Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most iconic and popular theatres in Birmingham and the West Midlands area. The theatre has a capacity of 2,200 and hosts a variety of shows throughout the year including musicals, ballet, opera, and pantomime. Many people receive Theatre Tokens as gifts and want to know if they can use them at Birmingham Hippodrome.
What are Theatre Tokens?
Theatre Tokens are gift vouchers that can be used to buy tickets at over 240 participating theatres across the UK. They allow the recipient to choose the production they want to see. Theatre Tokens come in a range of denominations from £5 to £500. They have no expiry date so can be used at any time.
Theatre Tokens were originally created in the 1930s as a way to help theatres during times of financial hardship and have continued as a popular gift ever since. They are also often given out by companies as staff rewards or incentives.
Around 1.5 million Theatre Tokens are sold per year and over £20 million worth are redeemed annually at box offices around the country.
Where can Theatre Tokens be used?
Theatre Tokens can be used at over 240 theatres around the UK. This includes all the major theatres in London’s West End as well as regional theatres around the country.
Some of the most popular theatres that accept Theatre Tokens include:
London Theatres
- The National Theatre
- The Old Vic
- The Barbican
- Royal Opera House
- Shakespeare’s Globe
Regional Theatres
- Birmingham Hippodrome
- The Lowry, Salford
- Theatre Royal, Plymouth
- Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
- Theatre Royal, Glasgow
The full list of participating theatres can be found on the Theatre Tokens website. Major venues such as Birmingham Hippodrome are included.
How do Theatre Tokens work?
Using Theatre Tokens is simple. The process is:
- Choose the show you want to see at a participating theatre
- Take your Theatre Tokens to the box office along with any cash/card you need to pay the balance
- The box office will accept the Theatre Tokens as full or part payment
- Collect your tickets and enjoy the show!
Theatre Tokens operate in a similar way to gift vouchers for shops. The tokens have a cash value that can be redeemed against the ticket price.
If the Theatre Tokens do not cover the full price of the tickets, the remainder can be paid by cash, credit/debit card or with additional Theatre Tokens.
Any unused Theatre Token value can be used against future ticket purchases too.
Can Theatre Tokens be used for online bookings?
In most cases, Theatre Tokens cannot be used for online bookings and need to be redeemed in person at the theatre box office. This is so the physical tokens can be accepted and the theatre can process the payment.
However, some theatres such as the National Theatre and Royal Opera House do allow Theatre Tokens to be used for online bookings. Their websites have a section during checkout to enter the Theatre Token serial number and pin.
So it’s worth checking the individual theatre’s website if you wish to use Theatre Tokens for online booking. But the most common way is to redeem them at the physical box office.
Can I use Theatre Tokens at Birmingham Hippodrome?
Yes, Theatre Tokens can be used at Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the many theatres across the UK that accepts payment with Theatre Tokens.
The Hippodrome puts on a wide range of shows throughout the year including:
- Musicals – recent shows include Wicked, The Lion King, Les Miserables
- Ballet – Birmingham Royal Ballet are based at the Hippodrome
- Opera – Welsh National Opera perform at the theatre
- Pantomime – the Hippodrome’s seasonal pantomime is a Birmingham tradition
So if you have Theatre Tokens, you can use them towards the purchase of tickets for any of the great shows at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Simply take your Theatre Tokens to the box office counter at the theatre and they will accept them as payment. Inform the staff you want to pay with Theatre Tokens and they will process the transaction.
If your Theatre Tokens don’t cover the full price, you can pay the remaining balance with cash, card or additional Theatre Tokens.
Top tips for using Theatre Tokens at Birmingham Hippodrome:
- Check the Birmingham Hippodrome website for the latest shows and performance times
- Book your tickets early to get the best choice of seats
- Note that Theatre Tokens cannot be used for online booking, only at the box office
- The box office is open Mon-Sat 12pm-6pm for counter bookings
- Take the physical Theatre Tokens and hand them over when you pay
- Be aware of any booking/transaction fees that may apply on top
So in summary, Theatre Tokens are accepted at Birmingham Hippodrome and provide a great way to pay for shows at one of the premier theatre venues in Birmingham and the Midlands area.
What shows are currently on at Birmingham Hippodrome?
Birmingham Hippodrome always has a packed programme of shows and events throughout the year.
Some of the productions currently showing or coming soon that Theatre Tokens can be used for include:
Matilda The Musical
- Showing: January – February 2023
- Based on the classic Roald Dahl novel
- Multi award-winning musical with songs by Tim Minchin
The Nutcracker
- Showing: March 2023
- Classic Christmas ballet performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet
- Featuring Tchaikovsky’s magical score
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
- Showing: April – May 2023
- Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical theatre show
- Features songs like ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Close Every Door’
Cinderella (Pantomime)
- Showing: December 2023 – January 2024
- Hippodrome’s annual family friendly pantomime extravaganza
- Laughs, song and dance for all ages
The full line-up of upcoming shows can be found on the Birmingham Hippodrome website. Theatre Tokens can be used for all productions.
What denominations are Theatre Tokens available in?
