The Central Theatre

The Central Theatre is open

You can now pop into our box office, as well as buy tickets online and by phone 01634 338 338.

For those attending shows, please read what to know before you go to make sure you are up to date on all coronavirus (COVID-19) information. 

Box Office opening hours

• 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday

---

Make memories that last a lifetime by uncovering incredible live shows and performances. At The Central Theatre, you can immerse yourself in theatre and experience the theatre’s thrilling atmosphere.  

The Central Theatre is a beautiful 965 seat venue that puts you at the heart of its programming by bringing you a carefully put together season of shows.  

Come along to relive West End greats, pay tribute to the greatest bands or enjoy the best acts on the circuit, there’s truly something for everyone.

You can rest assured that when booking tickets at The Central Theatre, you can be guaranteed unrestricted views from all Band A seats.  

"If you haven't been for a while you might have forgotten what a delightful theatre Chatham has in its centre."

Kent on Sunday 

Venue accessibility

There are pay and display car parks with disabled parking close to The Central Theatre. 

Wheelchair users can enter the theatre from the front entrance which has ramp access, a central handrail and automatic doors.  

There is a side entrance adjacent to the Fullagers Yard Blue Badge car park for customers with mobility problems and wheelchair users. The side entrance opens 30 minutes before a performance and closes when the performance starts. Customers can not use this entrance whilst a performance is in progress. 

Inside the foyer there is a flight of stairs leading to the main ground floor area where you can access the stalls using a platform lift. The platform can be used only by individuals travelling in a wheelchair or motorised scooter, subject to size and load specifications of the lift.

It is not suitable for standing passengers. For walking customers who require the assistance of the platform lift, we can offer the use of a wheelchair. Customers use this equipment at their own discretion and accept full responsibility for its safe use.

There is also a lift at the back of the stalls to give access to the balcony and Cellar Bar for those who wish to use it. The balcony area is not suitable for wheelchair users, and walking customers with mobility issues should note that there are stairs down to most balcony seating, with no hand rail.

Loop system for the hard of hearing 

A loop system is available for certain performances. A loop system transfers sound directly to a hearing aid without background noise to help people with a hearing impairment enjoy performances without interference.  

We recommend booking seats in Band A, rows A to N in the stalls if you're using the loop system as some areas of the auditorium have some ‘dead’ spots.   

We'll need to turn the loop system off for music performances using electric guitars.  

More access facilities 

We also offer:

• sign language interpretation for certain shows. Shows offering this service will be mentioned in the event details online and in the theatre brochures
• a relaxed performance of our pantomime for customers who may find the standard production a little overwhelming and who might benefit from a more relaxed environment
• high contrast, tactile signs with braille panels throughout the theatre
• sales points which can be accessed by wheelchair users at the box office and merchandise stalls
• wheelchair spaces in the stalls area of the theatre (the balcony is not accessible to wheelchair users)
• strobe lighting warning notices at the entrance foyer for performances using stroboscopic lighting effects
• an accessible electronic website listing all shows and events being sold on-line and through our Box Office
• a dedicated box office team who will be able to assist you with any concerns or specific booking requirements.

Bookings for wheelchair users 

If you will be attending the event in a wheelchair or have any additional needs, you'll need to book your tickets by contacting the box office during opening hours. This is to make sure you have an enjoyable experience at our theatres and can be confident that your needs will be met.

Assisted access scheme

This membership scheme is for people with disabilities who need an assistant to help them use the services in the theatres.

The scheme allows members to buy an additional ticket for the assistant at half the standard price.

Find out more and how to apply.

Venue layout

The venue is made up of a cellar area, upper foyer, first floor and second floor.  

Cellar area 

In the cellar area is a bar, toilets and lifts to access the other floors. 

Main foyer: street level 

On street level is the main foyer and the box office. There is also a platform lift to the upper foyer. 

Upper foyer 

The upper foyer on the ground floor has stalls, a sweet kiosk, accessible toilets and a lift to access other floors. 

First floor 

On the first floor there are more toilets and the administration offices. 

Second floor 

On the second floor is the balcony area and lift access to other floors.

Box office opening hours

The box office is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm or until 15 minutes after curtain up on performance nights.

For shows on Sundays and bank holidays, the box office will open 45 minutes before curtain-up.

Find out how to book tickets

Doors open

Doors open 30 minutes before curtain up. The licensed bar is open before performances, and interval drinks can be ordered before the performance.

Seating in The Central Theatre's Cellar Bar is not guaranteed for busy shows.

Contact The Central Theatre

The Central Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4RG

Phone: 01634 338 338

Email: boxoffice@medway.gov.uk

Getting here

The Central Theatre is centrally located in bustling heart of Medway. Our central location in Chatham means you can easily get to the theatre by train, bus or car.

Train

Chatham train station is within walking distance to The Central Theatre. 

There are frequent trains running to Chatham from London and the Kent coast. 

Plan your train journey to Chatham on Southeastern Railway

Bus

Chatham Waterfront bus station is centrally located in Chatham and a short walk from the theatre.

There are several bus routes running to Chatham from Medway, Kent and London.

Plan your bus journey to Chatham on Traveline

Driving

You can choose from several pay and display car parks in Chatham.

Find a car park in Chatham

Find out more about travelling in Medway