Visiting Company Hub

YOUR
VENUE
GUIDE.

Everything you need to bring a production to The Lion & Unicorn Theatre, from programming through to settlement.

55 SEATS Standard audience capacity.
FIRST FLOOR The theatre is accessed by stairs only.
NW5 2ED 42-44 Gaisford Street, Kentish Town.
Before A Show Is Confirmed

PROGRAMMING

Information for companies interested in bringing work to The Lion & Unicorn Theatre.

01

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Programming enquiries and speculative submissions should be made through our submissions process.

BEFORE CONTACTING US

We do not typically attend invitations to see shows because of existing commitments, but we are always happy to read work submissions.

Our programming policy explains the information we need and how to submit.

Once Your Show Is Booked

PRE-PRODUCTION

Venue basics, plans, technical requirements, insurance and anything that needs agreeing before you arrive.

02
55

AUDIENCE CAPACITY

Standard capacity is 55 seats.

THE SPACE

Black box theatre with floor-level performance space, lighting grid and private dressing room / toilet.

ACCESS

The theatre is on the first floor and is accessed by stairs only.

Address: 42-44 Gaisford Street, Kentish Town, London NW5 2ED.

TECH RIDER DUE 7 DAYS BEFORE OPENING

Tell us about lighting, sound, set, projection, effects and anything unusual before you arrive.

Complete Tech Rider
Theatre Plans + Seating Configurations
Standard Thrust / U Configuration
Lion and Unicorn Theatre standard thrust seating plan

Standard thrust / U configuration from the Venue Guide.

End-On Configuration
Lion and Unicorn Theatre end-on seating plan

Alternative end-on configuration. Changes must be agreed in advance.

Empty Floorplan + Dimensions
Lion and Unicorn Theatre floorplan
Standard Lighting Plan
Lion and Unicorn Theatre standard lighting plan
Technical Equipment

LIGHTING

Fresnels Selection of 500W units
Source Four Junior 25-50 2 x 575W
Coda Floods 2
Dimmer Channels 1-18
LEDJ Colour Wash Panels 4 fixed
Equinox SpectraPix Battens 2 fixed
Lighting Desk Jester TL Xtra

SOUND

Mixer Yamaha MG124CX
CD Player Stanton C.402
Laptop Input 3.5mm stereo
Radio Mics 2 handheld
Amplifier Behringer EP304
Speakers 4 fixed corner speakers
Lighting + DMX
  • House lights: Channel 8.
  • DSL LED: 150 Red, 151 Green, 152 Blue, 153 Amber.
  • DSR LED: 160 Red, 161 Green, 162 Blue, 163 Amber.
  • USR LED: 170 Red, 171 Green, 172 Blue, 173 Amber.
  • USL LED: 180 Red, 181 Green, 182 Blue, 183 Amber.
  • Back bars use channels 190-192 and 195-197.
  • Standard dimmer channels are patched 1-to-1.
  • Circuits 1-9 run upstage to downstage stage left.
  • Circuits 10-18 run upstage to downstage stage right.

Companies should provide a trained and competent show operator. Companies may not provide their own lighting desk.

Fixed LED fixtures, battens and house lights must not be moved. Any approved changes to the rig must be reset at get-out.

Projection
  • Projector installed in the lighting grid.
  • HDMI and VGA inputs run from the technical desk.
  • Bring your own laptop adaptor where required.
  • Switch the projector off with its remote before powering down.
  • The projector must not be moved or refocused.
Insurance + High-Risk Requirements

All companies should arrange appropriate insurance for themselves and the other members of their company.

We recommend Showtime Insurance .

Tell us in advance about:

  • Weapons or weapon-like props.
  • Glass or breakable props.
  • Stage combat or simulated violence.
  • Smoke, haze or vaping effects.
  • External electrical or technical equipment.

High-risk props may require a specific risk assessment, evidence of insurance and prior written approval.

Getting Your Show On Sale

MARKETING

Artwork, show information, press, social media, complimentary tickets and building your audience.

03

MARKETING STANDARDS

Check how your production and The Lion & Unicorn Theatre should be named, branded and presented before creating artwork.

MARKETING FORM

Submit the production information and materials needed to build your show listing and marketing campaign.

What We Need
  • Completed Show Marketing Form.
  • Text-free Box Office image.
  • Text-free square social image.
  • Text-free Instagram Story image, normally 1080 x 1920px.
  • A2 poster artwork with space for the theatre footer.
  • Press release in PDF format.
  • Printed A2 poster supplied no later than one week before opening.
Artwork + Photography
  • Use high-quality imagery and ensure you have the right to use it.
  • The venue should be named "The Lion & Unicorn Theatre".
  • Do not crop, stretch, skew or otherwise alter the theatre logo.
  • Front-facing flyer design should match the poster artwork.
  • Document rehearsals and provide rehearsal imagery where possible.
  • High-quality production photography can significantly improve the presentation of the production.
  • Credit photographers wherever possible.
Social Media + Audience Building
  • Follow and tag @LandUTheatre.
  • Use company social accounts consistently throughout the campaign.
  • Use rehearsal content, photography, video and trailers.
  • Use the networks of your cast, creatives and company.
  • Reach directly into relevant communities and existing audiences.
  • Be clear about what makes the production distinctive.
  • Give audiences a clear reason to choose your show.
  • Dedicate proper time to promotion as well as creating the work.
Press + Complimentary Tickets

Press and industry complimentary tickets are available for performances, subject to theatre approval.

