Courtyard Hereford

About Us

The Courtyard is Herefordshire’s centre for the arts. We provide a space for innovation, creativity, and participation for the whole community.

As a registered charity we do so much for our community. At The Courtyard you can catch stellar touring shows and in-house productions. We bring you brilliant blockbusters and art-house film. You can come to regular comedy nights from well known names to up and comers. We run inspiring workshops for formal and informal education within the building and out in the community. And there are corporate opportunities for aspiring businesses across the county. You can even hire a meeting room or grab yourself a tasty cake and tea from the award-winning Courtyard Café Bar. While you’re here why not browse The Courtyard Shop – a home for unique gifts, handmade crafts, and artisan creations.

Book tickets for shows and films 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On our website: courtyard.org.uk or at Box Office in person or on the phone: 01432 340555

 Book Tickets

 

The Courtyard Café
With its vibrant and relaxed atmosphere, the Café Bar is ideal for those in search of delicious, locally sourced, homemade food. Set in the heart of The Courtyard’s stunning glass building, The Courtyard Café Bar offers an extensive menu for those wishing to grab a pre-show bite or those looking for a beautiful setting to enjoy a relaxing lunch with friends.

Book a table

 

Upcoming Events

February Events

Tue 3 | 6.30pm

COMMUNITY BINGO FUNDRAISER

Grab your dabbers and bring your lucky charm, The Courtyard’s Community Bingo is back! Arrive early to get your table, eyes down at 6.30pm.

Two special games will be available to purchase on the night with Line and House prizes, as well as snacks, drinks and dabbers! Families welcome!

 

Thu 5 – Sat 7| 7.30pm (Saturday Matinee, 2pm)

GREASE

Since its electric Broadway and West End debut in the early 1970’s, Grease has remained one of the world’s most popular and enduring musicals. Funny, frank and featuring the hit songs Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re The One That I Want, and Summer Nights, GREASE follows the journey of Danny and Sandy, alongside the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies, as they navigate high school to the unforgettable rock n’ roll soundtrack that defined generations.

Fri 6 & 20| 8pm

COMEDY CLUB

Come and unwind after a stressful week at one of The Courtyard’s hilarious Westons Comedy Clubs. Gather your friends, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest up-and-coming comedians on the circuit. Previous Comedy Network acts include… Russell Howard, Bill Bailey, Al Murray, Noel Fielding, Lucy Porter, Chris Ramsey, Roisin Conaty, Dave Gorman, Jenny Eclair and many more. Ages 18+ only.

Mon 9 | 4.30pm

JOY CLUB

Join us for Joy Club, Hereford’s Inclusive Adult Rave at The Courtyard for adults with learning disabilities. A chance to have a rave with DJ Andy in the Studio, glitter and glow sticks included!

Tue 10 | 7pm

OPEN SKY – THE HOME

In the impoverished, post-war London of the 1950s, seven-year-old Uma lives with her brothers and her working-class parents; Ronnie and Shahine. When Uma is removed from the family home by the state and placed indefinitely in a rural, convalescence home, a personal odyssey begins. Uma must contend with the formidable Sister, racist bullying and a hostile environment. Cut off from her family; armed only with her trusty teddy bear; Uma will learn a new meaning for the word home.

Wed 11 | 7.30pm

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE – VITRUVIAN MANGO

What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines, and most problems can be solved by computers, and most puddles can be crossed without us gallantly draping our capes over them – so are we fellas of any use at all? Award winning MAN, Marcus Brigstocke, thinks we might still serve some useful function.

Thu 12 | 7.30pm

AN EVENING WITH HARI BUDHA MAGAR

Hari Budha Magar MBE is a Pride of Britain Award winner, Guinness World Record holder, and former Gurkha. Hari lost both legs in Afghanistan but went on to defy all odds by becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mt. Everest. With climbs of Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Denali and more, his story of resilience, innovation, and unbreakable spirit has inspired millions worldwide. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to hear Hari share his journey of turning the impossible into possible in tb.

Fri 13 | 7.30pm

CABARET EXTREME

From the creative visionaries behind the world’s most iconic circuses comes Caberet Extreme, a beautifully bizarre blend of burlesque, daring drag, extreme stunts, and contemporary circus. This one-of-a-kind production reimagines entertainment, blending the sensual allure of burlesque, the boldness of drag, the thrill of extreme stunts, and the elegance of contemporary circus. It’s an immersive experience that will make you laugh, gasp, and marvel in wonder.

Sat 14 | 7.30pm

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

Don’t miss this unforgettable performance celebrating the 40th Anniversary of That’ll Be the Day and Trevor’s farewell tour. Experience a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and comedy, featuring timeless hits from the 50s through to the 80s. Join us to celebrate this milestone and say goodbye to Trevor as we enjoy four decades of entertainment, showcasing the energy, passion, and talent that has made this the UK’s longest-running touring theatre show.

Thu 19 | 2pm

THE COURTYARD’S SPECTACULAR TEA PARTY

Join us for a joyful, dementia-friendly celebration tea dance that will brighten anyone’s day. Enjoy an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia, filled with, beloved music from yesteryear, delicious tea and cakes, gentle dancing with friendly students and a welcoming environment for all. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in good company, surrounded by the sounds and tastes of the past. It’s the perfect outing for a bit of fun and relaxation!

Fri 20 | 2pm

JOY CLUB JUNIORS

Get ready to dance with DJ Andy and experienced arts practitioner Toni Cook at The Courtyard! This fun-filled event is specially designed for young people with additional needs and disabilities to enjoy with their families. Expect an incredible atmosphere with glitter, glow sticks, and plenty of energy!

