We reserve the right to review and change these terms and conditions from time to time. They were last reviewed on 1 September 2023.
By purchasing a ticket by telephone, in person over the counter, or via the website you are agreeing to these terms and conditions. Where a person is booking on behalf of a party, that person accepts these terms and conditions on behalf of all members of the party.
For your safety, customers must comply with reasonable instructions and directions given by theatre management and front of house staff.
Admittance -The theatre reserves the right to refuse admission in reasonable circumstances including for health, safety, and licensing reasons or where a ticket is void.
Any customers who are intoxicated or are disruptive, abusive, or violent towards theatre staff, other audience members or performers will be ejected from the theatre. In such circumstances no refunds will be given. The theatre reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to any customer that appears to be intoxicated or likely to become intoxicated and to ask for proof of age prior to serving any alcohol.
To be admitted all customers must be in possession of a valid ticket.
Security – CCTV is in operation at the Forum Theatre for the purpose of public safety and crime prevention.
Security searches are a condition of entry to protect the safety of all customers and staff. We may conduct searches of clothing, bags and other items on entry and exit at our theatre. The Forum Theatre thanks customers in advance for their co-operation and understanding.
Customers are not permitted to bring any items into the theatre which are illegal or are deemed by the theatre management (at their sole discretion) to pose a health and safety risk, affect the enjoyment of others, cause disruption to the performance or cause damage to the theatre’s property.
Customers may not bring their own food or drink into the theatre, but empty reusable water bottles will be permitted. If a customer has specific medical requirements in this respect, please speak to a member of the theatre management upon arrival.
Personal property – Please note the theatre is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal belongings.
Lost property – will be kept for a maximum of 3 months. After this the property to be donated to the BHF shop in the Billingham Town Centre who will dispose of the property on our behalf.
Smoking and vaping – are not permitted inside the theatre.
Photography/Filming – Performances may be filmed or recorded on occasion. Notices will be displayed if this is the case and ticket holders will be invited to speak to a member of the theatre staff if they have any objections before the performance begins.
The unauthorized use of video, photographic and other recording equipment of any kind is strictly prohibited in the auditorium. The theatre reserves the right to delete any unauthorized recordings and to eject any customers who are suspected of making recordings from the theatre.
Animals – are not permitted inside the theatre, except for assistance dogs.
Special effects – We will make all reasonable efforts to forewarn customers if stroboscopic lighting is to be used in the performance. Customers with known medical conditions who may be susceptible to such lighting effects are advised to seek further advice from our box office team prior to their visit.
Mobile phones, tablets, digital or smart watches – and any other electronic equipment should be switched off or disabled when inside the auditorium to avoid disturbing the performers and other customers.
Dancing/Singing along – The Forum is a seated theatre and patrons are encouraged to stay in their seats so they do not obscure the view of people sitting behind them, who might not choose to or be able to comfortably stand. The only exception is when performers may ask people to get up and dance or singalong typically at the end of a show or during the encore.
Checking your tickets – it is your responsibility to check your tickets straight away after purchase or upon receipt, as mistakes or errors cannot be rectified later.
Payment methods – Tickets can be paid for by cash, credit, or debit card. We are sorry we cannot accept payment by cheque.
Booking Fees – Online bookings are subject to a booking fee of £1.50 per ticket booked. There is no charge for tickets booked in person or over the telephone at the box office.
Postage – There is a charge of £1.25 to post out tickets. Tickets are normally posted out within 5 working days. For online bookings where we can’t guarantee that there is sufficient time for tickets to arrive via 2nd class post we automatically hold the tickets for collection at the box office, even if postage has been selected and paid for.
Ticket collection – where tickets are not posted out they can be collected from the theatre box office any time prior to the performance
Ticket Reservations – Tickets can be reserved for a maximum of 5 days after which they will automatically be released back into the system if not paid for in full.
Refunds – once tickets have been purchased no refunds or exchanges can be given.
Lost tickets – Please go to the Box Office, inform them of your booking or personal details for tickets to then be reprinted in accordance with the booking made. Proof of ID and contact details will be required.
Concessions (eligibility) – Concessions are available at selected performances for customers of state pension age, children under 16, children or adults in full-time education or people in receipt of a disability related allowance. It is the customer’s responsibility to claim any discounts they may be entitled to at the time of booking, as we regret they cannot be applied retrospectively.
Promotional offers – From time to time the theatre may offer promotional discounts. These cannot be applied to tickets already purchased and no discount can be applied retrospectively. Offers and discounts are subject to availability. Only one discount is applicable per ticket unless otherwise stated. Some discounts may not be available to book online.
Family tickets – where available usually consist of a group of 4 where at least one member is a child.
Children and babies – At certain productions where appropriate, we offer discounted ‘baby tickets’ for children under the age of 2 years. This allows them access to the auditorium but does not guarantee them a seat. All children require a ticket – whether of the recommended age or not. This applies to all performances including performances where baby tickets are not available.
Where possible we try to indicate the recommended age range for family shows.
We regret pushchairs or buggies cannot be accommodated in the auditorium.
For the protection of children, at some performances and at our discretion, and with the guidance of visiting companies, children and infants may not be permitted to attend. Performances where an age restriction applies are clearly indicated during the booking process. If you would like any advice on the suitability of performances, please do not hesitate to contact our box office.
Under 16s – visiting the theatre must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation and changes to an event – Sometimes it is necessary to make alterations to the advertised cast and programme, and whilst we will do our best to let you know in advance if we can, we can’t guarantee that and therefore we reserve the right to do so without being obliged to refund or exchange tickets. If an event is cancelled or rescheduled, we will notify ticket holders of the cancellation once we have received the relevant authorisation from the event partner. In the event of rescheduling a performance, we will try to provide alternative seats of the same or greater value.
Force majeure – the theatre will be under no liability in the event of any damage or loss arising through force majeure, which means any cause beyond its control including without limitation, forced closure, closure due to restrictions, act of God, war, insurrection, riot, civil disturbances, acts of terrorism, fire, explosion, flood, theft of essential equipment, malicious damage, strike, lockout, weather, third party injunction, national defence requirements, acts or regulations of national or local governments.
Seating changes – the ticket holder is entitled to a seat at the face value of the ticket however the theatre reserves the right to provide alternative seating to those specified on the ticket. If the alternative seating is at a lesser value, the ticket holder will be entitled to be compensated to a maximum of the difference in value between the seats.
Latecomers – Latecomers can be disruptive to both performers and people already seated, however if you are unavoidably late, we will do our best to seat you. The visiting company advise us when latecomers will be allowed in, sometimes this may not be until the interval or it might be at a suitable break in the performance e.g., during a scene change. It may be necessary to seat you in different seats to your tickets, to minimise disruption.
Re-seating – If on arrival you are not happy with your seats and would like to be re-seated, please inform the Duty Manager who may be able to arrange this, if there is suitable availability.
Merchandise – where official show merchandise is sold on our premises the theatre cannot accept responsibility for such merchandise.
Gift vouchers – are available to buy and can be redeemed at the box office for theatre tickets. They are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.