Jack & the Beanstalk Birthday Shows: Frequently Asked Questions

30 Mar 2020 News

The Birthday Shows are a special and unique event, so we understand if you have a couple of questions. We have put together this handy FAQ section to try to provide some answers for you, but if you have any further enquiries, you can email us at tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk. Please refrain from giving us a call as, due to the current circumstances, we are unable to answer the phones at the moment. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Why are there two Birthday Shows this year, as well as the usual pantomime?

It’s our birthday! The New Wolsey Theatre will be turning 20 years old to the day on the second birthday performance – the 1^st February 2021. Come and celebrate with us!

How will the Birthday Shows be different to the other panto shows?

Good question, and while we are yet to finalise some details, here are the things we can guarantee:

a unique performance of Jack & the Beanstalk (someone said something about a trip down Enemy Lane and Dame-jà vu…)
a VIP experience, including music, drinks, birthday cake, costumes, fantastic photo opportunities and more!
a limited-edition programme, packed with memories of the last twenty years of the New Wolsey Theatre, specially designed for these two shows only.

I received an invitation with my Autumn 2020 Season Ticket brochure, does that mean my ticket is free?

Sadly, it does not. As fundraising events celebrating the New Wolsey Theatre’s 20^th birthday, they will be a spectacular like no other! We hope you can join us – ticket prices for the Birthday Shows can be found here: https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/shows/jack-the-beanstalk-birthday-show/.

Are the Birthday Shows included in the Autumn 2020 Season Ticket offer? Is pantomime?

We’re afraid not. We see pantomime and the Birthday Shows as separate events to our Autumn Season and so we don’t group them together when we offer the Season Ticket deal.

Does the ticket price include the whole event?

Yes – the show, a complimentary drink, the limited-edition programme, the photo opportunities, the party events (and some other details that we are keeping under our hats for the time being) are all included in the ticket price. There will be a few extras on the day that are not included, and which are optional, to help raise money for the theatre.

Are there concessions on the tickets?

All ticket prices can be found here: https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/shows/jack-the-beanstalk-birthday-show/. The only concessions available will be for those under 26 years of age, people using the access services – British Sign Language interpretation and Audio Description – and assisting companion tickets will be free of charge as usual.

Please note: assisting companion tickets come up as full price on our website as your New Wolsey account has to have a certain tag for the discount. If you need an assisting companion and the tag is not working on your booking, please contact us by emailing tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk and we can have a look at your account.

Will I actually have to dress in formal clothes?

Yes please! It will be a party like no other, celebrating the stars of the New Wolsey Theatre, whether they are in the theatre company, members of the crew, staff or audiences, so let’s dress like stars! There is no theme, only the most elegant outfit you can find. Dust off your party shoes!

What time do I arrive?

Way before the show begins! We will get in touch nearer the event to let you know what time you can arrive from, but trust us, you aren’t going to want to show up just for the performance – join us for all the shenanigans beforehand!

Will there be a meal at the event?

As much as we would love to, we cannot cater for a sit-down banquet, but we can promise a feast of smaller bites to eat, birthday cake, and plenty of drinks.

What should I do if I have a food allergy or dietary requirement?

We will not be serving a set meal but if you could let us know when you are making your booking any allergies or dietary requirements you have that will be affected by the food and drink we will have on offer, we can do our best to accommodate it. Feel free to call on 01473 295900 or email us at tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk nearer the time too to double check or if you have any questions. Please note that we are unable to take calls at the moment.

Will the Birthday Shows be accessible?

There will be British Sign Language interpretation and Audio Description available, as well as our usual wheelchair-accessible spaces. Unfortunately, we regret that, due to the improvisatory nature of the shows, we are unable to offer Captioning to our audiences. However, audio enhancement will be available as usual.

Will this event be suitable for children?

We want to make this a family-friendly event, with activities and entertainment to amuse all ages. We will ensure there is food and drink available for our younger audience members, alongside lots of fun and games for them to enjoy. We’ll leave it up to you how far past their bedtime you let them stay out!

Is there a content warning I need to know about for the show, i.e. loud bangs, flashes, inappropriate language etc.? Will these be different from the usual panto shows?

At the moment it is too early for us to tell, so what we would recommend is booking your tickets so you have them safely in the bag and then phoning us nearer the time on 01473 295900. At the moment we cannot take any calls, so please email tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk if you have any concerns.

I want to book for the Birthday Shows but, in the current circumstances, I can’t get through to you on the phone. How can I book my tickets?

Tickets can be booked on our website at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk or you can email our staff at tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk, who will give you a call to confirm your order as soon as they can.

Please bear in mind that if you do not have a Membership with the New Wolsey Theatre, General Sale opens at 10am on Sat 11 Apr 2020.

If you would like to become a Member to access early booking, please click here to find out more information: https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/memberships/

Will I receive my tickets straight away?

In the light of current circumstances, we are afraid we cannot post you any tickets until we have access to the building again, but the options to collect tickets from the Box Office on the day and to receive e-tickets remain open to you. Please be assured though, that when we are back up and running again, we will be in touch with VIP party updates.

Do I have to bring a present?

No need to bring a gift, just yourselves! This is a fundraising event and all proceeds from ticket costs and donations on the night will go back into the New Wolsey, so we can continue to offer dazzling theatre and ongoing community work for another 20 years and then some!

Are there any group discounts available for the Birthday Shows?

Good question! We understand that bringing a group to the theatre can incur additional costs and are happy to discuss group packages we may be able to offer on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with our groups booker, Lucy Mellamphy, by emailing lmellamphy@wolseytheatre.co.uk to chat about your party options.