Sherman Theatre
BEST FOR
Ages 3-18
ENTRY
from £8
WHERE
Cardiff
What it’s like
Family pantomime and theatre with BSL, captioning and relaxed performances built in, right by Cathays station.
This is a proper theatre putting on shows made for families, from panto-style productions like Balloon Girl to adventure tales such as The Merry Adventures of Maid Marian. Kids from about 3 up to teenagers get performances pitched at them, and there's a Sherman Youth Theatre running alongside the main shows if yours fancies getting on stage themselves rather than just watching.
Tickets aren't cheap for a family outing, £8 to £9 for a child depending on the show, adults £16 to £18. Under 25s get half price on most performances though, and there's £2 off for students and Equity members, which softens the blow if you're bringing an older crowd. Booking ahead is essential, this isn't a turn-up-and-see venue.
What stands out is how seriously they take access. Captioning, BSL interpretation and audio description all come as standard at no extra cost, and relaxed performances keep the house lights low and doors open for anyone who needs to step out. Ear defenders are free to borrow from ushers if a show gets loud. They'll also try to offer end-of-row seats to make things easier, and assistance dogs are welcome as long as you tell the box office when you book.
Parking is the one bit of friction. There's blue badge parking right outside, but on-street parking on Senghennydd Road has got properly tight, so the NCP on Dumfries Place or the JustPark behind the theatre are the more reliable bets. If you're coming by train, Cathays station is two minutes away, which makes the parking headache easy to sidestep. The Sherman Café Bar is on site if you want food before or after, though it keeps café hours rather than staying open late.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Ages 3 to teens, with older kids catered to via Youth Theatre
- Parking
- Blue badge parking outside theatre
- Food
- Sherman Café Bar on site serving food and drink
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair access. Assistance dogs welcome
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs welcome. Inform box office when booking
- Getting there by bus or train
- 2 minutes walk from Cathays train station
- Under 25s get half price tickets on most performances
- Students, claimants and Equity members get £2 off full price
- Assistance dogs are welcome but let the box office know when booking
- Cathays train station is a two minute walk if you want to skip the parking hunt
Plan your visit
How much are tickets?
It depends on the show. Balloon Girl is £9 for children and under 25s, £18 for adults, while Maid Marian is £8 for children and under 25s, £16 for adults.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is required for performances.
What age is this suitable for?
Shows are aimed at children from around 3 through to teenagers, with Sherman Youth Theatre for older kids who want to perform rather than watch.
Is there support for kids who find theatres overwhelming?
Relaxed performances keep the house lights low and the doors open throughout, and ushers can lend ear defenders for free.
Can we get a wheelchair in easily?
The building is wheelchair accessible and staff can offer end-of-row seats to make things easier.
Where do we park?
Blue badge holders get spaces right outside, but general on-street parking on Senghennydd Road is now very limited. NCP Dumfries Place and the JustPark behind the theatre are the better options.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Sherman Café Bar is on site, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and closed Sundays.
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