Frequently Asked Questions
Booking and Tickets
How do I book tickets?
You can book your tickets through our website (visit our What's On section to see our programme of shows), or through our friendly box office team. Either give them a call on 01325 405405, or visit the counter during opening hours.
What are your opening times?
Our box office is open to call Monday - Saturday (excluding bank holidays), 10am - 6pm. Tickets can be purchased from the website at any time.
Do you offer group discounts?
Group discounts are available on many shows, usually requiring six or more people to book at once. Please check the individual show page for information on the group offers available, or call our box office team on 01325 404 405.
Do you offer NHS discounts?
We do not offer NHS discounts at this time.
How do I collect my tickets?
Tickets are sent to you via email. If you need to collect physical tickets in person, please do so through the box office counter before the show. Please note, you will not be able to enter the venue an hour before the show without a ticket.
What are the different seating areas?
We have three floors at Darlington Hippodrome: The Stalls, the Dress Circle, and the Upper Circle. The Stalls are on the ground floor, the Dress Circle is on the first floor, and the Upper Circle is on the second floor.
Why aren't certain seating areas open for me to book?
In order to provide the best experience for our audiences and performers, some shows may have a limited number of seats open. Further areas may be opened closer to the date.
What are Lucky Hipp tickets?
For selected performances, you can take a lucky dip on where you sit with a Lucky Hipp ticket for a significantly reduced price. These tickets are limited, so book as soon as you can. Book over the phone or counter, or if you are booking online, instead of choosing your seats from the plan, select the Lucky Hipp button. 72 hours before the performance, you'll be allocated a full-view seat.
All seats in your booking will be allocated together.
What does 'restricted view' mean?
Restricted view seats may have a pillar in their sight lines, be in front of a raised wall, or not have a direct front-on view to the stage. These seats are often at a discount and may sometimes only be available directly from the box office.
You can take view from each seat when looking at our seating plan online.
What does the 'i' mean on the seating plan?
The 'i' symbol on the seating plan means there is further information about your seat. This could mean it's restricted view, a folding or high seat, or meet and greet area. When you select the seat, the additional information will become available.
What is Booking Protection?
Booking Protection (through Secure My Booking at a small fee per ticket) covers you for many eventualities should you not be able to attend a performance. Secure My Booking should be taken out at the time of your booking as it cannot be added retrospectively. The Terms and Conditions for Secure My Booking can be found here.
Can I resell my tickets?
Any purchase of tickets is only valid when processed by Darlington Hippodrome's box office or an agent authorised by the Hippodrome to sell tickets for productions taking place at the Hippodrome. We are not responsible for tickets sold through unauthorised methods.
Why do I have to pay booking fees?
As a receiving house (meaning the shows are brought to us, rather than us creating the shows), Darlington Hippodrome only receives a small portion of the ticket cost. The levy helps us with the cost of restoration and care of our lovely Edwardian theatre, including repairs, insurance, and utilities.
Are children allowed at shows not specifically for them?
Well behaved children are welcome to attend all shows at Darlington Hippodrome. Please note that some shows have age guidance on them (detailed on their show pages), which are for your own discretion.
What is your refund policy?
Tickets cannot be refunded after purchase.
We strongly recommend taking out booking protection (though Secure My Booking at a small fee per ticket) which will cover you for many eventualities should you not be able to attend a performance.
Before a performance commences, tickets may - at Darlington Hippodrome's discretion - be exchanged for another performance. If there is a difference in cost between the original ticket and the new ticket, the difference in cost will be payable by the customer. This is subject to an administration fee of £4 per ticket.
If you are unable to attend a performance that is heavily sold, it may be possible for the Hippodrome box office team to re-sell your tickets to our waiting list, subject to an administration fee of £4 per ticket.
How can I become a Member?
To join our Member-Hipp scheme, simply click the button below. You can benefit from discounts on selected shows, priority booking, and other exciting benefits.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, we do sell gift vouchers. They can be spent not only on tickets for shows but also on any other Darlington Hippodrome product available to purchase via the box office, such as packages, programmes, and courses.
Can I view your seating plan?
Seating plans can be found in the Box Office and Seating Plans section of our website. Interactive seating plans for booking can be found on each individual show page.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket pricing can be found online on the individual production page for each show. Please navigate to What's On, select your show, and then click on 'Book Now' to see a list of prices for each date and time.
I'm not happy, how do I let you know?
Please contact our box office email with details of your complaint, and they will pass it on to the relevant team.
Access
Do you offer an Access Membership Scheme?
Theatregoers can join our access scheme and book online direct via our website for:
- Wheelchair spaces.
- Free Essential Companion tickets*.
- Priority access seating in front stalls for people who are visually impaired, D/deaf or hard of hearing.
- Priority aisle seating
- Discounts for people in receipt of Universal/Pension Credit*.
- Universal Credit claimants can save 50%* per household on up to 4 tickets per production. Also applicable on Youth Theatre/Youth Dance term prices.
- Pension Credit claimants can save 50%* on one ticket per production. Also applicable on Youth Theatre/Youth Dance term prices.
*Not applicable on Meet and Greet/VIP tickets. Universal Credit and Pension Credit discounts are not applicable to Lucky Hipp seats.
Please contact our box office team for more information.
Do you offer essential companion tickets?
People who require an essential companion to accompany them to the theatre in order for them to access the venue, due to their disability, illness or other condition will receive a FREE essential companion ticket. Qualifying documentation is required if signing up to our Access Scheme.
Qualifying documentation:
- A letter confirming receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - if theatregoer is aged under 16.
