FAQs - Hatch House Ballet Events
-
Is the theatre covered?
The entire walled garden is covered for the event and the Champagne Cocktail Bar is also a fully enclosed structure. We do advise everyone that even on the hottest of summer evenings, it can get chilly after dark, so we strongly recommend that everyone brings warm clothes in case of inclement weather or chilly evening breezes. ‘Please dress for the weather as well as the occasion’.
-
What time do the gardens open?
Gardens open strictly at 5.30pm each evening and we request that guests do not arrive before that time. Guests generally arrive at 6pm- 6:30pm. The beautiful themed wine bar and café offer a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with seating. Guests generally then take in the views from the upper lawns before being shown by hostesses to their tables at 7pm.
-
What time does the event finish?
The show and dinner finish at around 10:30-11pm and guests are invited to continue their evening in the Champagne cocktail/wine bar where there is music and dancing until 1am. Gardens shut at 1:30am. All tickets are all-inclusive of performances, dinner with wines and entry to the Champagne Cocktail Bar.
-
When and where do we eat?
Everything takes place within the two tiered 17th century walled Dutch garden. We create a 450 to 430 seat dinner theatre consisting of 45 tables of ten places. (we can go up to 12 places with advance notice).
Once seated, your started is served. After the starter, at around 7:30pm, the first section of performance is introduced. Each section of the performance comprises four short works (classical/neo-classical and contemporary), each work lasting between 3-7mins.
Each of the three courses is followed by a 30-40 minute section of performance.
-
I’ve never been to the ballet before will I like it? / I’ve seen a lot of ballet what is the programme?
These are two questions that we get asked a lot. Lots of people feel put off by the mere mention of ballet and dance. A huge part of our ethos is to ensure that our programmes will always enthral and entertain you, whether you have never been to watch ballet or dance or have seen everything ever performed in a pointe shoe.
We work with some of the greatest dancers from the most famous companies around the world and strive to ensure that our productions give you a night to remember for all the right reasons. World class as standard. -
Do we have to book a whole table of ten?
Absolutely not. We cater for single ticket purchases and smaller parties, which are numerous. We will talk you through what is available when you email or call (01749 81 3313). However, if you wish to have the whole table for your party, then the minimum booking is ten (up to twelve). We can accommodate larger parties with notice.
We make great efforts to try to seat everyone with care and attention and in 14 years we have only had to move someone once. We encourage a friendly and warm atmosphere and many friendships (and even the occasional relationship) has had its genesis at Hatch.
-
What are the sight lines like?
The stage is raised (1m) and is 16m across and 5m deep. The first three rows are at lawn level and have excellent sightlines. The fourth row is raised six inches which gives an unfettered view across the first three rows. This year (2023) we will also be raising the 5th row 6 inches higher than the fourth row to ensure perfect views.
-
Is there parking on site?
Yes, the parking is directly in front of the Grand Drive at the bottom and is a short walk (100 metres) to the garden entrance and ticket gate. If it is wet weather, we would suggest making sure you have appropriate shoes to get from car park to gardens. For ladies with heels we recommend heel stoppers: https://cleanheels.co.uk/
-
Is there disabled access and loos?
We provide disabled loos on site and the bar and theatre are on ground level. The upper dining areas are accessible for wheelchair users, but with prior arrangement as they have to be accessed from back stage which is easily arranged.
-
What is the dress code?
Chic and elegant. What does that mean? It means that some parties like to wear black tie, others like to wear jacket and tie, ladies wear evening dresses and the form is in general to dress up for the evening. We do ask that people avoid wearing shorts or very casual clothing. We encourage you to dress to impress.
-
Is the walled garden heated?
No, the garden is covered, but please do treat this as an outdoor event. If it is inclement weather, we do ask everyone to use their common sense and dress for the weather as well as the occasion. Please make sure you bring enough clothes to keep warm as you will be sitting for 3+ hours.
-
Does the bar take cash?
Yes, the bar does take cash and most cards except AMEX.
-
What are the menus and can I see the menu before we arrive?
The menu is a three-course set dining menu. We do of course have vegetarian and various gluten free and coeliac options. If you would like to know the menu in advance, then please email: events@coventgardendance.com.
-
What if I have dietary requirements?
You need to let us know in advance of any dietary requirements or allergies to anything. Please email us on events@coventgardendance.com
-
What is the address for Hatch House?
The address for your “Sat-Nav/Sat-Nag” is: Hatch House, West Hatch, Nr Tisbury, Wiltshire. SP3 6PA.
The venue entrance is just opposite Pythouse Kitchen Garden restaurant walled garden. If you would like more concise directions, please email us on events@coventgardendance.com or Google ‘Hatch House Wiltshire’.
-
Where is the nearest Train Station?
The nearest train station is Tisbury Station which is on the Waterloo to Yeovil/Exeter line. Tisbury is about 1 hour and 40 from London and about 1 hour and 35 from Exeter. The performance finishes at 10:30pm, which is after the last train leaves, so you will need to book accommodation overnight.
-
Where can I get an accommodation list?
We can email one to you, no problem. Just drop us an email and we will send you a list of amazing local places that are tried and tested by our audience over the years.
-
Where can I find taxi numbers?
We can send you some taxi numbers, but they get booked up well in advance. It is best to Google ‘taxis Shaftesbury’ or ‘taxis Tisbury’ as you will find a more comprehensive list.