Donald Gordon Theatre

The Donald Gordon Theatre, located at Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL, is a prominent venue for various events, including meetings, conferences, and performances. Here is a detailed description of its facilities and function rooms:

Main Auditorium: Donald Gordon Theatre

• Capacity: 1,896 seats, with an additional 48 standing places, making the total capacity variable depending on the use of the six forestage/orchestra pit lifts.

• Stage: The stage is the largest in Britain, apart from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, designed to accommodate large-scale productions from anywhere in the world.

• Backstage Facilities: The theatre features extraordinarily generous backstage facilities, including orchestra and chorus rooms, offices, and dual-purpose rehearsal rooms that allow sets to move directly from the rear and side.

Function Rooms

• Weston Studio: This room accommodates 250 people on a retractable rake.

• Urdd Hall: Seating capacity is 153 people.

• Small Dance Studio: Accommodates 100 people.

• Function Rooms on Levels 2 and 3: There are nine function rooms available for corporate hospitality, seminars, and meetings, offering a range of spaces for various events.

Additional Facilities

• Entrance Foyer: The entrance foyer is a large, black concourse with a 30m long box office at its center. Flights of stairs rise on either side to suspended balconies, servicing offices, galleries, and hospitality suites as well as the main auditorium.

• Bars and Cafes: The center includes three bars (Awen Bar, Horizons Bar, and Stones Bar) and a café-bar Ffwrnais, along with a wine bar One, providing various dining and refreshment options[5].

• Rehearsal Rooms and Orchestral Facilities: The building features rehearsal rooms and orchestral facilities for the Welsh National Opera, dance studios, and the Blue Room, which seats up to 100 for National Dance Company Wales[5].

Event Services

• Dedicated Event Coordinator: The venue offers a dedicated event coordinator to assist with planning and execution.

• AV Equipment: Built-in AV equipment with multiple screens and video conferencing capabilities are available for meetings and presentations.

• Food and Beverage Services: Passed canapés, 3-course plated dinner service, coffee/tea service, and late-night stations are available. The venue also offers white round floor-length table linen, white linen napkins, elegant white tableware, silverware, and glassware.

• Staffing and Bar Options: The venue provides staffing, including servers and bartenders, with options for an open bar or cash bar.

The Donald Gordon Theatre at Wales Millennium Centre offers a comprehensive range of facilities and services, making it an ideal venue for various types of events.