Arts

Business

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

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 a get-in day if required.

What capacity limits apply to each business space?

The Dorfman Room accommodates 64 people in cabaret style or 100 people in theatre style. The Mezzanine Level has a total floor area of 241.32m² and includes the Dorfman Room plus additional breakout spaces. The Lilian Baylis Studio provides 180 seats in theatre style. The Peacock Theatre offers tiered seating for up to 1,000 people.

What technical equipment and AV is included in the hire?

All spaces include Wi-Fi access and technical support. The Dorfman Room and Mezzanine Level include built-in PA systems, drop-down screens, built-in projectors connected to computers, and portable plasma screens available on request. Free equipment includes lecterns, 2 wired microphones, and cloakroom facilities. The Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre include all light and sound equipment per their tech specs, excluding radio mics.

What are the mandatory technical staffing requirements and costs?

All theatre spaces require minimum technical staffing for health and safety regulations - typically 1 senior technician plus 2 additional technical staff. Technical staffing rates are charged at single time Monday-Friday, time and a half on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays. For the Lilian Baylis Studio, allow approximately £8,000-£10,000 plus VAT per day for technical staffing and equipment costs.

What are the payment terms and deposit requirements?

The Peacock Theatre requires a non-refundable 50% deposit on signing and the remaining 50% two months prior to the event. A deposit on services and hired equipment is invoiced together with the venue hire fee for all spaces. All payments must be settled in advance for theatre bookings.

What catering restrictions and commission fees apply?

Sadler's Wells manages all catering and bars - no external caterers are allowed on site. The venue charges 30% commission on programmes and merchandise, which must be sold via their front of house staff. Catering menus are seasonal and change regularly, with options ranging from breakfasts and sandwiches to hot fork buffets and canapés.

What are the ticketing fees and arrangements for public events?

For ticketed events, hirers receive 100% ticket share. The ticketing service costs £300 plus VAT per production/performance 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 costs are extra and will be invoiced separately.

When are the venues 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 are the standard booking hours and overtime costs?

Standard booking hours for theatre spaces are 09:00-22:00 each day. Technical support is included from 09:00-17:00 for meeting rooms. Get-out hours may run later than 22:00 after the final day as required. Staff costs apply to Sunday events, with technical rates at double time.

What approval process is required for external events?

All external enquiries require artistic presentation or video/photo material to be sent to senior management for approval. This includes details about performers, show content, and production schedules. The venue reserves the right to approve or decline events based on content and suitability.