YOUR VISIT
THE BARN
On 15th October, The Barn doors will open for the first time, launching our inaugural season in a work-in-progress stage, ahead of our full conversion next year. From day one, this will be a very special place to watch live theatre. A magically intimate setting that brings audiences and actors closer together for a truly shared experience.
Below you'll find some important information about your visit, and especially because we are still in our initial work-in-progress phase, we want to let you know what to expect.
Location and Parking
The Barn is situated adjacent to the Verulamium Museum and Verulamium Park – in the corner of Verulamium Car Park. St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW.
Click here for the Google Map.
Parking is immediately outside in Verulamium Car Park It’s £2 for the evening after 6.30pm. Alternative parking can be found on King Harry Lane (a 10 minute walk from the theatre), or in the city centre (a 15-20 minute walk from the theatre). The theatre is a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute taxi ride from St Albans City station.
Food and Drink
In this opening phase, food and drinks will be served in our covered and heated outdoor bar area. Seating will be available to enjoy a gorgeous hot Autumnal menu from Tuck In Catering, who supplied the fantastic food at this year’s Roman Theatre Festival. You can view the Autumn menu and pre-order in advance here.
We also have a well-stocked bar including snacks and hot drinks.
The bar opens 60 minutes before the start of each performance.
Seating
For our opening performances at The Barn, all seating is unreserved and will be chosen on arrival into the auditorium on a first come first served basis. The intimate, in the round configuration means that every seat is close to the stage with a great view.
Accessibility
The Barn is fully accessible, but please let us know if you require a wheelchair space as this needs to be arranged in advance. Please email us should any other special arrangements to support your visit be required.
Toilets
During this opening phase we will be using the Verulamium Park public toilet facilities adjacent to the barn. These will be upgraded in the next phase of The Barn project. For now, being brutally honest, they are functional, but they are not the Ritz!
The Elements
In the next phase of development, The Barn will receive a new roof and a new “skin”, providing sound and thermal insulation. For now, it is best to think of it as a covered and sheltered outdoor space, and come dressed accordingly.
The Barn will be heated before performances and during the interval. We will provide blankets free of charge on every seat, but please do bring warm clothing for the now cooler evenings.
The production of A Christmas Carol is a semi-promenade performance with some outdoor elements. For A Christmas Carol specifically please ensure you wear suitable outdoor clothing for the conditions.
We always try to continue with performances, including when it rains, but if the weather makes it too difficult we may be forced to cancel. A decision to cancel will always be announced at the venue. If a decision is taken more than one hour before the scheduled start time of a performance, we will endeavour to contact ticket holders by email.
Tickets are non-refundable in the event of cancellation because of the weather but may be exchanged in accordance with our policy.
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a semi-promenade performance with some outdoor elements – please ensure you wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for the conditions.
We always try to continue with performances, including when it rains, but if the weather makes it too difficult we may be forced to cancel. A decision to cancel will always be announced at the venue. If a decision is taken more than one hour before the scheduled start time of a performance, we will endeavour to contact ticket holders by email.
Tickets are non-refundable in the event of cancellation because of the weather but may be exchanged in accordance with our policy.
See You Soon
We could not be prouder to have reached this milestone.
We are building a very special cultural venue with year round original theatre for St Albans, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support. A special mention also goes out to the dedicated OVO team, who have worked tirelessly to transform this unusual building into a functional theatre for our opening season.
We hope you embrace its ambition, forgive any early work-in-progress snags, and most importantly, enjoy an unforgettable evening of truly extraordinary performances.
We can’t wait to welcome you in.
With love,
OVO