Theatre Information
The Tower Theatre presents a vibrant programme of live performance and creative engagement activities to entertain, enrich and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Since 2007 The Tower Theatre has been the go to venue for live entertainment in Folkestone and further afield. Situated in a grand former church on an army barracks you cannot fail to be amazed from the moment you walk through the gates.
We are wholly-owned by Folkestone-Hythe Operatic & Dramatic Society, an independent not-for-profit charity. We receive no regular public funding, and rely on a share of ticket sales, one-off grants, fundraising/membership schemes and other commercial activities to deliver the work we do. Any surplus funds generated each year are reinvested into our artistic and creative programmes, maintainance and upgrades to our magnificent Grade II listed building and support our work with the community to keep inspiring future generations.
We also collaborate with local artists and community groups, schools and charities to make all our creative experiences have wide reaching positive impact.
What time to I need to get to the theatre?
Please give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the theatre as the show will begin promptly at the time indicated on your ticket and pre-visit emails; the front of house will open 60 minutes before the start of the production. To make sure everyone feels comfortable you will be directed to a dedicated entrance on arrival.
Entry in to the venue is at the Duty Manager’s discretion and we reserve the right to refuse entry.
Bar & Snacks
The venue has a well-stocked public bar, The Peter Heselden Bar, that sells a range of alcoholic, non-alocholic and soft drinks.
The venue also sells snacks, confectionery, crisps and hot drinks pre-performance and during the interval.
Interval Drinks
Interval drinks can be preordered in person at the bar prior to Curtains Up. When placing a pre-order at the bar you will be notified where to collect your items, which will be left with your order slip. Please be aware that interval drinks may not be supervised and are the responsibility of the customer.
Opening Times
The bar and sweets counter open an hour before an evening performance. If it’s an auditorium show it closes after the final interval. If the show is in the foyer the bar closes 20 minutes before the end of the event unless it is a FHODS Small Stage Theatre event in which case the bar will close at the end of the final interval.
Please note: You may not bring any food or drink purchased elsewhere to our theatres. We serve drinks and snacks, but not hot food.
Smoking & E-cigarettes
It is illegal to smoke indoors but we do have a dedicated smoking area to the side of the building (beyond the main entrance). Vaping is also banned indoors.
Age Limits
Any events with an age limit due to the nature of the content of the event will be publicised with the appropriate age limit or cinema classification. If you are unsure about any event and its age limit, please contact the venue.
Hiring the Venue
The venue has an impressive auditorium and foyer that can be hired at very competitive prices, in accordance with the programming policy of the venue. Please contact the venue for further details.
Photography & Filming
Photography & Filming by us
By entering the premises of The Tower Theatre (“TTT”), you understand that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped and you hereby give TTT the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, photo (collectively, “image”), without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation. You hereby waive, release and forever discharge TTT from and against any and all claims or actions arising out of or resulting from any use of your image. TTT shall not be obligated to use and may elect not to use your image.
Photography & Filming by you
Unless otherwise stated (on signs by the doors; an announcement in the foyer prior to the doors opening; or by an announcement by the performer(s) on stage) all photography and filming by the public is strictly prohibited. Should we announce any of the above is permitted for a particular event please ensure your flash is turned off so as to not disturb the performer(s).
Should you be found taking photographs or filming, when permission has not been given by the above means, you may be asked to delete any photographs/footage on your device. Failure to follow the instructions of the ushers/Duty Manager may result in you being removed from the venue.
Mobile Phones
Please switch all mobile phones and pagers off during any performance. A switched-on mobile phone can interfere with our sound system and ruin your experience with us.
Latecomers
Latecomers will be allowed into the auditorium at a suitable break in the performance, at the Duty Manager’s discretion. The latecomers may be asked to sit in seats other than their booked seats until the interval so as to not disturb the performance. Should it be a sellout show you may be required to stand until a suitable break in the performance and you can then take your booked seats.
Young Children and Babies
To comply with licensing and health and safety requirements, all audience members, including babies and children, must be in possession of a valid ticket. Children under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult, who must accept full responsibility for the children in their care at all times.
There are baby-changing facilities at the venue.
Prams and car-seats are not permitted in the auditorium.
Booster Seats
We know that very small children may have difficulty seeing the action on stage, so we have a limited number of booster seats available in the foyer. These are free and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Please ask a member of staff if you’d like to use one for your little one.
Secondary Ticketing Sources
The Tower Theatre does NOT endorse using ANY secondary ticketing sources (i.e. “scalpers” online or in-person). Our box office cannot resolve any issues involving lost or fake tickets. Tickets for all shows are sold through our ticketing agent thelittleboxoffice.com/towertheatrefolkestone online or in-person at The Tower Theatre box office. The Tower Theatre has the right to change/cancel ticket transactions that are suspected of being purchased for the sole purpose of reselling. If you do experience any issues with tickets and/or sellers, please contact the box office.
We’re delighted that The Tower Theatre is a very safe environment for all members of staff, volunteers and theatregoers. Our venue should be the norm, not the exception, that’s why we’re supporting the UK Safer Theatres Charter.
For more information, and to sign the charter, visit here.
Proud members of the
Little Theatre Guild
