GO back stage at one of the area's biggest theatres with an open day full of costumes, props and make-up.

The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton will be opening its doors for visitors on Saturday September 3.

It will give them a chance to get an up close and personal look at how one of the most successful theatres in the country is run.

Guided tours will take visitors around the building accompanied by knowledgeable Mayflower Theatre staff where they will be able to see costumes, make up, dressing rooms, props from shows and have that all important chance to stand upon the stage and gaze out upon over 2,200 seats experiencing what it is like for our performers.

On the day discover costumes close up from Birmingham Royal Ballet and Welsh National Opera. Special effects supremoes The Twins FX will be displaying a selection of props from the theatre and world of pantomime along with the odd one or two from the world of film and TV (just watch out for that Dalek!).

Watch a wig and make-up demonstration and find out more about theatrical make-up with help from Solent University.

There will also be performances at set times throughout the day from our Summer Youth Dance Project performers who have worked with Rambert and ZooNation Dance Companies on the pieces.

There will be nothing like a dame as Nigel Ellacott and Lee Redwood roam the theatre to bring the magic of pantomime up close and personal. There will also be a display of Nigel’s outrageously funny Dame Costumes he has created over the years.

And finally there will also be a chance to find out more about the exciting development plans for the theatre over the coming years and to take a look into our archive and share your stories of the theatre as part of our Heritage: Engage project (supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund).

Visitors can arrive at 10am, 12pm and 2pm and stay for a unique experience. Ticket prices are £15 for adults and under 16s are free with an accompanying adult (maximum 3 free ticketed children with one adult).

Contact the box office for tickets.