Access Information
Access information for Oxford Playhouse
We aim to make everyone welcome to the Playhouse, if you have any concerns or particular access issues you would prefer to discuss with us before arranging your visit please talk to the Ticket Office team on 01865 305305. We are happy to make any reasonable adjustment we can to make your visit more enjoyable.
The information below may be of use to wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs or toddlers, people with any form of restricted mobility, hearing or visual impairment. Whatever your reason for requesting some of this information we hope you find it useful and would welcome feedback (email or 01865 305305).
Ticket Information
Oxford Playhouse offers discounted tickets priced at £11.50 and £15 (dependent on the show) to patrons who are registered with a visual or hearing impairment and also to patrons in receipt of anyone in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). A companion can also buy a ticket at this discounted price in advance.
Parking
There are a number of disabled parking spaces on Beaumont Street itself on both sides of the street. There are some more on St Giles. See the Blue Badge parking map. The nearest carpark to Oxford Playhouse is the underground carpark in Gloucester Green. There are height restrictions in operation so if you are travelling by mini bus, check at www.oxfordcity.co.uk.
AA Route Planner
Multimap
Parking information for Oxford City centre
Level entry
There are no steps leading up to the entrance of the Playhouse and access to the stalls is on the same level. There is a low level accessible counter at both the box office and the bar. The floor in the stalls of the auditorium is carpeted and there are no steps. In the stalls we are able to accommodate wheelchairs at the end of rows E and L. There are two spaces in the centre of row T (on either side of the sound desk), which can be used for larger chairs.
Unfortunately we have been unable to install a lift because of the restrictions of the building itself. Access to the First Floor, First Floor Cafe Bar, Hospitality Room and Top Room is by stairs only. If you are booking for an event not held in the main auditorium please talk to the ticket office staff regarding access.
Burton Taylor Studio
The Burton Taylor Studio is just round the corner from Oxford Playhouse. The auditorium is situated on the second floor of the Burton Taylor Studio, accessed via two flights of stairs. We have a stair climber for wheelchair users. If you would like to use this facility please book at least 2 days in advance on 01865 305305.
Toilets
There is an adapted toilet located on the entrance level to the Playhouse, which also has baby changing facilities. There is a toilet with a toddler seat and a step on the first floor, through the First Floor Cafe Bar. All other toilets are situated in the basement.
Storage
If you need to store a pushchair or wheelchair please ask a member of our front of house staff and they will assist you and give you a cloakroom ticket for the item you have left with us. Front of house staff will be wearing black suits or black Oxford Playhouse t-shirts. If you visit us when there is no show on the ticket office staff will be happy to answer your questions.
The Bar
If you want to avoid the queues at the bar during the interval you will be able to pre-order your interval drinks. They will be placed on the ticket office and, on request, can be placed on the low level section of the counter for ease of reach.
Guide and Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome, please advise ticket office on booking of any particular requirements you may wish us to make to accommodate your dog. It is always worth checking with staff before you go in to a performance if there is anything unusual about the play which might affect your dog.
Audio and Enlarged Print Brochures
The Oxford Playhouse brochure can be provided in alternative formats including audio CD's and enlarged A4 print. Please contact Florence Miller.
If you are visiting the Playhouse then you may be interested in our visual stories, visual resources designed to be of help to children or young adults with Autism and Aspergers Syndromes. A visual story for Oxford Playhouse for use with relaxed performances is available here while one for the Burton Taylor Studio can be found here.
Audio Description, Captioning and Amplification
INFRA-RED HEARING SYSTEM
The auditorium has a Sennheiser infra-red system which can be used to amplify the sound of the performance. This differs from a traditional loop system, which is not present in the auditorium. The Sennheiser system uses headsets and necklaces, which can be collected at the ticket office. These work better in certain areas of the auditorium, so please let the ticket office staff know you would like to use the system when you are booking. They will advise on the best way for you to take advantage of the system. The most suitable part of the auditorium for use is Rows B - T in the stalls, and Rows A - F in the circle.
Please note: Digital hearing aids do not always work with the Sennheiser necklaces. If your hearing aid does not connect to a T-loop, the Sennheiser headsets should be used instead.
STETHOSET
The receiver is worn, like a stethoscope, in the ears with the Sennheiser logo facing away from your body. Both the volume and the balance can be adjusted by the wearer.
INDUCTION LOOP
The receiver is worn around the neck, like a necklace, with the Sennheiser logo facing away from your body. Both the volume and balance can be adjusted by the wearer. The receiver is compatible with in-ear earphones or over-head headphones that have a standard aux connection if you would like to provide your own. Alternatively we do have earphones and a small number of headphones available. |
Audio Described
We programme audio described performances about 3 or 4 times a season, for people with visual impairments. They are advertised on the same page as the show in the brochure. If you, or anyone in your party, would like to try or use audio description please let box office know when booking so that they can ensure there are enough headsets, that you are seated in the best area of the auditorium and so that they can inform you of any other linked facilities such as touch tours.
Captioned
We also programme captioned performances 3 or 4 times a season, for people with hearing impairments. They are advertised on the same page of the show as the brochure. If you, or anyone in your party, may benefit from captioning please let ticket office know when booking so that they can ensure you are seated in the best position to see the screens.
For further information on audio description or captioning please contact the Ticket Office at access@oxfordplayhouse.com or on 01865 305305.
Relaxed
Relaxed performances are aimed at anyone who would benefit from a laid back environment including people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, a learning disability or very young children who might be afraid of the dark. The atmosphere in the auditorium will be relaxed with the house lights partially on. Audience members will be free to come and go as they please throughout the show and make noise if they want to. Reserve your access tickets by emailing access@oxfordplayhouse.com or calling the Ticket Office on 01865 305305.
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