Philip Bradhaw
Technical Deputy Tel: 028 70 124456
BOOKING THE RIVERSIDE THEATRE - FAQs
a) How much does it cost to book the Theatre? It currently costs £300 per performance plus 15% of the box office for amateur, educational and charity groups and £500 per performance plus 10% of the box office for professionals. Sometimes we will offer a split of box office if we think your project both helps us to deliver our objectives and will be well supported by audiences. Rehearsal days can be negotiated on the basis of a per hour cost.
b) To whom do I speak? Please contact the Riverside’s General Administrator, Jeremy Lewis, on Coleraine (028 70)124430. Send him full details, in advance of a ‘phone call, to js.lewis@ulster.ac.uk
c) What do I get for my money? Whether it’s a hire or a split, Riverside will provide the services of a technician (by arrangement), the Theatre will sell tickets both online and via its box office and the Operations Department will look after the audience, the bar and the shop during performances. If you require additional rooms in the Theatre (e.g. the Rehearsal Room) there may be an additional charge.
d) What about hospitality? see Hospitality
e) What about publicity? The Theatre will advise and assist you. Riverside may, at its own discretion, include your event in the twice-yearly brochure and on the website. We would expect all groups to supply us with an agreed number of posters and fliers in accordance with the nature of the event you are holding. (Not necessary for conferences).
f) How far in advance do I need to book my event? We plan a minimum of one year ahead but it is sometimes possible to fit in additional events at much shorter notice – so do please check with us.
g) How many can there be in the audience? Riverside is one of only a tiny number of theatres with a variable auditorium. Playing “end on”, the capacity is 276. If your event can be performed with the audience on three sides, this increases to 370.
h) What are ticket prices like? These vary from about £7 through to £25, depending on the show. If you’re hiring the Theatre or if you have negotiated a share of the box office, you can negotiate ticket prices in consultation with Theatre management.
Costume Hire
The Riverside Theatre no longer has a selection of costumes available for hire. The Wardrobe Dept closed in July 2009. In its place we now have an archive collection for programmes, posters and theatre memorabilia in the care of Mrs Denise Dunn (volunteer).
The Riverside Theatre offers all the hospitality services you’d expect at competitive prices in our busy foyer. The shop serves a range of confectionery, icecream, soft drinks, quality fresh brewed coffee and tea.
The licensed bar takes advance orders for interval drinks and offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, wine and soft drinks. The management team are always on the look out for the latest products to suit all tastes.
Both service points are accessible to wheelchairs users.
Riverside exhibitions are well known to regular visitors. Historically, they have been as diverse as our local landscape - from visual art, photography and crafts, to trade exhibitions and business presentations. The sale of exhibition catalogues and art works can be facilitated at a small commission.
With many square metres of wall space, no idea is too big or too small! We currently specialise in Photography.
Dimensions of Riverside Wall Space Wall A 54ft wide x 8ft 6ins high Wall B 11ft 4 ins wide x 8ft 6ins high Wall C 14ft 10 ins wide x 8ft 6ins high Wall D 5ft 6 ins wide x 8ft 6ins high Wall E1 11ft 1 inch wide x 8ft 6ins high Wall E2 11ft 1 inch wide x 8ft 6ins high
To request a floor plan, book dates and discuss details contact the General Administrator Jeremy Lewis on 028 7012 4430.
With popular music, international drama, dance and solo artists, the Riverside is ideal for entertaining guests, business colleagues, conference delegates or clients. Whether you’re looking for an unusual entertaining venue or an inspirational meeting location, we can accommodate your requirements on a reasonable budget. The newly refurbished auditorium is available to hire for shows, conferences and events. (see Theatre Hire).
Why not make Riverside the special venue for your big day? The theatre is now licensed to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies, using a Registrar from Coleraine Borough Council. The unique space is best suited to numbers of 25-75 persons. With contacts throughout the arts industry, you can be creative with the theme or look of your important occasion, knowing that the cathedral-like auditorium offers every guest a perfect view in comfort whilst you take centre stage. Contact Theatre Administrator, Jeremy Lewis c/o js.lewis@ulster.ac.uk
We can supply anything from vintage afternoon tea, to a finger buffet or a drinks’ reception or seated meal (50 max). For more information contact the Operations Supervisor, Rose McCloskey, c/o r.mccloskey@ulster.ac.uk If you prefer to bring your own food and drink into the Theatre a cover charge is made for cleaning up.