Sat 21 | 11am

TINY PLANET

Imagine a whole world no bigger than a house. A planet that can be explored in a matter of minutes, yet it is the centre of a galaxy. With breathtaking puppetry, original live folk songs and earthy percussion, uncover the mysteries that keep this little globe turning. Live camera projection brings this tiny world to life as a wanderer learns that the smallest things hold the biggest stories. This is a truly unique piece of puppet theatre for the whole family.

 

Wed 25 | 7.45pm

MEET FRED

This darkly hilarious, critically acclaimed production follows Fred, a cloth puppet just trying to live an ordinary life. With biting wit, razor-sharp political satire, and moments of unexpected tenderness, Meet Fred is an unmissable comedy that has resonated with audiences across the globe. Created by award-winning inclusive theatre company Hijinx, the show features a stellar cast of performers with and without learning disabilities and/or autism, whose lived experiences bring depth and authenticity to Fred’s struggle.

 

Thu 26 | 7.45pm

RACHEL NEWTON                                                                                Singer, harpist and composer Rachel Newton draws on poems and ballads that are hundreds of years old, working them into her contemporary style to create a rich sound that is ambitious, original and unique. Previously awarded Musician of the Year at both the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and the Scots Trad Music Award, Rachel has had two of her solo albums shortlisted in the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award. She also has a Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland for Best Use of Music and Sound.

 

Fri 27 | 7.30pm

THE GLENN MILLER AND BIG BAND SPECTACULAR                  Relive the Golden Era of Swing with the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK
Step into a world of timeless melodies and unforgettable performances
Imagine an evening filled with the legendary sounds of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many more! The acclaimed Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK is bringing the magic of the Big Band era to life, and you’re invited to join the celebration.

Sat 28 | 4 & 8pm

TAP FACTORY

After mesmerizing audiences across five continents with over 800 shows, Tap Factory is thrilled to be back in the UK! Prepare to be captivated as eight extraordinary male performers deliver a sensational blend of dance, acrobatics, music, and comedy, creating a show that delights audiences of all ages. Brace yourself for an electrifying display of high-energy dance, explosive percussion, and jaw-dropping acrobatics, seamlessly interwoven with live music and dazzling choreography. This mind-blowing experience will ignite your senses and get your toes tapping. Fast-paced, furiously funny, and perfect for the whole family!

Live Screenings

Tue 03 & Wed 11 | 7pm & 10.30am

NT LIVE: HAMLET (12A TBC)                                                              Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.

Mon 9 | 7.15pm

ROYAL BALLET & OPERA: WOOLF WORKS                                    Mrs Dalloway, Woolf’s 1925 stream of consciousness novel, is set over the course of one day and alternates between two stories: a society hostess preparing for an important party and a shell-shocked war veteran on his way to a psychiatric assessment. Though they never meet, both Clarissa, the protected insider and Septimus, the social outcast, are haunted by the past. Opening with an excerpt from Woolf’s recorded essay, On Craftsmanship, I now, I then is a journey into the writing of Mrs Dalloway.

Fri 27 | 7pm

NT LIVE: THE AUDIENCE (12A TBC)                                            Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award® -winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry. For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met with each of her 12 prime ministers in a private weekly meeting. This meeting is known as The Audience. From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, the Queen advised her prime ministers on matters both public and personal. Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch.

 

Exhibitions

Thu 15 Jan – Sat 28 Feb

ALLOY: SENSE OF PLACE

Alloy is a collective of contemporary jewellers and silversmiths who live and work in Herefordshire. Reflecting on their creative, geographical or biological links to Herefordshire; this exhibition is an opportunity for members to expand their creative practices through playful exploration and utilisation of personal research. Alloy makers will be running various artist talks, workshops and tours throughout the duration of the exhibition.

There will also be a contemporary jewellery fair in the Nell Gwynne Studio on 21 February.

 

Getting Here

The Courtyard is situated in central Hereford, getting here is simple. We are located opposite the Edgar Street football ground. A five minute walk from the main shopping centre, and within easy reach of Hereford railway and bus stations.

There is a car park adjacent to the building, charges apply.

Opening Times

The Courtyard is open from 10am, Monday – Saturday.

Box Office & The Courtyard Shop are open 10am – 8pm, Monday – Saturday.

In the case of performances that occur on Sundays the venue will be open from 1 hour prior to the start of the first performance of the day.

Auditoria doors open 20-30 minutes prior to the start time of an event. If you need early access to the auditorium please make yourself known to a member of staff or a steward upon your arrival and they will be happy to assist you.

The Courtyard is typically closed on Bank Holidays – but will occasionally open for certain events, where we will open 1 hour before the first performance or film. Please check the What’s On page on the date in question, or call Box Office to double check before travelling.

Access

Our aim at The Courtyard is to be a welcoming venue for everyone including our d/Deaf and disabled customers.

We want to ensure that every visit is an enjoyable one. We hope to exceed your expectations and give every individual a special experience. Step-free access is available to all public areas of the building and our staff are always ready to assist if needed. Explore this page to find out about our facilities and events specially tailored to make The Courtyard as accessible as possible.

Customers who require space for a wheelchair or a free carer/essential companion ticket currently have to book via our Box Office. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working hard on a solution to enable online bookings in these instances.

If you have specific needs that would be beneficial for our staff to be aware of before your visit (e.g. needing to enter and exit the auditorium throughout a performance with ease, storing access equipment) or you would like advice from our customer service team please get in touch before booking.

If you have any questions, queries or suggestions about accessibility at The Courtyard please don’t hesitate to get in contact. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 5 working days.

Contacting Us

Administration Tel No: 01432 346500

Box Office Tel No: 01432 340555

Box Office Email: boxoffice@courtyard.org.uk