Watford Palace Theatre is open! We’re delighted to welcome you to our beautiful Edwardian auditorium and invite you to join us for quality entertainment! We’ve created a list of Frequently Asked Questions below to help you plan your visit to us.

FAQ's

How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased easily prior to the start of each performance. Visit our What’s On pages to see our full performance schedule and book. Alternatively, you can telephone our Box Office to book tickets on 01923 225671, between our opening hours of 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can also book in person at the theatre; please click here to check when the physical Box Office is open.

What is a restoration levy, and why am I being charged for it?
A restoration levy is a £1.50 charge added to each transaction which goes towards the refurbishment, improvement, and upkeep of the theatre. The restoration levy was introduced very recently (October 2023); as a charity and a Grade II Listed Building, we were one of the few theatres not charging additional fees on top of the ticket price. Unfortunately the changing financial climate and a substantial budget cut has necessitated the addition of this charge. By paying this fee you are helping us to protect Watford Palace Theatre for another 115 years, and for this, we thank you.

Can I reserve tickets for payment at a later date?
Our reservation policy is such that we no longer accept reservations of less than 10 tickets in a group, unless there are access requirements. Unpaid reservations of 10-19 tickets in a group can be held for 1 week. Group bookings of 20 or more tickets can be held for 3 weeks. We will always attempt to contact the holder of the reserved tickets before releasing the tickets back for general sale. Unfortunately we cannot accept reservations within 1 week of a performance date.

How will I receive my tickets?
Once purchased, your tickets can be emailed to you as e-tickets which you can present on your mobile device for admittance into the auditorium. If you do not have a mobile device, please quote either your full name and address or order number at the Box Office, and staff will be able to locate your booking.

Is the Box Office open?
The Box Office is open for telephone and email communications between the hours of 10am –6pm Monday to Friday. You may contact the Box Office on 01923 225671 or [email protected]. The Box Office in the theatre is open on selected days, please click here to check when.

Are there any access provisions?
We offer a range of access performances including: relaxed, captioned, audio described and touch tour. Please refer to the Access section for more information. We also welcome guide or hearing dogs. Please contact the Box Office if you wish to bring your assistance dog with you.

There is access to all levels of the theatre via the lift.

Easily accessible toilets can be found on the ground and second floors.

Can I use a hearing device?
An infra-red sound amplification system operates in certain areas of the auditorium. Headsets are available for each performance.

Your headset will be ready for use when you arrive to take your seats for the performance.

Can I order food and drinks?
Our bar will also be open during show times to facilitate on the day orders, and will open 75 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

What time do the doors open?
Doors open approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance.

Will latecomers be admitted?
We understand that there will occasionally be circumstances against your control which mean that you are unable to arrive at the theatre on time for the performance. Our Front of House staff will always do their best to accommodate your entrance into the auditorium with minimal disruption to performers and other patrons, however we regret that there may be some occasions when this is not possible.

The photo is taken from a higher angle, looking down at the auditorium which is filled with the audience. Comedian Ruby Wax is sitting on a sofa on the stage.
Image shows the outside of the theatre taken on a slight side angle.
Photo taken in the foyer of a busy theatre before a show is due to start.
Photo taken in the bar area of the theatre. There are customers queuing up at the bar.