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Backstage Tours

New Perspectives

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Step behind the scenes and see the Barbican Theatre from a new perspective on our 60 minute Backstage Tour

You’ll learn how the architects incorporated the theatre into the building’s design and hear secrets of past productions as you are guided through the colourful floors of our backstage labyrinth.

Peek into the stage wings, Green Room, orchestra pit and more. You’ll get a closer look at set design mechanisms and get insight into the technology which makes a show come to life. Highlights include the impressive fly tower - a specialist hoisting system used to switch sets on the stage below.

The next two productions in the Theatre are The Buddha of Suburbia and A Midsummer Night's Dream. You may uncover some fun facts about these show that you might not know.

Taking you up, over and below our renowned stage, our Backstage Tours will give you the opportunity to enjoy a different experience of the Barbican's iconic theatre.   

  • Tour duration: 60 minutes
  • Show your e-ticket at the 'Tours Meeting Point' outside The Barbican Shop, on Level G.
  • No unaccompanied under 14s. Suitable for ages 12+.
  • Please note that this is a working theatre and the route is subject to change. There may be glimpses of rehearsals, set changes and other behind-the-scenes action or the theatre may be quiet in-between shows.
  • Please be aware that photography and filming is not permitted in any of the backstage areas of the auditorium.
  • Please be aware that due to the nature of this tour and the age of the building the route is not fully accessible and will be unsuitable for those who require step-free access. If you have any access requirements please contact us in advance at [email protected] or call the box office on 0207 101 1188 between 10am-5.30pm Monday to Sunday.

Members and Members Plus enjoy £12 tickets

Discounted tickets subject to availability.

Become a member.

Corporate Members enjoy 20% off tickets.

2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability. 

Become a Corporate Member

*Excludes £1.50 booking fee

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Watch: Theatre taking centre stage

Enjoy a video of our Theatre taking centre stage before the audience have even arrived...

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