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Gala Theatre & Cinema

Durham
Courtesy of Gala Theatre & Cinema

WHERE

Durham

What it’s like

A theatre and cinema with a proper programme of family shows, plus a café to fall into before curtain up.

This is a proper theatre with a cinema alongside it, and the family shows are the reason you'd book rather than just wander in. Under-threes are only let into shows pitched at the very young, and if you've got a babe-in-arms there are tickets for that too on selected performances, so it's worth matching the show to the age you've got rather than assuming everything's open to everyone.

Booking's online or by phone, and both routes add a £2 transaction charge, which is a small sting but not an unusual one for a theatre. Tickets aren't refundable, though you can exchange up to 48 hours before the show for £1 a ticket, unless you're a group of more than ten, in which case exchanges aren't an option at all. If you're the sort who books early anyway, that's the way to get the best price here, and Gala Members get priority booking before tickets open to everyone else.

The Gala Lounge café is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 till 3. Access seats go at the lowest available price and there's a free companion ticket for essential companions, though you'll need to show qualifying documentation, an Access card, CEA card or disability badge, the first time you book so it can go on your account.

Box office hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 8.30pm, which gives you a decent window to sort tickets in person if you'd rather not do it online and pay the transaction fee.

What’s on here

Facilities

Café
Group bookings
Membership scheme

Need to know

Booking
Online and telephone bookings include £2 transaction charge
Food
Gala Lounge café serving food and drinks
Wheelchairs
Free companion ticket for essential companions
  • Booking online or by phone adds a £2 transaction charge
  • Gala Members get priority booking ahead of general release for the cheapest seats
  • The café keeps daytime hours only, 11 to 3, so it won't cover an evening show
  • Save your access documentation after your first booking, it's stored on your account for next time

Plan your visit

Is there an age limit for young children?

Under-threes are only admitted to shows aimed at the very young. Babes-in-arms tickets are available for selected shows if your child is under one.

Can we get a refund or swap our tickets?

Tickets aren't refundable, but you can exchange them up to 48 hours before the show for £1 a ticket. Groups of more than ten can't exchange at all.

Is there anywhere to eat beforehand?

The Gala Lounge café is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm, serving food and drinks.

What if we need accessible seating?

Disability access seats are offered at the lowest available price, and essential companions get a free ticket. You'll need to provide an Access card, CEA card or disability badge the first time you book.

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