Norwich Theatre will open its backstage doors to the public for a free annual Open Day on 26 July, offering a rare look at hidden spaces inside the Theatre Royal and Stage Two. The event runs from 10am to 3pm, with guided tours weaving through dressing rooms, the area beneath the stage, and onto the main stage itself, where visitors can try their hand at fly rail demonstrations and stage lighting.
James MacDonald, Head of Visitor Services, said the day is a way of saying a massive thank you to the community. “We absolutely love welcoming people into the theatre, but there is something extra special about Open Day. It is our way of saying a massive thank you to our community by letting them see exactly how the magic happens.” The theatre’s technical team will lead Tech Talks at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm—the final session with British Sign Language interpretation—covering backstage disciplines, special effects, and careers in theatre.
A series of bookable accessible tours are also scheduled, including Audio-Described Tours at 11am and 2pm, BSL-interpreted Tours at 10.30am and 11.30am, Level Access Tours at 12pm and 1pm, and Quiet Tours at 9.30am and 9.40am. Families can take part in face painting, mini stage-set building, and an activity trail that sends children hunting for six panto-themed pictures, with prizes including free panto tickets for a family of four. Costumes from past pantomimes will be available to try on, and volunteer archivists will be on hand to guide visitors through the theatre’s historical archives. Full details are on the Norwich Theatre website.
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