Princes Hall
BEST FOR
Ages 5-14
ENTRY
from £10
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Aldershot
What it’s like
A theatre where kids can join a Saturday acting class or watch pantomimes and shows, with grown-up comedy nights on the same stage.
This is a theatre that splits its time between family shows and the Youth Theatre, so what you get out of a visit depends on which side you're booking. On the family side there are pantomimes, musicals, dance and children's shows through the year. On the other side, kids aged 5 to 14 can join Saturday morning acting classes, working towards a final presentation for family and friends.
If your child fancies trying it before committing, a single 'Try It' session is £10, which is a sensible way to test the water before paying £100 for a full term (8 to 11 weeks). The Saturday sessions run back to back, 9.30 to 11am and 11.15 to 12.45, so there's a bit of flexibility on timing if you've got siblings in different groups.
Worth knowing before you book seats for a show: pushchairs and car seats aren't allowed in the auditorium, though babies under one can sit on a lap. Unaccompanied under-11s must have an adult sitting with them, but from 11 upwards it's the parent's call, and you're welcome to wait in the foyer or bar instead of watching. If you're booking single seats online, be aware the system often won't let you leave one empty next to a group, which can make odd-numbered bookings a faff.
The building's got lift access to every floor and six wheelchair spaces in the stalls, though those need booking early since there aren't many. It's a ten-minute walk from Aldershot train station, and there's priority parking you can pre-book by phone for £20 if you'd rather not hunt for a space nearby.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 14, whether it's Youth Theatre classes or a family show
- Parking
- Multiple nearby car parks (2-7 min walk)
- Pushchairs
- No pushchairs or car seats allowed in auditorium
- Wheelchairs
- Six wheelchair spaces in stalls area (early booking advised)
- Dogs
- Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs welcome
- Getting there by bus or train
- Aldershot train station, 10 minutes walk
- A 'Try It' Youth Theatre session for £10 is a cheap way to see if your child likes it before paying for a term
- Priority parking needs pre-booking by phone rather than turning up on the day
- Comedy nights on the same stage carry 14+ or 16+ guidance, so check before booking for teens
- Carers get a free ticket with some disabilities, worth mentioning when you book
Plan your visit
How much does the Youth Theatre cost?
£100 for a term, which runs 8 to 11 weeks. If you want to try it first, a single 'Try It' session is £10.
What ages is the Youth Theatre for?
5 to 14 year olds. Saturday sessions run 9.30 to 11am and 11.15 to 12.45.
Can we bring a pushchair into a show?
No, pushchairs and car seats aren't allowed in the auditorium. Babies under one can sit on your lap instead.
Can my 12 year old watch a show without me?
That's your call as the parent for 11 to 17 year olds. Under-11s need an adult sitting with them, and if you'd rather not watch you can stay in the foyer or bar.
Do we need to book ahead?
Booking is required for shows and for Youth Theatre sessions.
Is there parking?
There are several car parks a few minutes' walk away, or you can pre-book priority parking for £20 by phone.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
There's lift access to every floor and six wheelchair spaces in the stalls, but book those early as there aren't many.
Can we bring our dog?
Guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome if you let the box office know when booking.
Are single seats easy to book for a show?
Not always. The online system often won't leave a single seat empty within a group, so odd-numbered bookings can be tricky.
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