Your Visit

Booking Fees

Unless otherwise stated the booking fees are included in the advertised price in the details of each event.   

The booking fee applies to all online, in person and telephone ticket purchases made with credit cards, debit cards and cash.  Bookings made in person with a pre-paid debit card are not subject to a booking fee.  Reading Arts Gold members are exempt from booking fees when purchasing tickets for most Reading Arts events (exceptions apply).  Please see the membership page for more details.

Postage

There is an additional charge for postage of tickets if required, this option can be selected at checkout. 
Please note that tickets for standing events and selected seated events will not be available for collection or postage until at least 14 days prior to the event.  

All standing tickets are unreserved general admission, the seating plan and ticket number is for administration purposes only.  Please note that children under 14 years of age will not be permitted in the standing area.  Under 14's must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or over) and seated in the balcony.

The tickets for standing events usually specify the doors open time rather than a performance start time.  Please check the event page for the latest information available.

To ensure your safety, security will be present to search bags on arrival and ID may be required.
Please allow plenty of time for extra security checks.
No food or drink may be taken into the venue and professional camera equipment is not permitted. 

Please be aware that concerts of this nature use various theatrical lighting and smoke effects and may have high sound levels.

An accessible platform is available for customers who require a wheelchair position.  Please note that wheelchair positions are limited and must be booked in advance (not available online)   Please contact the box office on 0118 9606060 or email boxoffice@reading.gov.uk to book accessible seats.  For more information please see our Access Information.

Unless otherwise advertised 'babes in arms' tickets cost £1 and are for infants aged 18 months and under (available on selected events only).

Please note that the age limit for 'babes in arms tickets' may vary due to promoter requirements, please check the individual event listings for details.

We recommend selecting e-tickets when booking with Reading Arts Box office.  You can check and download your e-tickets by logging on to your Reading Arts Account online.   https://whatsonreading.com/my-account   

If you are attending a show that has previously been rescheduled, please download updated e-tickets to ensure they include the correct date, event information and scannable QR code.

To help prevent resales and to ensure the tickets include the latest event and covid information, your e-tickets will be emailed to you at least 7 days before the event.  There is no need to contact us, e-tickets will be automatically emailed to the account holder and will be available to download from your account.

If you have not received your e-tickets within 7 days of the event and they are not available to download from your account please contact the Box Office.   

E-tickets have a unique QR code and will be scanned on entry.  When sharing tickets with members of your party please ensure you do not duplicate tickets as previously scanned QR codes may be refused entry. 

Tickets marked for collection are usually available to collect from the Box Office 1 hour before the advertised show time. 

In most cases, tickets booked as postage will be shortly after booking. If you have not received tickets within 7 days of the event please check the event page for the latest information on collections or call the Box Office on 0118 960 6060.

Please note that postage and collection is not currently available for all events and we recommend selecting e-tickets when booking.

Bookings for events that have been rescheduled remain valid however it may be necessary to re-issue or exchange the original paper ticket if it does not include a scannable bar code.  Please see the individual event page for the latest information on ticketing and collections for rescheduled shows.

If you have purchased tickets with an official ticket agent, the agent will specify delivery method and ticket details at the time of purchase. 

Please note that Reading Arts are unable to offer refunds, exchanges or answer any queries relating to orders purchased through a ticket agent, please contact the ticket agent if you have any queries about your booking.

For some shows it may be necessary to exchange your agent ticket on arrival, please check the individual event page for the latest information before travelling to the venue.

Some performances and events may be advertised as a PHONE FREE PERFORMANCE

"What is a Phone Free Performance"?
Just as it sounds. No phones allowed in the performance space. An unplugged, real life experience.  We believe it creates better times for everyone in attendance. Our eyes open a little more and our senses are slightly sharper when we lose the technological crutch we’ve grown accustomed to. 

How it works?
Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times, and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue. All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space.

All pouches and equipment will be sanitized prior to individual use.

Anyone seen using a device (phone, smart watch or accessories) during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security.

We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free experience.

What should I do if I have an emergency and need to access my phone?
You can unlock your phone pocket at any time by going to a dedicated and signposted area, intended for phone use. Do not hesitate to ask a Yondr staff member to help you.

What about paying for refreshments and merchandise?
We recommend you bring a credit or debit card to avoid having to unlock your phone unnecessarily.

What if my tickets are on my phone?
We recommend printing your e-ticket before attending or selecting postage or collection as a delivery method when booking.  You will also be able to collect a duplicate ticket on arrival at the venue.     

is it mandatory?
if an event is listed as PHONE FREE it will be mandatory for all ticketholders (although medical exemptions are made for those who rely on their phone for treatment). 

Phone free events are facilitated by YONDR