Access at the Playhouse
Built in 1866, the Playhouse is a grade II listed theatre. Unfortunately, older buildings can be access limited but we are constantly striving to improve our facilities to ensure you have an enjoyable visit.
Stalls
Rows A-H are level access.
Rows J-M have one small step up before you can take your seats.
We have five wheelchair spaces: Four on the side aisles of rows F&H and one on the centre aisle of row J.
Circle
Seats F22&F23 are level access. Either two free standing seats, or one seat and a wheelchair space can be arranged here.
Gallery
Currently no level access seats or spaces for people who use a wheelchair.
Audio Description
Audio Described performances offer a live verbal commentary via a headset, explaining the visual elements of a production as they unfold. Before the performance, you receive an introductory description, often along with a full touch tour of the set.
How does it work?
Our trained describers are with you in the theatre. They speak into a microphone via a live feed which reaches our personal assisted hearing equipment. Always well prepared, our descibers study the script in advance and often watch the performance a few times to familiarise themselves with the rhythm and timing of the action. They liaise with the production team throughout the process to ensure any edits to the script are incorporated.
Follow Anne Hornsby @MindsEyeArts | mindseyedescription.co.uk for more information on Audio Description services.
Is it easy to use?
Yes. Simply collect a personal assisted hearing set from our Box Office staff, who'll quickly advise how the equipment works. Then sit back, relax and listen to the description as the performance unfolds on stage.
Is it right for me?
Although primarily for those who are blind or visually impaired, Audio Description can also be useful for anyone may find it difficult to see the details of a performance.
Booking an Audio Described performance
To book tickets for an Audio Described performance, please call Box Office on 0151 709 4776 and let us know that you’d like to use the service. We can then reserve you a headset and ensure that you’re booked into the best seats for receiving the sound reception. We’ll also let you know about the touch tour which usually takes place 45 minutes before the performance.
If you have any questions about Audio Described performances, please email access@everymanplayhouse.com.
British Sign Language (BSL)
BSL stands for British Sign Language, and refers to our shows that our interpreted live on stage by a British Sign Language interpreter.
How does it work?
Our trained interpreter stands on stage, sometimes involving themselves in the action, and interprets dialogue and sounds heard both on and offstage into British Sign Language. They familiarise themselves with the script and the production beforehand. The interpreter liaises with the production team throughout the process to ensure that any edits to the script are incorporated.
Is it easy to use?
Yes. If you let us know that you'll be using the service, we'll give you the seats that have the clearest view of the interpreter. Then, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Is it right for me?
BSL interpreted performances are ideal for Deaf or hearing impaired people who use British Sign Language.
Booking a BSL performance
As the view of the interpreter is better in some areas than others, it's best to check with Box Office as they can offer seats with the clearest view. For those who find themselves unable to or indeed do not wish to book over the phone or in person, or have someone do so on their behalf, we can arrange booking via email at access@everymanplayhouse.com.
Captioning
Captioning is the theatrical equivalent of television subtitles. A display unit is placed either above or to the side of the stage, with the actor’s words appearing as they are spoken on stage. Character names and sound effects both on and off stage are also displayed.
How does it work?
Words are displayed on a captioning unit in English. One of our trained captioners prepares the captions in advance so that they follow the rhythm and timing of the actors' dialogue and events heard on and off stage. They liaise with the production team throughout the process to ensure that any edits to the script are incorporated.
Is it easy to use?
Yes. People tend to follow captions in a way that works best for them. Some prefer to focus on the bottom line of text, reading it as soon as it appears, others prefer to take it a few lines at a time, glancing back and forth.
Is it right for me?
Captioning makes theatre more accessible for people who are Deaf, deafened, hearing impaired or hard of hearing. Those who have difficulty following dialogue can be guided by the captions for a better understanding of the performance. While captions are displayed in English, they can also benefit people who don’t have English as their first language, as text is often easier to follow than dialogue.
Booking a Captioned performance
As the location of the Captioning unit can vary from performance to performance, it's best to check with Box Office which seats will offer a clear and uninterrupted view. For those who find themselves unable to or indeed do not wish to book over the phone or in person, or have someone do so on their behalf, we can arrange booking via email at access@everymanplayhouse.com.
Relaxed performances
Relaxed Performances provide a welcoming, supportive and non-judgemental atmosphere for people who may find visiting a theatre daunting or may find it hard to be in an unfamiliar, crowded or loud environment. We welcome individuals and groups living with conditions such as autism, dementia, learning disabilities, mental health concerns, those who may make involuntary noises or anyone who could benefit from a more informal, relaxed environment.
How does it work?
We work with the creative, technical and Front of House teams to make some adaptations to the performance:
- Auditorium lights only slightly dimmed, so no one will be in complete darkness
- Everyone is free to get up and down, come in and out of the auditorium and make noise when they please
- Extra staff on hand
- Pre-show information pack including a plot summary, lots of photos, when to expect anything particularly noisy and how to get around the theatre
(usually available around a week before the performance) - Quiet “Chill Out” area Front of House for those who need some quiet time away from the auditorium
- Stage lighting is slightly dimmed to reduce contrast
- Extreme sound and light effects are softened or removed if necessary
- Flexible pricing with free companion/carer place available where needed
- Opportunity to visit the theatre prior to attending to familiarise yourselves with the surroundings
- Earlier 5.30pm start time
Is it right for me?
People who live with conditions such as autism, dementia, learning disabilities, mental health concerns, those who may make involuntary noises or anyone who could benefit from a more informal, relaxed environment, or those with friends or family that identify as such, may have had negative experiences of theatre in the past. Either the action and visual/sound effects of the production, or the constraints of theatre etiquette have impeded the enjoyment of the performance. If you are one of these people, a Relaxed Performance could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Booking a Relaxed Performance
Relaxed Performances are available to book over the phone on 0151 709 4776 or in person at Box Office. As we'd like to talk through any specific access requirements and offer the free companion/carer seats, Relaxed Performances can not yet be booked online. Email boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com for more information.
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