Hirers receive 100% ticket share for their events. The ticketing service costs £300 + VAT per performance/event and includes website listing and e-tickets. There's a 3% payment fee on all card and cash transactions for tickets sold. Ticket office staffing is extra and will be invoiced separately.

What are the capacity limits for each theatre space?

The Peacock Theatre accommodates up to 1,000 people in tiered seating. The Lilian Baylis Studio has flexible capacity with retractable raked seating. Sadler's Wells East has a retractable seating bank for 397 people plus a First Circle Terrace for 10. The main Sadler's Wells Theatre capacity varies but can accommodate up to 1,500 people.

Are there restrictions on external catering and merchandise sales?

Sadler's Wells manages all catering and bars - no external caterers are allowed on site. For merchandise and programmes, there's a 30% commission charged and all sales must be conducted via their front of house staff. If you're showcasing a drinks brand without serving, this may be considered but requires prior approval with full details.

What are the standard booking hours and any overtime charges?

Standard booking hours for theatre spaces are 09:00-22:00 each day. Get-out hours may run later than 22:00 after the final day as required. No equipment is present at the start of hire, so the first day begins with all technical rigging and preparation before stage access. Staff costs apply to Sunday events at double time rates.

When are the theatres unavailable due to maintenance or programming?

All theatres undergo maintenance during August and are unavailable for hire. September through December is the busy season with internal programming, significantly limiting availability. January and February typically have better availability, though specific dates vary year to year.

What approval process is required for external events?

All external enquiries require approval from senior management. You must provide an artistic presentation or video/photo material of your show for review. This approval process is mandatory before any booking can be confirmed, regardless of the event type or budget.

What technical equipment is included in the hire fee?

All light and sound equipment noted in the venue's technical specifications are included in the hire fee, excluding radio microphones. The Peacock Theatre includes event management, dressing rooms, and front of house spaces including stalls and dress circle bars. Additional technical equipment beyond the standard rig will incur extra charges.

What are the payment terms and deposit requirements?

A deposit on services and hired equipment is invoiced together with the venue hire fee. Payment terms require a non-refundable 50% deposit on signing the contract and the remaining non-refundable 50% two months prior to the event date. All additional costs for staffing, technical services, and front of house will be recharged and invoiced separately.