Catering & Bar

Some Live & Local / Shindig performances lend themselves naturally to creating a more sociable atmosphere than the traditional theatre/concert style set up, with a more 'cabaret' setting, a bar being available and sometimes with food being served.

However, this is not the case for every performance and our Menu details the options for seating layout, catering options and whether a bar can be open during a performance.

Whatever set up you choose it is important to emphasise that Live & Local events are for listening to and watching, not for providing the background to a social event and for talking over!

Seating

Please note the ‘Seating’ details for each show in our Menu. This is usually either 'Theatre' (in rows) or 'Tables' (tables & chairs – sometimes described as ‘cabaret’ format). Only shows marked ‘Theatre/Tables’ or ‘Tables’ can have the audience seated at tables.

'Theatre/Tables' means that either will work - but do check your capacity. 'Dance' means that, if possible, leave an area for the audience to dance in – this could be in front of the stage and/or at the back of the hall for the more shy people!

NB: 'Tables' or 'Theatre/Tables' do not automatically mean that a bar can remain open during the performance. Only those shows that are marked 'Bar can remain open…' can do so.

Catering/Food

Food should be an optional extra on the ticket price, other than where you are providing some simple nibbles. We are happy to print food price information on the leaflets and tickets;

Don't forget to cater for the artists!

Latest start time is 8pm (The artists may have a long way to travel afterwards!)

The evening should be planned to ensure the least disturbance during the actual performance. Where is your kitchen/servery in relation to the artists and audience - washing up in the second half may not be possible!

Try to have a very clear beginning and end to the performance parts of the evening - turning lights off and/or turning on the stage lights can signal this. Introducing the band at the beginning and after the interval also works (Check with them first). Woolly stage and catering management can very easily encourage people to talk/eat during the performance.

If you do have a 'disruptive' element who insist on disturbing others enjoyment (and the artists' concentration) it is the Promoters responsibility to deal with this!

Bars

Much the same goes for running the bar. Check our Menu first to see if it is appropriate to have it open during the performance. There are only very few of our events where you can have a bar open in the same room and at the same time as a performance.

Again… a round of drinks for the performers may be welcome - but certainly at least ask them if they want any water for the performance.