Business

Events

What are the exact venue hire costs for the different event spaces at Sadler's Wells?

The Dorfman Room costs £1,400 plus VAT per day, £1,000 plus VAT per half day, or £1,250 plus VAT per evening. The Mezzanine Level costs £2,100 plus VAT per day. The Lilian Baylis Studio costs £3,100 plus VAT per day (09:00-22:00). The Peacock Theatre costs £11,000 plus VAT per day, with an additional £6,500 plus VAT for a get-in day only.

What capacity limits apply to each event space and seating configuration?

The Dorfman Room accommodates 64 people in cabaret style or 100 people in theatre style. The Mezzanine Level has a total floor area of 241.32m² and includes the Dorfman Room plus additional breakout spaces. The Lilian Baylis Studio capacity varies based on configuration. For events requiring over 100 people in cabaret style, you must use theatre-style seating or book the larger Mezzanine Level.

What AV equipment and technical support is included in the venue hire?

All spaces include Wi-Fi access, technical setup support, built-in PA system linked to CD/iPod, drop-down screen and built-in projector connected to computer/memory stick or laptop (HDMI cable only). The Mezzanine Level also includes portable plasma screens if multiple screens are required. Technical support is provided from 09:00-17:00, with additional AV equipment available on request.

Are there mandatory additional costs beyond the base venue hire fee?

Yes, a deposit on services and hired equipment is invoiced together with the venue hire fee. For theatre spaces, technical staffing is mandatory due to health and safety regulations - rates are single time Monday-Friday, time and a half on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays. Front of house and security staffing costs are also recharged and invoiced separately.

What are the payment terms and deposit requirements for bookings?

For the Peacock Theatre, payment must be settled in advance with a non-refundable 50% deposit on signing and the remaining non-refundable 50% due two months prior to the event. Other spaces require a deposit on services and hired equipment to be invoiced with the venue hire fee, though specific percentages and timing aren't specified for smaller spaces.

Can external catering be brought in or is in-house catering mandatory?

In-house catering is mandatory - the venue manages all catering and bars, and no other caterers are allowed on site. They provide a range of refreshments from breakfasts and sandwiches to hot fork buffets and canapés. If you're showcasing a drinks brand with no servings, this may be considered but requires approval and details about the brand.

What are the booking hours and any restrictions on event timing?

The Lilian Baylis Studio booking hours are 09:00-22:00 each day. Get-out hours may run later than 22:00 after the final day as required. No equipment is present at the start of hire, so the first day begins with technical rigging and preparation before stage access. Specific hours for other spaces aren't detailed but technical support is available 09:00-17:00.

When are the venues unavailable due to maintenance or programming?

All theatres undergo maintenance during August and are unavailable for hire. September through December is the busy season with internal programming, significantly limiting availability. January and February typically have better availability, though specific dates vary year to year.

What approval process is required for external events and performances?

External enquiries require approval from Senior Management. You must provide an artistic presentation or video/photo material of your show or event. This approval process applies to all external bookings and is required before confirming availability.

Are there additional fees for ticketing services if selling tickets to the public?

Yes, ticketing service costs £300 plus VAT per performance/event and includes website listing and e-tickets. There's a 3% payment fee on all card and cash transactions for tickets sold. Ticket office staffing is extra and will be invoiced separately. The hirer receives 100% of ticket sales revenue.

What merchandise and programme sales arrangements apply?

All programmes and merchandise must be sold via Sadler's Wells front of house staff, with the venue taking a 30% commission on all sales. You cannot sell merchandise directly - it must go through their staff, and this commission applies to all items sold during your event.

How far in advance should bookings be made and what is the enquiry process?

Availability is extremely limited, particularly September-December due to internal programming. Many enquiries result in no availability for requested dates. The venue operates on a first-come basis with dates held on 'pencil' while details are sorted. Contact the events team early with flexible dates, event details, technical requirements, and schedule to improve chances of securing space.