The Cockpit is an ideal venue for performances in the round, shows with large casts, and shows requiring high headroom. This might be dance, music, new writing, a play in translation, puppetry, comedy, or performance art. The Cockpit is a purpose-built, well designed, intimate venue – in a big way. Please let us know why you think the Cockpit is the best space for your show in your application.
The venue offers: a technician for the 6-hour tech rehearsal on the day the show opens & an operator for all performances. The Cockpit in-house videographer will record 2 performances and create a live-mix video to be broadcast on-demand after the on-stage performances. Your tech rehearsal must include a full run-through of the show for the filming team.
Number of performances: 1, 2, 3, or 4 performances on evenings, and/or daytime performances on weekends. Filmed On-Demand broadcast to be available from 48 hours after the final performance until 1 December.
Configuration Options: The Cockpit can be configured in the round with seats on four sides, or in thrust with seats on three sides. The flexible auditorium offers a deep playing space with a high ceiling. While it is possible to propose end-on/proscenium or two-sided alley/traverse stagings, we prioritise productions that make full use of the venue’s potential.
Overview of the auditorium
360 degree photos of the auditorium
Technical specifications of the auditorium
Capacity: 220 (in the round) or 160 (thrust) or 120 (end-on or traverse, achieved by seating a restricted number of audience in thrust layout). Please note, these capacities may be reduced by social distancing.
Contract & Finance: The venue will contract the companies directly upon acceptance to the festival. Tickets will be £15, plus a booking fee of £1 per ticket for live-on-stage performances. If social distancing is still in place, there will be special pricing to encourage people to book in Covid-safe groups. For on-demand online viewings, tickets will be £5 plus a booking fee of £1 per ticket.
There is no VAT applicable on ticket sales. The venue and the performing company will split the net box office 50/50. Our box office income estimator (link here) is intended to give you a reasonable estimate of your show’s potential income.
Location: Gateforth Street, London NW8 8EH
Accessibility: This venue can accommodate a maximum of four wheelchair users. Sight-lines and acoustics are excellent.
Good to Know: The Cockpit has a bar and cosy lounge area, as well as rehearsal studios available to hire. The venue is central, a 7-minute walk from Marylebone, in a quiet neighbourhood.
Website: thecockpit.org.uk
Contact: please direct questions about the venue to: deb@thecockpit.org.uk