FAQs

How can I buy tickets for your productions?

You can buy tickets directly from the theatre our performance is being held in – mainly the Millfield Theatre. Please visit the Millfield Theatre website or call them on 020 8807 6680.

Can I buy a ticket on the door?

Many of our shows sell out before show week, so it is a risk to do so (but it may still be possible – call or email the box office to check).

Can you accommodate wheelchairs in the auditorium?

The theatres we usually perform in can often accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs for every performance. Please call our box office (0208 807 6680) to confirm availability.

When are you holding your next auditions?

We hold auditions in January or Febury for our summer show and in September for our Pantomime. The dates for our next auditions are always announced on our website and on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

How do I join the group?

Coming along to our read-through is the best way to join our group. The read-through happens twice a year just before auditions – keep an eye on our website – which will contain the details for our next read-through or join our facebook group and you’ll get regular updates on auditions and other SMP Theatre events. If you have experience with lighting, sound, spot-lighting or you can play an instrument, then get in touch with us any time of the year.

I’ve not got much experience on stage, can I still join?

Everyone (member or not) must go through the same audition process to be a part of the cast. This means you have to do an audition in front of the director, musical director and choreographer and you will be awarded a part if you do a better audition than the competition. However, even if you don’t have much experience singing, acting or dancing, you still stand a good chance of joining our chorus if you have enthusiasm. SMP has taken many children and novices in the past who have improved to an outstanding level of performance over several shows.

What is the age range of your members?

Our age range has varied a lot over the years. Most of our current cast is in their 20s, but we have teens and members in their 50s too!

How much does it cost to be a part of SMP?

We don’t have an annual fee, but we do charge a show fee. If you join the cast, you must pay between £60 and £80 per show (depending on its cost). Students/children pay half-price for show fees.

Where and when do you rehearse?

We usually rehearse every Monday and Wednesday in the Southgate / Palmers Green area and as the show nears we pack in two or three Sunday rehearsals.

What do you perform?

In the last few years we have mostly performed musicals – one traditional panto just after Christmas and one spectacular summer musical. Each show is voted on at show-selection where SMP members democratically pick one of four shows. Each year we also look to put on one or more play. SMP has, however, done a wide array of shows in the past, including traditional dramas and comedies including Shakespeare and SMP-written dramas and we continue to perform the occasional drama during the summer holidays or at local drama festivals.

How long is your rehearsal period?

We usually rehearse for four months for a pantomime and five months for the summer musical.

What happens during the week of the production?

Show week is an exceptionally busy but rewarding time. On the Sunday we have the “get-in” where we move all our costumes and props into the theatre. We run through the show on the Sunday, as well as setup the stage with the required props and scenery. On the Monday night we have a technical run-through, where the lighting and sound is adjusted while the cast runs through the show on stage. On the Tuesday night we do a dress rehearsal on stage. We typically open the show on the Wednesday night (sometimes a charity night) followed by shows happening every night up until and including the Saturday. If you’re in the cast of SMP, you can expect to be at the theatre 10am-10pm on Sunday and 7pm-11:30pm every night until the following Saturday and then all afternoon on the last Sunday (clearing out the theatre and/or performing a matinee) the “get-out”.

How many performances are there of each production?

Between four and six.

What size theatre do you perform in?

We have previously performed at the Millfield theatre, Intimate theatre and Chingford Assembly Hall can hold around 350 people per performance.