What goes on at the Playhouse?
Musical theatre, plays, pantomimes, choirs, dance, and performing arts workshops. The Playhouse caters for professional and amateur productions. The Playhouse is also a great space for standup comedy, fitness classes, for corporate presentations and events, or private parties and functions.
Where can I buy tickets for shows?
Our performing groups run their own box offices, often using platforms such as Ticketsource.
Please see the What's On homepage for links and more information.
How accessible is the Playhouse?
The Playhouse has very good accessibility for audience members and visitors.
There are disabled parking bays and step-free access to the auditorium, bar, and accessible WC.
Our hiring groups will be happy to make arrangements for wheelchair users - do contact them when booking your tickets.
For stage performers and crew, sadly less so. The Playhouse is an old building and unfortunately was not designed for accessibility backstage.
Most dressing rooms are upstairs. The stage and wings have steep steps, which may be dimly lit during performances.
At present, the stage is not suitable for performers or stage crew without full mobility.
Is there parking? EV charging?
Yes, around 20 spaces on site, including marked disabled bays. These are free to use for hirers and their patrons.
Additional paid parking at The Heart / Sainsbury's (5 min walk) or at Drewitts Court (5 min walk, paid but free after 19:00)
There is no charging available for electric vehicles at present.
We have an arrangement with HWM Aston Martin for their use of the car park during the daytime in the week. If you are hiring the Playhouse and need the car park in the day, let us know when booking.
There is additional access, and parking, to the side of the building for unloading scenery and equipment.
How much does it cost to hire the Playhouse?
We have different rates for commercial and for charity/community groups. Please see the hiring rate card at the bottom of the Venue Hire page.
Is the Playhouse available on ____ date?
Please see the bookings calendar here for an idea of availability.
We will prioritise performances over regular rehearsal bookings, with enough notice, so please do contact us even if it looks booked.
Is there WiFi / Internet?
Yes, we have a high speed connection and WiFi throughout the building.
The network details and password are shared with hirers, although not with the general public at this time. All visitors should get good mobile reception with a cell tower across the road for all major UK networks.
Is sound and lighting equipment available?
Yes. Details of equipment available is on the Facilities page. Hirers can also rig their own sound and lighting gear, subject to safety standards.
The Playhouse is fully wired for DMX lighting controllers and has generous XLR patch panels, running from the stage to the gantry at the back of the auditorium where lighting and sound desks can be set up. The Playhouse has a number of basic lights and spotlights available - including a glitterball - although many of our hirers usually rig additional lighting for effects and colours.
Do you provide sound and lighting technicians?
While we can show you where everything is, at present we do not have people available to run sound and lighting desks during your performances.
We are seeking more volunteers to offer this in the future.
We can set up the PA system ahead of time, ready for basic usage with microphones, music, etc.
Can alcohol be served in the bar?
Yes, provided the hirer (or group) has either a personal licensee, or a Temporary Events Notice in place.
Alternatively, some of the CHP volunteers are licensed and can run a bar for your event, subject to availability. The proceeds would go towards the running of the Playhouse.
How does the retractable tiered seating work?
Playhouse staff will manage this for you, ahead of your booking.
During the booking process, you will confirm whether to have the seating out for an audience, or whether you want the full space available.
Can I host a private party at the Playhouse?
Yes, subject to approval. It is a great venue for a reception or a big birthday, with plenty of space for your buffet in the bar area.
CHP can provide a staffed bar, subject to availability. Supervised children may attend private events, but we do not cater for children's parties.
Can you provide a DJ?
Not at present, but we can possibly put you in touch with local DJ professionals.
DJ or not, you can play music through the house PA system, from CDs or your devices, including via Bluetooth. We can show you how it all works.
There is also a separate Bluetooth stereo system in the bar.
Can I hire the Playhouse for children's parties?
No. The Playhouse is a working theatre with potential safety hazards.
We absolutely welcome organised youth theatre - the Playhouse hosts a number of professionally run performing arts workshops, dance schools, and youth groups. By law, hirers must ensure appropriate supervision, chaperoning and safeguarding is in place.
Is there a piano?
Yes. The upright acoustic piano stored at the Playhouse belongs to WWAOS, one of the regular performing groups.
You can contact info@wwaos.org.uk to enquire about using it.
Do you offer Work Experience placements or opportunities?
Not really, no. At present the Playhouse does not manage productions; the theatre is hired out to local groups, societies, and professional productions. Our staff are volunteers, with other day jobs, and we are usually not on site in the daytime. You could contact our regular hirers, listed on our homepage, who are always keen for new members to join them on and off stage, front of house etc, although there are typically no shows staged during the school work experience weeks in July.
The Playhouse welcomes volunteers for management, marketing, etc, but is not a workplace set up for short-term work experience placements.
Who runs the Playhouse?
From April 2023, a new registered charity has taken on day-to-day management of the venue. We are entirely run by volunteers and are always looking for people to help. The building is owned by Elmbridge Borough Council.
Full contact details are here . Please bear with us, most of the Trustees have day jobs and manage the Playhouse in our spare time.
How can I help?
By offering your time as a volunteer, or considering a regular donation.
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