Arts

Business

What are the venue hire costs for the different spaces at Sadler's Wells?

The Dorfman Room costs £1,400 plus VAT per day, £1,000 plus VAT per half day, or £1,250 plus VAT per evening. The Mezzanine Level costs £2,100 plus VAT per day. The Lilian Baylis Studio costs £3,100 plus VAT per day (09:00-22:00). The Peacock Theatre costs £11,000 plus VAT per day, with an additional £6,500 plus VAT for the first get-in day if no show is performed.

What capacity limits apply to each space and seating configuration?

The Dorfman Room accommodates 64 people in cabaret style or 100 people in theatre style. The Mezzanine Level can hold 64 people in cabaret style or 100 people in theatre style when using just the Dorfman Room portion, with a total floor area of 241.32m². The Lilian Baylis Studio holds 180 people in theatre style with retractable raked seating.

What technical equipment and AV support is included in the hire fee?

All spaces include Wi-Fi access, technical support, built-in PA system linked to CD or iPod, drop-down screen and built-in projector connected to computer and memory stick (HDMI cable only for laptops). The Dorfman Room and Mezzanine Level also include portable plasma screens available on request, free lectern, 2 wired microphones, and cloakroom facilities.

What are the mandatory additional costs beyond the base venue hire?

A deposit on services and hired equipment is invoiced together with the venue hire fee. For theatre spaces, technical staffing is mandatory with minimum requirements of 1 senior technician plus 2 additional technical staff. Technical staffing rates are single time Monday-Friday, time and a half on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays.

What are the booking hours and any time restrictions?

Theatre spaces operate from 09:00-22:00 booking hours, with get-out hours potentially running later than 22:00 after the final day. The first day starts with all technical or scenic rigging and assembly before stage access begins. All theatres undergo maintenance during August and are unavailable for hire during this period.

What are the payment terms and deposit requirements?

For the Peacock Theatre, payment must be settled in advance with a non-refundable 50% deposit on signing and the remaining non-refundable 50% due two months prior to the event. Other spaces require a deposit on services and hired equipment to be invoiced together with the venue hire fee.

What catering restrictions and commission structures apply?

Sadler's Wells manages all catering and bars with no external caterers allowed on site. If showcasing a drinks brand without serving, this may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The venue takes 30% commission on programmes and merchandise, which must be sold via their front of house staff.

What ticketing services and fees are charged for ticketed events?

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

What approval process is required for external events and performances?

All external enquiries require artistic presentation or video/photo material to be sent to senior management for approval. This applies to shows, performances, and entertainment events before booking confirmation can be provided.

Are there any restrictions on external suppliers or equipment?

Radio microphones are excluded from included technical equipment and must be hired separately. All technical and scenic rigging requires coordination with the technical team, and external technical companies may be required for specific lighting, sound, or decoration needs not covered by in-house equipment.