5 regional theatre offerings for groups

1. Milton Keynes Theatre

This modern theatre is location in central Milton Keynes next to the shopping district making it an ideal location for groups looking to go shopping or enjoy a pre-theatre meal. Touring companies and productions often make a stop at MK Theatre, such as Matilda The Musical, Flashdance, Shrek the Musical, Rain Man, War Horse, and Benidorm all on the calendar for the next few months. 

The theatre opened in 1999 and has a 1,400-seat auditorium. In terms of accessibility, wheelchair spaces are available in the stalls, hearing enhancement aids are available, and guide dogs are welcome, plus toilets are fully accessible.

2. Royal Shakespeare Company

Heading to Stratford-Upon-Avon? The Royal Shakespeare Company has a group friendly theatre based there, showing everything from plays from the Bard himself, to works from Charles Dickens. Upcoming shows include, The Comedy of Errors: First Encounters, A Christmas Carol, King Leah, Macbeth and Tartuffe. 

Groups can enjoy guided tours of the theatre and can see Shakespeare and his works in a new light. You can also enjoy views from the Tower of the building and enjoy a bite to eat in the Rooftop Restaurant. Plus, there’s an exhibition to be explore called The Play’s the Thing which looks at the history of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s history.

Groups will love combining a visit to the theatre with some other Shakespeare related attractions such as Shakespeare’s Birthplace, also in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Pictured: Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Image credit -Photographer and copyright - Peter Cook (c) RSC)

3. Chichester Festival Theatre

Chichester Festival Theatre has a wide programme of shows taking place throughout the year, from Me and My Girl, to Sleeping Beauty. The theatre is fully accessible and special access performances and services are offered too. 

The theatre actually comprises of two, the Festival Theatre and the Minerva Theatre. Both are suitable for all abilities, and have accessible toilet facilities, wheelchair spaces, as well as signed performances.

For groups, discounts are available on tickets plus bespoke tours can be arranged. And if you know your group has a sweet tooth, you can order your ice cream for the interval ahead of time.

For pre-theatre dining, there are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as bars, restaurants and cafes in the theatre complex.

4. Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Productions visiting this theatre this year include The Comedy About A Bank Robbery in August, The Lovely Bones in October, and The Wizard of Oz, in November, to name a few. Groups of ten or more can save 10% on tickets, 20 or more can save 15% and those with 50 or more people can save 20% when booking tickets. 

Special access performances are available, which are suitable for anyone using wheelchairs or with special requirements. 

Birmingham has a wealth of restaurants and shops for groups wanting to explore before a theatre performance. The theatre itself also offers catering.

5. Edinburgh Capital Theatres

Those looking to visit Scotland might like to pay a visit one of the Capital Theatres, which includes Edinburgh Festival Theatre and King’s Theatre. Both are suitable for groups and can offer discounts for those with eight or more. They also offer a personal service for groups, ice cream booking, seating plans, and free room hire for those looking to extend their evening.

Upcoming performances at the Festival Theatre include: Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Still Alice, Sarah Millican: Control Enthusiast, and Rain Man. Productions at King’s Theatre include Fame the Musical, Dracula, Shakespeare in Love and Beauty and The Beast panto.

Visit Edinburgh Castle during the day and finish at the theatre for a day full of culture, history and entertainment.

Looking for a show to make you laugh? Take a read of our recent article.

Lead image: Milton Keynes Theatre.