Outdoor Theatre Customer Information and Frequently Asked Questions

General advice

Q: What happens in bad weather?

A: Performances will still go ahead in rainy weather conditions and are never cancelled more than 24 hours ahead of the performance time as the weather can change rapidly. 

Performances will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions e.g. high winds.

Tickets are non–returnable and non-refundable except when an event is cancelled. In the event of a refund, please be aware that we are unable to give cash refunds. If you paid by any other method than card (including a mixed payment of card and something else) please note that the council will issue a cheque refund. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please note that if it is raining please dress appropriately in wet weather gear, we advise you don’t use umbrellas as these could obscure people’s view. 

Q: Can I bring a disposable barbecue?

A: Barbecues, fireworks and bonfires are strictly not allowed on Markeaton Park.

Q: Can I smoke at the performance?

A: Smoking is not permitted within the performance area of the craft village. We ask visitors who wish to smoke to move outside the enclosed area, out of respect for other audience members. Please note this also applies to e-cigarettes.

Q: What should I wear?

A: The performances are held outdoors in our Craft Village so please ensure you wear appropriate clothing. Please bear in mind that it can get chilly later in the evenings so make sure you bring something warm to wrap up in as it is the Great British Weather after all!

Q: Will food and drink be available on site?

A: Throughout the Outdoor Cinema & Theatre Season we will be offering various options for catering within The Orangery Café. The Orangery will be open for speciality hot drinks, cakes, ice creams, cold drinks, a limited selection of alcoholic drinks, snacks and popcorn. 

Q: Can I bring tables and chairs?

A: Our Outdoor performance stage is located in the Craft Village area, which is hard standing with limited seating available. 

Q: What do I do with my rubbish after the performance?

A: When the performance ends please ensure that you put your rubbish in the bins provided when you exit, or take it with you if you wish. 

Q: What else should I bring?

A: It is strongly advised that you bring a torch and some blankets as it can get cold in the evenings!

Q: Where and when can I purchase tickets?

A: You can purchase tickets in advance here or via the Derby LIVE Box Office on 01332 255800. There will be a box office at each performance, however tickets often sell out for similar events in advance, so we suggest you book early. The Box Office will be open, at the Craft Village entrance, from 1 hour before the performance starts, but please be aware that you will have to join the admissions queue to get tickets. 

Q: Can I bring children to the performance?

A: Please see the event descriptions to check the age recommendation for each show. 

Q: Can I bring a dog to the performance?

A: No dogs are permitted in the performance area unless they are an Assistance Dog. If you plan to bring an assistance dog we’d be grateful if you could inform us when you book or at least 24 hours before the start of the performance.

Access

Q: I have specific access requirements will I be able to attend?

A: The whole area of the Craft Village is accessible to all, however we offer limited seating, so please ensure you do bring your own if required. Disabled car parking is available in the Craft Village car park close to the gates when entering the park (Via Mundy Play Centre car park, Markeaton Lane, DE22 4NH)

Travel

Q: Is parking available on site?

A: There is a Pay and display car park for the event at Markeaton Park Craft Village, DE22 3BG. Access to this car park is via Mundy Play Centre car park, Markeaton Lane, DE22 4NH, and follow the signs for the event car park. Please note that there is a 2m height restriction for the car park in place.  The car park will be open until the end of the performance.  Lighting will be provided upon exiting after the performance to this car park.

If you are bringing a high-sided vehicle (2.2m or over) to the car park please let us know 24 hours in advance so we can make arrangements (please let us know the vehicle height, registration, and the performance date).

Parking charges are in place which you can pay at the machine or you can also pay online using MiPermit here.