Auditorium
The seating capacity is 64 in a raked auditorium
with large purpose-built armchairs covered in Dutch fireproofed velvet.
The barrel-vaulted ceiling gives good acoustics but, for those who are
hard of hearing, an audio frequency induction loop is installed. A three-speed
air ventilation system is installed, bringing in fresh air above the stage
and extracting stale air through the ceiling vents. There is also independent
heating and humidity control.
Auditorium lighting is programmed to adjust to
three separate levels for comfort and there is full emergency lighting
should power fail.
There are four separate washing and lavatory facilities, two at foyer
level and two which can be reached through the back of the auditorium.
Regretfully there is no wheelchair access into the auditorium.
Stage
The proscenium is 4m wide and the stage 3m deep
(with a further 1.8m in front of curtains). Red velvet house curtains
(tabs) and swivelling masking curtains in the wings (legs) are new.
The two dressing rooms beneath the auditorium have been totally refurbished
with a show relay, speakers and intercoms. The stage can be directly accessed
by a spiral staircase.
The orchestra pit below the stage is large enough for up to 15/20 instrumentalists
and there is a raised conductor's podium which can be given full view
in the auditorium by removing a trap door at the front of the stage.
A Steinway boudoir grand piano is kept in the wings which can be moved
on stage for recitals.
The Equipment
The stage lighting, the sound and the projection
equipment are all new and the full technical specifications can be found
in the back pocket of this brochure. Suffice it to say it is capable of
providing the very best state-of-the-art conditions for whatever purpose
is required. A technical operator will be available on site to help you
with your requirements.
'Break-out' Space
Adjacent to the theatre is a squash court - but
this is no ordinary games space. Remodelled with the needs of modern business
in mind, it can readily be adapted for use on arrival for registration
and as a cloakroom; for mid-morning coffee or afternoon tea; or for discussion
groups. It is fully carpeted, and round tables and chairs are available
to suit your needs as well as serving tables and coat rails. Specially
adapted lighting and carefully crafted supports for wall hangings can
transform the room in an instant.
Catering Options include:
1) Swan Hospitality (the outside catering
arm of The Swan Hotel at Bibury) can serve lunch or dinner (set menus)
in our Tearoom, which has a licence to serve wine with meals. Sample menus
can be found in the back pocket of this brochure. Our Tearoom can be reached
by a pleasant walk through the walled garden, or you can drive your car
from the theatre and park outside it.
2) Light refreshments - sandwiches, coffee, tea, biscuits and mineral
water can be served adjacent to the theatre in the squash court.
3) Picnics may be brought to eat in the pleasure gardens before
or during the interval of evening theatre performances.
General
Special opening arrangements can usually be made
for clients and their guests who want to see the gardens or to visit the
House and Collection at times when it would not normally be open to the
public.
There is plentiful parking near the theatre or in visitors' car park by
the stables and tearoom.
"A wonderful little theatre with all the trimmings.
There's nothing else like it. It's a tremendous find"
Christopher Yapp Oxfordshire Youth Music Trust