Quick answer
The Kirk Theatre is Pickering’s volunteer-run community theatre in a converted Methodist chapel on Hungate. It opens for dated shows and events, with no daily opening hours on its official pages. Its family highlight is Pickering Musical Society’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, on selected dates from Tuesday 12 to Sunday 24 January 2027. Evening shows start at 7.15pm, with 2.15pm matinees on Saturday 16, Sunday 17, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 January. On 13 November 2026 the online box office listed Adult £17 and Concession £16, and the Sunday 17 January matinee as sold out. Concessions are for under 18s, over 60s and unwaged people, and proof may be needed. That day the panto’s booking page said wheelchair and carer seats are booked by phone. The official pages give no minimum age and do not say whether babies need a ticket.
Is it right for my child?
- The pantomime: the theatre’s event page calls Sleeping Beauty a family pantomime, with costumes, scenery, special effects, songs, comedy and plenty of audience participation. Its story includes a curse from the wicked Carabosse, and the audience is invited to boo her.
- Ages: the theatre describes the panto as a production for all the family. It publishes no minimum age, no babes-in-arms rule and no age guidance for other shows.
- Late finishes: on 13 November 2026 the box office listed evening shows as 7.15pm to 10pm and matinees as 2.15pm to 5pm. Matinees may suit younger children better.
- Sensory notes: the official pages do not mention flashing lights, loud effects or relaxed performances.
- Other shows: many other listings are evening talks, tribute acts and music nights. Check each event before booking with children.
Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist
- Book the panto early. On 13 November 2026 the Sunday 17 January matinee was already shown as sold out.
- On 13 November 2026 the online box office asked for a seat on its seating plan first, then offered Adult or Concession tickets.
- Phone the box office on 01751 474833 about wheelchair places, carer options or group bookings. On 13 November 2026 the panto’s booking page said wheelchair and carer seats are booked by phone.
- Have proof of age ready for under 18 or over 60 concessions, as the theatre says it may be required.
- Collect held tickets from the theatre box office no later than 15 minutes before the show starts.
- Plan your parking, because the theatre’s own pages do not mention any.
Prices and tickets
Sleeping Beauty: Adult £17, Concession £16. These were the two stalls ticket types the online box office offered on 13 November 2026, for both an evening show and a matinee. No family ticket or carer ticket was offered online that day.
The contact page says concessions are offered for certain performances. They cover over 60s, under 18s and unwaged people, and proof of age or circumstances may be required when booking.
Family tickets: the contact page says family tickets are sometimes available and are advertised for the specific show. A standard family ticket is for four people, including at least two children. None was listed for Sleeping Beauty on 13 November 2026.
Paying and refunds: the contact page says all tickets should be paid for when you book, and it does not accept American Express. A refund, less a 10% administration fee, is paid only if a ticket is returned and resold. Returned tickets are resold only after every other seat has gone.
Carers: the contact page says the theatre offers concessions for carers. Call the box office to discuss carer options.
Pushchairs, babies and toilets
- Pushchairs: the official pages do not mention pushchair access or buggy storage.
- Babies: the official pages do not say whether babies on a lap need a ticket. Ask the box office before you book.
- Toilets and baby changing: the official pages do not mention toilets or baby changing.
- Wheelchairs: the theatre can take up to six standard sized wheelchairs per performance, booked by phone.
Food and drink
The official pages do not mention a café. The volunteering page describes a theatre bar and a sweet shop, staffed before performances and at the interval. The official pages do not list what is sold or the prices.
Getting there and parking
The address is The Kirk Theatre, Hungate, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7DL. The building is the former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, which the theatre’s history page says became the theatre in 1982.
Parking: the theatre’s own pages do not mention parking, drop-off or public transport. Check your route and parking before you set off.
When to visit
The official pages give no daily opening hours. The What’s On page lists dated events. The box office is open on Tuesdays from 11am to 1pm, and the box office phone has a 24-hour answerphone. The volunteering page says the box office also opens on performance evenings.
- Christmas Fair: the Friends of the Kirk Theatre’s annual Christmas shopping event, Saturday 21 November 2026 from 10am. Entry is free, with local stalls and refreshments.
- Thornton Le Dale Ukuleles Christmas Singalong: Thursday 3 December 2026 at 7.30pm. Tickets are not sold online or by the theatre box office. The event page lists outlets in Thornton-le-Dale, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside.
- Ryedale School Music Concert: Friday 4 December 2026 at 7pm. On 13 November 2026 the box office showed prices from £8 to £12.
- Sleeping Beauty: 16 performances on selected dates from Tuesday 12 to Sunday 24 January 2027. There are no shows on Monday 18 January.
The What’s On page lists no events after Friday 11 December 2026 and before Tuesday 12 January 2027.
Additional needs and disability support
The theatre’s contact page describes the support below.
- Wheelchairs: up to six standard sized wheelchairs per performance. The contact page says to phone the box office for booking information. On 13 November 2026 the panto’s booking page said wheelchair and carer seats are booked through the box office on 01751 474833.
- Carers: the theatre offers concessions for carers. Contact the box office to discuss carer options.
- Hearing loop: an induction loop is fitted in the theatre. Older hearing aids need switching to the “T” position, and front of house staff can explain more.
- Not mentioned: the official pages do not mention relaxed performances, sensory guides, step-free routes, accessible toilets or a Changing Places toilet.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kirk Theatre pantomime?
Sleeping Beauty runs on selected dates from Tuesday 12 to Sunday 24 January 2027. Evening shows start at 7.15pm, and matinees at 2.15pm on 16, 17, 23 and 24 January. The 17 January matinee was shown as sold out on 13 November 2026.
How much are Kirk Theatre panto tickets?
On 13 November 2026 the online box office listed Adult tickets at £17 and Concession tickets at £16. Concessions cover under 18s, over 60s and unwaged people.
Are there family tickets at the Kirk Theatre?
The theatre says family tickets are sometimes available and advertised for the specific show. A standard one covers four people, including at least two children. None was listed for Sleeping Beauty on 13 November 2026.
Is the Kirk Theatre wheelchair accessible?
The theatre can take up to six standard sized wheelchairs per performance. On 13 November 2026 the panto’s booking page said wheelchair and carer seats are booked by phone on 01751 474833.
Is the Kirk Theatre panto suitable for toddlers?
The theatre calls it a production for all the family but gives no minimum age. On 13 November 2026 the box office listed evening shows as ending at 10pm, so the 2.15pm matinees may suit toddlers better.
Who runs the Kirk Theatre?
Pickering Musical Society bought the building and is its operating and resident theatre company. The theatre says all of it is run by volunteers, and the society’s pantomime is in January.
Checked on 13 November 2026 against the official Kirk Theatre What’s On, Sleeping Beauty, Contact Us, The Venue and Volunteer pages, and the theatre’s online box office. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.