- A letter confirming receipt of Attendance Allowance
- A letter confirming receipt of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
- CredAbility Access Card (with +1 symbol)
All essential companions must be aged 16 or over. Only one essential companion ticket is available per disabled customer.
If a customer does not have access to any of the required evidence above but feels that they require an essential companion ticket to be able to attend the theatre, they can approach our box office manager to discuss their individual needs.
Is Darlington Hippodrome accessible?
Yes, Darlington Hippodrome is accessible.
- There are wheelchair spaces on all levels and two lifts to provide access to all levels both front and back of house.
- A dropped counter is available at the Hippodrome box office and bar.
- There is a drop-off point located on Tannery Yard.
- Accessible toilets on all levels.
- Assistant dogs are welcome.
- Radio frequency hearing assist equipment is installed throughout the auditorium with individual headsets available on request when booking.
- On selected shows, there are BSL interpreted performances. The signer stands to stage left (auditorium right) to interpret the dialog.
- There are audio described shows on selected Saturday matinee performances, professional audio describers provide live commentary about what is happening onstage via headphone-style receivers worn in the auditorium for customers with a visually impairment, as well as providing a touch tour of the stage prior to the performance.
- Relaxed performances are available on select shows, designed specifically for those with sensory or communication disorders, or those who would otherwise find an auditorium a challenging environment.
If you require any advice regarding access to the venue please contact the box office.
Your Visit
How do I find you?
Darlington Hippodrome’s address is Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR. We’re located very close to Darlington town centre. You can find more information, including about parking, on our getting here page:
Do you offer tours?
We offer regular tours to our Member-Hipp Plus members. There are occasionally limited numbers of tours throughout the year in addition to these; please keep an eye on our social media and what’s on page for more details.
What time do your doors open?
Darlington Hippodrome is open between 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday to all visitors. Later on, doors to the theatre open an hour before a show; you must possess a valid theatre ticket for that show to enter during this time. Doors open to the auditorium 30 minutes before the performance begins.
Can I bring food and drink from outside with me?
Only food and drink purchased within the venue can be consumed on the premises.
Within the auditorium, only drinks (in reusable plastic cups) and confectionery/snacks purchased on site are permitted. Hot food is not permitted in the auditorium.
Will there be security checks?
Yes, for the safety and security of all patrons, there are security checks to enter the theatre before a show. You must have a valid ticket to that performance to enter the theatre during this time.
What is your toilet provision?
There are male and female toilets, alongside accessible toilets, on all floors.
Do you sell refreshments?
Yes, we sell refreshments at Darlington Hippodrome. The widest selection, including hot and cold food, is available at the Hippodrome Lounge on the ground floor. The John Wade Lounge on the first floor and sells a wide variety of drinks and snacks.
What is your latecomers policy?
We will do our best to admit latecomers at an appropriate point in the performance, however we cannot guarantee admittance in the case of late arrival.
What time does the show end?
Please check the specific show page to learn the performance times.
Is there a dress code?
No, there is no dress code at Darlington Hippodrome. However, we do ask that you consider your outfit choice in relation to your fellow audience members, such as not wearing headwear in the auditorium as it may restrict views.
How do I collect lost property?
Please contact our box office team to see if we have your lost property. If we do, please visit our counter to collect.
Shout outs
If you would like a birthday 'shout-out' or similar for your child or group, please ask at the box office on the day of the performance to fill out a form. Please note that shout-outs cannot be guaranteed and, at the discretion of the production company, may not play a part in some pantomime productions.
Rescheduled performances and refunds
How do I find out if a performance is cancelled or rescheduled?
You will receive an email if a performance is cancelled; we will send this email at the earliest opportunity, though please be aware that some cancellations can be last minute. Our box office team may also contact you via phone. Cancellations will be mentioned on our social media, and there will be a note on the show’s page on our website.
I haven't received my new tickets, what should I do?
Please contact our box office team (including your full name and the email you booked) under if you don’t receive your tickets.
I haven't received my refund for a cancelled performance, what should I do?
Please contact our box office team if you don’t receive a refund for a cancelled performance.
The card I used for my booking has expired and I'd like a refund. What should I do?
Please contact our box office team, and they will be able to rearrange your refund.
How do I get involved in school activities?
Please contact our learning and engagement officer Christopher Wellings for information on school activities.
Do you offer work experience?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer work experience at this time.
How do I join your Youth Theatre or Dance?
Your child can join our Youth Theatre and Dance groups when their admission opens with the new a new season. Visit our Take Part page for more info:
Work with us
Where do I find out information about job vacancies?
Job vacancies are advertised on Darlington Borough Council’s website, and on our social media.
How do I find out about volunteering?
Learn more about volunteering by visiting our webpage:
Archive
Do you have an archive?
Yes, we have an archive stored securely within the theatre. This artifacts are kept in a temperature and humidity-regulated environment.
Are you accepting archive material?
Please contact Christopher Wellings if you have an item you would like to donate to our archive. Please do not bring this item in without prior communication.
Other
What is your code of conduct?
Antisocial behaviour towards staff, performers, and patrons is not tolerated. Darlington Hippodrome reserves the right to refuse admission or eject patrons in reasonable circumstances such as in the event of rowdy, antisocial or threatening behaviour.
Please view our Terms and Conditions for more information:
Where do I find press information?
Please contact Julian Cound for more information on press.
Do you offer prizes for charities?
We have our own in house charity at Darlington Hippodrome (A Place For Everyone). Unfortunately we are unable to offer prizes for external charities or raffles.
Do you sell merchandise?
We sell show-specific merchandise at many performances, including programmes. We have our own Hippodrome teddy bears, which are available for purchase at any date.