Requests should be submitted no later than 48 hours before the relevant performance.

Programmes
  • Digital programmes are encouraged where practical.
  • QR codes can be used to give audiences access to programme information.
  • The theatre does not provide on-site programme printing.
  • Programmes for distribution should be provided to the Duty Manager.
Content Warnings

Where audiences may reasonably need advance information about potentially upsetting or sensitive material, include clear content information in the marketing material and at the venue.

Your First Day

GET IN

Arrival, Duty Manager induction, loading in and getting the theatre ready for your production.

04
GET-INS USUALLY BEGIN AT 10.00

Your team should meet the Duty Manager at the theatre on the morning of your first day.

1
Meet the Duty Manager

The Duty Manager will support your get-in.

2
Complete your induction

We will run through access, fire procedures, technical operation and use of the venue.

3
Load in

Set must come through the back door, via the theatre access route through the garden.

4
Confirm the room setup

Check seating, lighting, sound, projection and any previously approved effects.

5
Begin work

Once the induction is complete, your company can begin using the space.

During Your Run

PERFORMANCES

Box Office, Front of House, dressing room operation, latecomers and troubleshooting.

05

BOX OFFICE

The theatre manages Box Office and Duty Management.

HOUSE OPEN

Box Office and theatre doors typically open around 15 minutes before the performance.

Your production should be ready no later than 30 minutes before the advertised start time.

LATECOMERS

Agree the latecomer policy with the Duty Manager.

Depending on the production, late admission may only be possible at an interval, or may not be possible at all.

Dressing Room + Shared Spaces
  • Keep the dressing room clean and tidy.
  • Storage is limited and should be agreed where necessary.
  • Do not leave open food containers overnight.
  • Only approved cast and production team visitors should use the space.
  • Take responsibility for your own belongings.
Building Operation
  • Do not tamper with air-conditioning controls.
  • Do not move seating or technical areas without approval.
  • Do not stick, nail, screw, staple or glue items to the venue.
  • Do not use gaffer or duct tape on walls or floors.
  • Report damage or faults promptly to the Duty Manager.
Something Isn't Working?

TROUBLESHOOTING

Think logically, check what changed, and avoid random button pressing or repatching.

No Sound?
  1. Check power.
  2. Check the playback source is actually playing.
  3. Check the source is connected to the correct mixer channel.
  4. Check channel level, routing, mute and master level.
  5. Check amplifier power and levels.
  6. If using QLab, confirm the correct audio output on both the computer and QLab.
Radio Mic?
  1. Check microphone power.
  2. Check the battery.
  3. Check receiver power.
  4. Confirm microphone and receiver channels match.
  5. Check receiver level, mixer, master and amplifier.
No Lights?
  1. Check power.
  2. Check dimmers, fuses and breakers.
  3. Check LED wash power.
  4. Check desk and monitor power.
  5. Check the desk is in the correct mode.
  6. Check Master, Memory Master and Blackout.
Projector?
  1. Check projector and source power.
  2. Check HDMI or VGA connection and any adaptor.
  3. Check projector input source.
  4. Check the computer is outputting to an external display.
Still Stuck?

Stop changing things and speak to the Duty Manager. Do not dismantle or attempt to repair venue equipment.

After Your Final Performance

GET OUT

Remove your production, reset the theatre and leave the building ready for the next company.

06
1
Remove

Take away all set, props, costumes, food, rubbish and personal items.

2
Reset the theatre

Reinstate the standard thrust configuration and correct seating colour blocking.

3
Reset technical equipment

Restore lighting and sound to the standard house configuration and clear the technical desk.

4
Clean

Leave the theatre and dressing room clean, tidy and free of rubbish.

5
Sign off

Check the venue with the Duty Manager before leaving.

Closing The Run

SETTLEMENTS

Bank details, positive box office settlements and guarantee shortfalls.

07
28

DAYS

The theatre has up to 28 days to pay a positive box office settlement.

14

DAYS

Where box office income does not meet the minimum guarantee, any outstanding balance is due to the theatre within 14 days.

SUBMIT YOUR BANK DETAILS

Complete the bank settlement form so we have the information required to pay any settlement due to your company.

Bank Settlement Form
Take It With You

VISITING COMPANY CHECKLIST

A practical checklist covering the production journey from programming through to settlement.