All public performances of plays are subject to licensing wherever they are held. This includes open-air productions.
As from the 7th February 2005 the law will change. Theatres after this date will become a licensable activity under the new Licensing Act 2003.
Licences are issued either annually, in the case of a theatre, or on an occasional basis for one off productions.
There is a varying scale of fees.
If you propose to use your premises (which includes "any place") for the purposes ofstaging the public performance of a play then you must, subject to the exemptions shown in this leaflet, hold a licence issued to you under Section 12 and Schedule 1 of the Theatres Act 1968. It is an offence to organise or manage a public play without the benefit of a licence.
This information page tells you:
- What the relevant legal requirements are
- What information we need from you to enable us to consider your application.
We will be asking you to complete an application form and to provide other information in order that we can process your application. All information received will be treated with respect and in confidence.
If you wish to apply for a service or contact us, please complete our online form