THE Theatre Royal Winchester is giving audiences another chance to go behind the scenes on Saturday January 25.

Families will get to see what it is like to perform and work at the venue by exploring the usually off-limits stage, dressing rooms, and backstage areas.

They will learn about lighting and scenery and children will get to check out costumes and props and role-play being an usher. They will hear of the different jobs people do at the theatre and learn of the venue’s history and ghosts rumoured. The family tour runs for one hour from 10.30am, and is open to everyone. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Then, at 12 noon, older children and adults can join a one-hour heritage tour that takes in all levels of the theatre – from the stage, 400-seat auditorium and dressing rooms to climbing the fly tower used to hang lighting, scenery and stage effects during a show.

This will give them a whole new perspective of the stage, rarely seen by theatre-goers. They will learn about the building’s history – once a hotel, then one of the first cine-varity venues – and the infamous ghosts. This tour involves steps but can be adapted, to an extent, for people with mobility issues. Inform the Box Office when booking tickets so arrangements can be made. The heritage tour is for over-12s only.

Spaces for both tours are limited. More information is on the website.

Tickets for tours are available to buy at the Box Office at Theatre Royal Winchester, or by calling 01962 840440, or visiting the website theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.