There do tend to be a few questions patrons have about Brownsea Open Air Theatre and the performance night(s) they are attending. Therefore, to help answer those questions we have set up a FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) page to help answer them.

Should you have any further questions that are not covered within this page or the website please feel free to telephone our answering services on (01202) 251987, or email us via the website on the 'contact us' page and we will get back to you.

• What time does the first and last boat leave for Brownsea Island?
  The Island ferries are supplied by Greenslades Ferries on
  Poole Quay. The first boat available for patrons to use leaves for the island at 5:00pm, then at approx 5:30pm, 6:00 pm, 6:20 pm with the last boat leaving at 6:40pm. The journey lasts for approximately 20 minutes.
  
  

• What time does the performance start and finish?
  The auditorium generally opens around 7:00 pm for patrons to take their seats. Performance starts at 7:30pm but patrons are encouraged to take their seats by 7:20. Although we cannot guarantee an exact ending time, the average BOAT production finishes between 10:15-10:30. Boats will start arriving back on Poole Quay after 11:00 pm.
  
  

• Cancellation of BOAT performances
  Due to performances being held in the open air and on an island, BOAT has traditionally allowed for a substitute performance should the scheduled performance be cancelled. Hence BOAT performances are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with days between set aside for contingency purposes. Weather forecasts and sea conditions are always checked and BOAT never cancels a performance unless convinced that this is the correct decision. Patrons should be aware that the weather on the island frequently differs from that on the mainland. BOAT will always endeavour to perform on the scheduled date if considered feasible.

• When is the decision made?
  BOAT monitors weather forecasts throughout the day. If conditions are favourable no decisions are necessary until 5.00pm (the time of the first boat). If weather conditions are unfavourable early in the day then BOAT will issue a statement on the website giving the latest position. However, the 5.00pm check is not necessarily final; should the weather deteriorate and BOAT feels it must cancel after that time but before the performance starts, then the substitute performance will be run the next night. Once a performance begins BOAT is obliged to continue and perform the whole play unless it becomes too unsafe to do so.
  
  The decision to play or not to play is made by the committee of Brownsea Open Air Theatre Ltd and it is very much in the interests of the Company, as well as our patrons, that the show goes on, if possible. After months of preparation and rehearsals we will always give patrons the best we can offer.
  
  

• What happens if the performance is cancelled?
  Should the scheduled performance be cancelled then all tickets for that performance are valid for an alternative performance the following evening as printed on your ticket.
  
  

• I would like to join B.O.A.T, how do I do this?
  To become involved in future productions with the Brownsea Open Air Theatre, we hold open auditions for the Summer's Production during the January of that year. All are welcome to audition, but we recommend that you telephone before hand in order to gain further information and scripted audition pieces. All the latest information will be available via the website nearer these times.
  
  If you would like to become involved with the back stage crew and stay clear of the acting side then telephone B.O.A.T on (01202) 251987 to gain further information and also provide us will a little information about yourself and how you would like to become involved.