Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Tickets
Do I need a physical Ticket?
No, you don’t need a physical ticket, you can have an e-ticket on your phone, which will have a QR code. If you are not sure you have the right thing, head to our box office before the start and we can help you at the box office
Do you offer discounts?
Yes — Mowlem Members get discounted prices on most events (look for the members’ price when booking.
How do I book tickets?
Online through our website or through our box office during opening hours.
I’ve lost my tickets or need help with a booking — who do I contact?
Email boxoffice@themowlem.com or call the Box Office during opening hours.
What are the Box Office opening hours?
Regular daytime hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 11am–1.30pm. For live events or cinema screenings, the Box Office also opens 45 minutes before the performance. General enquiries: 01929 422 239
What is Spektrix?
Spektrix is a leading box office and theatre ticketing software. It is used worldwide and is replacing our Ticketsource system. We are hopeful that it will provide an improved user experience for our patrons.
Accessibility
Do you offer discounts for carers?
Yes, we offer a carer’s ticket for Free with a valid CEA card. Feel free to ask our box office for more details.
Is The Mowlem accessible?
We want everyone to be able to enjoy our performances and facilities. Our full Accessibility Guide (PDF) covers access throughout the building — available on our Accessibility page, or contact the Box Office with any questions.
Is The Mowlem wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We have a lift to get to all floors, an accessible toilet on the 1st floor (through the bar), and there are dedicated wheelchair spaces in the auditorium. If you have specific accessible requirements, please let us know ahead of time and we can accommodate you.
Your Visit
Do you sell food?
We sell bar snacks, popcorn, and cinema snacks, but we don’t sell full meals. There are lots of lovely local cafes and restaurants you can go to within walking distance of The Mowlem.
Do you take cash?
Yes! We take cash and cards at the box office and The Showbar.
However, we only take card payments for Ice creams at the ice cream kiosk during an interval. You can still get an ice cream with cash at the bar.
How do I find out about what’s on at The Mowlem?
Our full programme is updated constantly to our website http://www.themowlem.com
Keep an eye and follow our socials here
Is there a bar and snacks?
Yes, The Showbar serves drinks, bar snacks and cinema snacks, including popcorn!
What are your opening times?
The box office general opening times are
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 1:30 PM
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 6:45 – 9:00 PM
The Showbar general opening times are
Monday – Thursday 5 – 9:30 PM
Friday & Saturday 5 PM – 10:30 PM
The bar may be open later for after parties, large events, or when there is live music.
Where are you located?
Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1DD — right on the seafront.
Where is the nearest car park?
Short Stay – Mermond Place – https://www.swanage.gov.uk/CarParkCharges
Long Stay – Broad Road Car Park – https://www.swanage.co.uk/broad-road-car-park/
Support Us
How can I support The Mowlem?
As a registered charity, we welcome memberships, donations and our “Take Your Seat” scheme — see our Support Us pages for details.
How do I find out about what’s on at The Mowlem?
Our full programme is updated constantly to our website http://www.themowlem.com
Keep an eye and follow our socials here
Volunteering
Do I need any experience to volunteer?
No — full training is given for your chosen role, whatever your experience level. We just ask for enthusiasm and reliability.
Do volunteers get free tickets?
Yes — volunteers may get free tickets to selected films, subject to availability.
How do I apply to be a volunteer?
Download the Volunteer Application Form from our website, fill it in, and either email it to volunteer@themowlem.com or drop it into the Box Office during opening hours.
How much time do I need to commit to be a volunteer?
Shifts are flexible, so any time you’re able to offer is appreciated. We’ll work with you to find a pattern that suits your availability.
Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
This is dependant on the role. Please feel free to ask our volunteer coordinator, volunteer@themowlem.com.
What roles are available?
We currently have opportunities for Ushers, Showbar Support, Technical Assistants, Leaflet Distributors,r. If you don’t see something that matches what you’d like to offer, get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.
Who do I contact if I have questions about volunteering?
Email volunteer@themowlem.com and we’ll get back to you.
Will I need a DBS check?
Some roles require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the nature of the work. We’ll let you know if this applies to the role you’re interested in.
The Showbar
Can i book The Showbar for a party?
The Showbar is a highly sought-after venue. Please contact events@themowlem.com.
Can I order interval drinks?
Yes! We recommended pre-ordering interval drinks so you don’t have to wait and queue during the interval. Interval are available to preorder for all events with an interval!
Do have promotions for drinks in The Showbar?
Yes, we have a happy hour from 5 to 6:30 Monday – Saturday.
You can get a pint of draught beer for £5
Single Gordon’s and tonic for £5
A bottle of house wine for £20
Is the bar dog friendly?
Yes, the bar is dog-friendly.
Is The Showbar family friendly?
Yes the bar is family-friendly with a good range of soft drinks, ice creams and snacks. We also have a selection of board games and colouring sheets that are always available during opening hours.
Is there a bar and snacks?
Yes, The Showbar serves drinks, bar snacks and cinema snacks, including popcorn!
Is there a co working space?
No. We currently don’t run a co-working space. However you are more than welcome to come in during bar opening hours, get a coffee and use our free wifi.
What time does the Showbar open?
Monday–Saturday from 5.00pm, closing at 9.30pm (Mon–Thu) or 10.30pm (Fri–Sat), later on show nights.
The Studio
Can I hire the Studio to run my own class?
Yes — the website states there are still slots available for hire. Enquiries should go to Events Manager Paul Angel at events@themowlem.com.
What classes run in the Studio?
A mix of weekly, bi-weekly and monthly activities including yoga, chair exercise, gentle stretch, dance, choirs, Slimming World, a lunchtime workout, and a monthly flower club — see the full weekly schedule for days and times.
When is The Studio available for hire?
The Studio is booked for regular classes and activities several days and nights a week. Please email events@themowlem for more details.
Who do I contact for more information on a specific class?
Each class has its own contact — see individual instructor emails on the schedule (e.g. Vanessa for Chair Exercise, Gentle Stretch and Mostly Mats; Sandra or Sarah for yoga classes; Becs for both choirs).
Hiring
How do I get a technical Specification of the auditorium?
Please contact Dan our senior technician – senior_tech@themowlem.com
I’m a promoter — how do I bring a show here?
Get in touch via manager@themowlem.com and our team will follow up.
What is the seating capacity of the auditorium?
The auditorium can accommodate 380 guests over two floors.
Membership
How do I become a member?
You can become a member on our membership page here.
Why do I need to support The Mowlem?
At the heart of Swanage’s creative life, The Mowlem champions local performance groups, hosts classes and workshops, supports major festivals, welcomes touring artists year-round, and operates as an independent cinema and bar – proudly supporting local at every level.