Solihull Arts Complex

The Core Theatre is a popular town centre venue comprising Theatre (336 seats) and Studio (multi-use up to 148), Courtyard Gallery, Encore eatery and Box Office facility. The venue provides a programme of professional events and exhibitions and is also available for hire by individuals, groups, or  professional promoters. 

Please note the Theatre is not currently available for bookings for 2024, while we await the results of survey and investigation work currently being undertaken on the auditorium roof. More information here.

Hire Costs

Your hire period is per session, or per week. Hire charges include; Technical support, Front of House and Encore and Ovations bar staffing for all performances. 

Two levels of charges apply:

- The local rate – applied to not for profit/charity organisations
- Commercial rate – applied to commercial ventures                                                                                   

For equipment hire, ticketing and marketing services see separate charges. 

 Please note all hire prices are inclusive of VAT at 20%

*Standard Session Times: 

- 9am - 1pm
- 1.30pm - 5.30pm
- 6pm - 11pm

Performances will be charged at the full session rate. Additional hours required outside the normal session times for get ins/get outs or rehearsals will be charged pro rata at the relevant session price. 

Additional Charges:

Equipment Hire Packages (2024/25)

 Please note all hire prices are inclusive of VAT at 20%

Hiring Information download.

Performing Rights Society Charges (PRS)

For all musical events a Performing Rights Society charge will be passed on to the hire based upon a percentage of the net box office as follows:

- Variety/pantomime 2% of net box office plus vat
- Popular music 4% of net box office plus vat
- Classical music 5.5% of net box office plus vat
- Dance displays to pre-recorded backing music – set fee of £45 plus vat per performance

Box Office

All tickets for events at The Core Theatre must be produced by the venue's Box Office system, hirers cannot supply their own tickets. There is a ticketing administration charge of £45 per performance. This includes:

- Supply of ticket sales from our own Box Office.
- Inclusion of your event on the Core Theatre's website.
- An online ticketing facility

There is no commission charge on tickets sold, but credit card commission is deducted at source where applicable. Please request a Ticketing and Publicity Request Form from our staff or download it below.

Please note that all additional charges are inclusive of VAT at 20%

Ticketing and Publicity Request Form download. 

Brochure Entry

- Commercial and week hires – no charge

The venue retains editorial control over all brochure content and inclusion is not guaranteed.
Deadlines for copy are available by calling marketing staff on 0121 704 6979 or 6949. Normally they are end March for the Autumn brochure (from May to Dec) and around end October for Spring brochure (Jan to July approx.)
 

Merchandise

Any sales made at the venue as part of show merchandising will be subject to the following commission:

- 10% if hirer sells goods
- 15% if Core Theatre staff sell goods 

Catering

The fully licensed Encore eatery can provide a range of catering options to complement your event from pre or post show parties, buffets and beverages for meetings, to drinks receptions. 

Encore is open every day from 9am Monday to Saturday (10am start on Wednesdays)
Encore bar will open for Evening, Sunday and Bank Holiday performances. 

Please contact the Hospitality and Catering Manager to discuss your requirements further: 
Tel: 0121 704 6813 or e-mail: hirethevenue@solihull.gov.uk 

To discuss dates and hire arrangements please contact the following:
Venue Hire Enquiries; 0121 704 6961
Or e-mail: hirethevenue@solihull.gov.uk