Venue access information. (Darlington Hippodrome)

ACCESSING THE VENUE 

There are wheelchair spaces on all levels and two lifts to provide access to all levels both front and back of house. We regret that wheelchair spaces cannot be booked online; please contact the box office to book.

A dropped counter is available at the Hippodrome box office and bar.  

There is a drop-off point located on Tannery Yard.

If you require any advice regarding access to the venue please contact the box office.

 

LIFT DIMENSIONS

Main lift to all floors:

Door width: 90cm

Lift depth: 142cm

Lift at rear of stalls to top of Dress Circle and the Education Space:

Door width: 90cm

Lift depth: 146cm

 

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS

Accessible toilets are located on every level. 

 

ASSISTANCE DOGS

Guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome. 

 

HEARING ASSIST EQUIPMENT

We have a radio frequency hearing system installed throughout the auditorium with individual headsets available on request when booking.

 

ESSENTIAL COMPANION TICKETS

People who require an essential companion to accompany them to the theatre in order for them to access the venue, due to their disability, illness or other condition will receive a FREE essential companion ticket. Qualifying documentation is required if signing up to our Access Scheme.

Qualifying documentation

• A letter confirming receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - if theatregoer is aged under 16.
• A letter confirming receipt of Attendance Allowance
• A letter confirming receipt of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
• CredAbility Access Card (with +1 symbol)

All essential companions must be aged 16 or over. Only one essential companion ticket is available per disabled customer.

If a customer does not have access to any of the required evidence above but feels that they require an essential companion ticket to be able to attend the theatre, they can approach our box office manager to discuss their individual needs.

 

BSL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES

The signer stands stage left (auditorium right) to interpret the dialogue.

Available on selected performances only.

Please get in contact for more information on BSL interpreted performances.

 

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES

On selected Saturday matinee performances, professional audio describers provide live commentary about what is happening onstage via headphone-style receivers worn in the auditorium for customers with a visually impairment, as well as providing a touch tour of the stage prior to the performance. Introductory notes providing an overview of the play, including the story and characters will commence 15 minutes prior to the show start time.

Headsets can be collected from the box office. Please request these when booking.

The headsets were kindly funded by the Friends of Darlington Hippodrome.

Available on selected performances only, please get in contact for more information on these performances.

 

CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES

Displayed on electronic boards usually at either side of the stage at the same time as words are spoken. Sound effects or off-stage noises may also be included.

Intended to help people with hearing loss, as well as those for whom English is an additional language.

Available on selected performances only, please get in contact for more information on these performances.

 

RELAXED PERFORMANCES

The lights stay on, the audience can talk and leave and enter the auditorium. Specially designed  for people with autism, a sensory or communication disorder, or anyone else who would find a typical theatre setting a challenging environment. 

Available on selected performances only. please get in contact for more information on relaxed performances.

 

INFORMATION IN OTHER FORMATS

Darlington Hippodrome will provide information in other formats on request.

 

AUDIO BROCHURE

Listen to our Summer 2022 Brochure on Youtube. Kindly read by the Darlington District Talking Newspaper.