FAQs

FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions, which we hope will help whether you are a first time attendee, or Ropetackle regular.

Where is the nearest parking?

There are three places to park nearby: the Adur Recreation Ground car park (free, 24hrs), the bays in Little High Street (free, 2hr limit until 6pm), and the Ropetackle car park (paid, free after 6pm). 

Download our parking options map.

There are two disabled parking bays near the entrance in Little High Street.

Public transport links are readily available nearby, with Shoreham-by-Sea train station a 10 minute way away, and frequent bus services along the High Street, just 2 minutes walk away.

Is Ropetackle wheelchair accessible?

Ropetackle is wheelchair accessible. The foyer and auditorium have flat, step free access throughout. The mezzanine room is accessible via a lift. The box office desk and foyer bar have lowered counters, and there is a fully accessible toilet.

How do I book a wheelchair space?

If you require a wheelchair space, please call the Box Office on 01273 464440 and we will be happy to assist.

What is your COVID policy?

Unfortunately, we cannot refund or credit bookings if you test positive for COVID.

We recommend following NHS guidance, avoiding contact with people for five days. You are welcome to pass your tickets on to friends or family.

How do I receive my tickets?

We no longer issue physical tickets. Instead, you will receive an order confirmation by email at the time of booking. Three days before the event, you will receive a reminder email with some additional information. On the day, your name will be on a door list, and you will be checked in upon arrival.

How do I know if an event is seated or standing?

All shows are unallocated seating, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Seated shows will have tickets labelled “General Admission”. Standing shows will have tickets labelled “All Standing”.

Where a show has both seated and standing allocations, tickets for each zone will be labelled accordingly.

Do you have a seating map?

Almost all shows at Ropetackle are unallocated seating or standing, with the exception of the Christmas pantomime and a few selected events. Where seating is allocated, a seating map will be presented at the time of booking, allowing you to select specific seats.

The layout for seated shows varies between theatre style rows, and cabaret style with tables. The layout is often only decided on the week of the show.
Where a show is a mix of seating and standing, seats will be at the front, and standing will be at the back, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Seats labelled “Limited Visibility” are positioned around the edge of auditorium, with standing space in front of the stage. These events are primarily configured for standing and dancing.

Can I reserve seats?

All shows are unallocated seating, unless specifically stated otherwise.

You can enjoy the benefit of reserved seats by joining as a Patron.

We can also reserve seats for access requirements and groups of 6+ (booked in a single transaction).

Can I bring my child or baby to a show?

Children aged 16 and under are welcome to attend all shows, subject to age restrictions, provided they are accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult (over 18) at all times.

With the exception of Short Stories Tall Tales and other events specifically aimed at babies and pre-schoolers, infants aged 18 months and under may attend events for free, provided they sit on the lap of a parent or guardian.

Family shows will have age guidance to help inform suitability.

Can I bring a buggy?

For family shows, we have a buggy park inside the auditorium. Space is very limited, so where possible we encourage you to leave your buggy at home. Our stewards will be on hand to assist.

Do you have a cloakroom or place I can leave bags?

We have a coat rail outside the auditorium where you may leave belongings at your own risk.

We are unable to store bags or large items, therefore please avoid bringing unnecessary baggage when attending shows.

Do you have Wi-Fi?

We have free guest Wi-Fi throughout the venue.

How do I become a volunteer?

Ropetackle is primarily a volunteer-run organisation. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our volunteering page.

Do you allow dogs?

Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs in the venue for health and safety reasons.

Registered assistance dogs, however, are welcome. If you are bringing an assistance dog, please let us know so we can best accommodate you.

Do you have lost property?

We have a lost property box where we keep lost and found items. If you think you’ve lost an item at Ropetackle, please Contact Us and we can take a look.

Ropetackle is not liable for any items lost or found on the premises. The lost property box is cleared regularly.

Do you provide ear plugs for loud events?

Yes, we provide free ear plugs at all events for those who would like them.

Our technicians aim to provide a comfortable and balanced sound level at each event. However, depending on the type of show and style of music, some events may be louder than others.

Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff for ear plugs should you require them.

Do you offer carer tickets?

If you have access requirements that necessitate an essential carer or personal assistant, please contact the Box Office on: 01273 464440.

Do you hold waiting lists for sold out shows?

Unfortunately, we do not hold waiting lists for sold-out shows.

To avoid missing out on tickets, join as a Patron or Friend to access exclusive priority booking opportunities.

Can you resell my tickets for me?

Tickets are non-returnable and non-refundable. If you cannot attend a show, you are welcome to pass your tickets on to friends or family.

Can I cancel my booking?

Tickets are non-returnable and non-refundable unless a show is cancelled. If you cannot attend a show, you are welcome to pass your tickets on to friends or family. 

Will I receive a booking confirmation?

Yes, we send an email booking confirmation with every order. You should receive it within a few minutes of completing your booking. If you do not receive it, please get in touch.

Why do you charge booking fees?

Booking fees help cover the cost of the ticketing system. Fees are charged for online and phone bookings only. There are no booking fees in person.

You can enjoy no booking fees by joining as a Gold or Platinum Patron.

How can I hear about new events going on sale?

Be the first to know about new events and receive priority booking opportunities by becoming a Friend or Patron.

You can also subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on socials for the latest news, events, and updates.

I have a promo code, how do I use it?

Online, you can enter promo codes on the event page or in the cart. Alternatively, you can quote the code when booking in person or over the phone.

Promo codes cannot be applied retrospectively, and offers cannot be combined.

Please be wary of promo codes on external websites, many of which are false.

I have a voucher, how do I redeem it?

Ropetackle vouchers can be used to purchase tickets online, in person, and over the phone. Each voucher comes with a unique code, which can be found in your booking confirmation email, and on your print-at-home voucher or physical voucher.

Online, you will have the option to enter the voucher code at the final checkout stage. Over the phone and in person, simply provide the code at payment.

If you cannot find your voucher code, please call the Box Office on 01273 464440, and we can process the booking over the phone.

I have a credit, how do I use it?

Credits from cancelled or postponed shows are issued as credit vouchers. When you requested a credit, you should have received an email confirmation with a credit voucher and the voucher code.

Credit vouchers can be redeemed online, in person, and over the phone, in the same way as gift vouchers.

If you cannot find your voucher code, please call the Box Office on 01273 464440, and we can process the booking over the phone.

Can I get food before the show?

For daytime shows, the Rose Petal Café is open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday, serving a delicious selection of food and drink.

For evening shows, our catering partners Lesley’s Kitchen serve pre-show meals before selected events. Booking is essential. Click here for more information.

For events without pre-show meals, the bar will open from one hour before the start time, serving a selection of snacks.

Please note, no external food or drink can be brought into the venue.

When shall I arrive? What time doors open?

For evening shows, the venue opens one hour before the start time.

Doors to the auditorium will open as soon as the artists, technicians, and volunteers are ready, typically between 15-45 minutes before the show start time.

What if I am late?

In most cases, we can accommodate latecomers. However, unallocated seating means you may not be able to sit together and may have to sit at the back. Occasionally, you may have to wait until an appropriate time to enter the auditorium.

Group reservations will not be held beyond the show start time.

How long is the show?

Running times vary. We will list the show duration on the event page when known. Most shows are around two hours (120 minutes), including interval.

If you require further clarification, please call the Box Office on 01273 464440. 

Will there be an interval?

Intervals vary by show. Most will have an interval, however films and shorter shows of around 60 minutes do not have an interval.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?

Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.