FAQs
General Information
How long is the show?
Exact timings are still to be confirmed, but we anticipate it being no more than 2 hours 15 minutes (including the interval)
Is there an interval?
Yes, there will be a 20 minute interval halfway through the show.
May I smoke or vape at Canford School?
No, smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited anywhere within the grounds of Canford School.
Is there an age restriction?
BOAT productions are not recommended for children under 10. CHILDREN UNDER 6 CANNOT be accommodated. Any ticket holder 16 or under must be accompanied at all times by an adult whilst on site at Canford.
Tickets / Booking
Where can I purchase a ticket?
Tickets can be purchased online here, by phone to either BH Live or BOAT. Tickets can also be purchased in person from Bournemouth Pavilion during ticket office opening hours.
See Terms and Conditions for further details.
How will I receive my ticket?
All tickets whether ordered online or by phone will be sent to the purchaser by email. Tickets can be shown on a mobile phone or other device - or, if preferred, printed at home.
Tickets can also be accessed through the My Account pages on www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Is there a booking fee?
Yes, all sales incur a flat £3.00 transaction fee (irrespective of how many tickets are involved in that sale).
Getting there
What postcode should I use in my sat nav?
Use BH21 3BS in your sat nav. This will take you to the Village Entrance, NOT the main School entrance.
Do you have a what3words location code?
Yes, use puns.task.backswing to find the Village Entrance.
Is the theatre on a bus route?
Yes, bus routes and timetables can be found here.
Rain and Cancellations
What happens if it rains?
BOAT will not cancel any scheduled performance at the first sign of rain and will attempt to perform if possible and safe to do so. BOAT Management will take responsibility for deciding whether a performance goes ahead and that decision is final. Patrons should take responsibility to cater for weather by wearing or bringing sensible appropriate clothing.
Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes, however umbrellas are not permitted to be used inside the auditorium
What do I do if a performance is cancelled?
If a performance is cancelled - or abandoned before the interval – you will be able to exchange your ticket(s) for any available ticket(s) for a later performance date, or you may be offered a brand-new replacement performance date. If you are unable to or wish not to attend any other performance available, you will be able to claim a refund.
See Terms and Conditions for further details.
Parking
Do I have to pay for parking?
No, all parking on site is free of charge. All parking is within sight of the auditorium, although some areas require a walk across a level playing field (approximately 500 meters)
Is there accessible parking?
Yes, accessible parking is available (approximately 50 meters from the auditorium), which must be pre-booked. See the Accessibility section below for more details
Food and drink
Can I bring my own food and alcohol?
Yes, you may bring food and alcohol to consume prior to the performance and during the interval.
Will there be food and drink available to purchase on site?
Yes, Canford School will be providing catering service prior to the performance and during the interval. Details of this are to be confirmed
Toilets
Are there toilet facilities on site?
Yes, temporary toilets are located at a convenient distance from the auditorium.
Seats
Do I have to bring my own chair?
You are welcome to bring your own chair to use while you picnic before the performance and during the interval. You may also contact [email protected] to reserve one of our supply of plastic chairs.
However you do not need to bring a chair to watch the performance. The auditorium consists of three purpose built seating stands with plastic flip down stadium seats.
What size are the seats?
The seats are made of moulded plastic and are 16.5 inches wide and 14 inches deep. There are an additional 2 inches between each seat. There are no armrests.
Are there any steps to get to my seat?
Yes, there are two shallow steps between each row of seats. The front row of each stand (row A) is step free.
Accessibility
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the theatre and picnic area are both wheelchair accessible. The picnic area is a level field with mostly smooth ground.
For all performances there are seats set aside for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility or other access needs. To book these seats you need to be registered on the BH Live access scheme, and you need to log in to your BH Live account before booking seats. For more information or to register, email [email protected].
Seats in row A of each stand are accessible without steps.
Are there accessible toilets?
Yes, there are accessible toilets a convenient distance from the auditorium. These toilets are wheelchair accessible, but do not have a hoist or adult changing facilities.
Is there accessible parking?
Yes, there are accessible parking spaces approximately 50 meters from the auditorium. These spaces need to be prebooked - you can do this when you purchase your tickets, or via a link in your order confirmation email, or by contacting [email protected]
Are there special performances for people with disabilities or access needs?
There is a relaxed matinee performance on Saturday 8th August - see our Relaxed Performance page for more information.
Are there first aiders at the theatre?
Yes - St. John's Ambulance will be available to assist with medical emergencies.
Is there extra provision for people with impaired hearing or vision?
No - there is no sound amplification, audio description or other aids for people with impaired hearing or vision. Being a temporary open air theatre it is not possible for us to provide such support. We do hold front row seats for those on the BH Live Access Scheme - see their website for more information.
Volunteering
How can I join BOAT as a volunteer?
Volunteer applications are open from November to July every year and can be submitted here. No experience is required - just enthusiasm and commitment.
Auditioning
How do I audition for a role in the cast?
Open auditions are held each year in January or February. Details of the following year are updated in November.