Theatre Tokens are sold in the following denominations:
| Token Value | Colour |
|---|---|
| £5 | Pink |
| £10 | Orange |
| £20 | Green |
| £25 | Red |
| £50 | Blue |
| £100 | Yellow |
| £500 | Purple |
This provides a good range of value tokens to suit all budgets and ticket prices. Most theatres including the Birmingham Hippodrome will accept any denomination.
The most commonly sold and used Theatre Tokens are £10, £20 and £25 as these cover the average cost of theatre tickets.
But the option is there to purchase higher value Theatre Tokens for over £100 if you wish. These are ideal if buying tickets for a group or as a high value gift.
What are the benefits of using Theatre Tokens?
There are many benefits to using Theatre Tokens which explain their ongoing popularity:
Great gift idea
Theatre Tokens are an excellent gift for theatre fans as they can choose what production to spend them on. A gift that suits all ages and interests.
Support for theatres
The sale of Theatre Tokens provides valuable revenue for theatres like Birmingham Hippodrome and helps sustain the industry.
No expiry date
Unlike vouchers, Theatre Tokens have no expiry so can be saved until you find your ideal show.
National scheme
The tokens can be used at 240+ theatres across the UK, not just in one location. Great for people who travel to different cities.
Simple to use
Theatre Tokens are easy and convenient to use. Just hand over at the theatre box office along with any additional payment required.
Choice of shows
You have the flexibility to use Theatre Tokens on any show at a participating theatre.
So in summary, Theatre Tokens offer flexibility, convenience and provide vital support to theatres across the country.
Where to buy Theatre Tokens
There are several options for buying Theatre Tokens:
Theatre Tokens website
Tokens can be purchased directly through the Theatre Tokens website:
- Choose your desired token value
- Make payment by card or PayPal
- Tokens delivered to your inbox or recipient’s inbox
- Can add personal message
Post Office
Many Post Office branches across the UK stock Theatre Tokens that can be purchased in store.
National Book Tokens website
National Book Tokens sell Theatre Tokens on their website alongside their book tokens. Also available in store at some bookshops.
Direct from theatres
Some theatres may sell Theatre Tokens directly from their box office or online shop.
Other high street retailers
Cards shops such as Clintons and Scribbler stock Theatre Tokens at certain locations.
So in summary, accessing Theatre Tokens is easy through online stores, Post Office branches or specialist gift/card shops. Just decide if you want electronic or physical tokens.
Do Theatre Tokens make good gifts?
Theatre Tokens make fantastic gifts due to the reasons below:
Experience over physical items
Rather than buying yet more stuff, Theatre Tokens provide the gift of experience which creates lasting memories.
Fun night out
A trip to the theatre is a great excuse for a fun night out and something a bit different.
Suits all interests
With so much variety, a show can be found to suit any theatre fan’s taste from musicals to drama, ballet to comedy.
Flexibility on timing
Tokens have no expiry so recipients can find the perfect date/time to fit around their schedule.
Range of price points
Tokens start at just £5 so a gift can be affordable. But higher value tokens are available too.
National scheme
Tokens can be used around the UK, ideal if the recipient travels or studies away from home.
Supports the arts
A feel good gift that also helps sustain theatres like the Birmingham Hippodrome.
So whether it’s a birthday, Christmas or any other occasion, Theatre Tokens make a thoughtful gift idea that provides fantastic flexibility.
Do Birmingham Hippodrome offer any Theatre Token discounts?
Like most theatres, Birmingham Hippodrome does not offer any specific extra discounts for customers purchasing tickets with Theatre Tokens.
The Theatre Tokens are simply exchanged for their face value against the standard ticket prices advertised.
However, there are sometimes general discounts, offers and promotions run by Birmingham Hippodrome that Theatre Token users can also benefit from:
Early booking discounts
Booking in advance, especially for big musicals, can provide access to discount ticket prices. These will apply whether paying by Theatre Tokens or other methods.
Family tickets
For family shows like the pantomime, family and group booking discounts may be available.
Half price lotteries
Some shows may have ticket lotteries on the day for cut price seats. Monthly ticket raffles also run.
Meal deals
Packages that bundle theatre tickets with restaurant meals or afternoon tea are sometimes offered.
School group rates
Special low prices are given for school groups and students.
So it’s always worth looking out for any promotions when booking Birmingham Hippodrome tickets. Any discounts will reduce the number of Theatre Tokens needed to pay for a booking.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Theatre Tokens are widely accepted at theatres across the UK including Birmingham Hippodrome
- They provide a great flexible gift and vital revenue stream for theatres
- Tokens come in a range of denominations from £5 to £500
- They can be purchased online, in store or directly via theatres
- Using Theatre Tokens is simple – just redeem at the theatre box office along with any additional payment required
- Birmingham Hippodrome do not offer extra Theatre Token discounts but general booking offers are available
- Theatre Tokens make an excellent present and provide the gift of great entertainment
So if you receive Theatre Tokens as a gift or want to buy them for an enthusiast, Birmingham Hippodrome provides a fantastic choice of top shows and musicals to use them on.
