HAVE you ever wanted to find out what it would be like to stand on The Mayflower’s stage, or get up close to the beautiful stage costumes?

Well now is your chance. As part of The Mayflower ’s 25th anniversary celebrations this year, the theatre will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday, August 11 for an Open Day.

Highlights will include visiting a dressing room for English National Ballet, being able to explore the costumes, ballet shoes and wigs worn by this world famous company.

Hear excerpts from La bohème on our stage at intervals during the day from a guest Welsh National Opera artiste, then visit the dressing room to get up close to the beautiful costumes, wigs and set models.

Families can discover how the technical side of the theatre works, looking behind the spotlight, and get the actors’ perspective looking out from The Mayflower stage at over 2,000 seats!

Visitors will have to be careful who they bump into as two of the best pantomime dames in the business will be roaming throughout the theatre.

There will also be a chance to view some of the spectacular costumes used in Christmas shows.

And there may even be the chance to meet a celebrity from an upcoming Mayflower show.

Face painting for the children and a little magic are also included in the event, which is £5 for adults and free for youngsters and must be booked in advance.

The last open day, pictured above, was held in 2008 to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the theatre and was a sell-out success with more than 2,000 people attending.