Venue Description

Built in 1905, the Aldwych has housed many famous productions since its opening including the first performance of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard in England, A Streetcar Named Desire starring Vivien Leigh, Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers, Hapgood and Indian Ink all featuring Felicity Kendall, Tom and Clem starring Sir Michael Gabon and Alec McCowen and Amy’s View with Dame Judi Dench. In the 2000s it became a popular musical theatre venue housing Fame, Dancing in the Streets and Dirty Dancing which became the longest running show at the Aldwych achieving five years at the theatre. Notable productions in recent years have included Irving Berlin’s Top Hat as well as Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies both based on Hilary Mantel’s award-winning books and the Olivier award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Accessibility

There are 5 steps leading up to the theatre foyer with handrails in place. The Stalls are accessed by 25 steps over 3 flights, leading from the theatre foyer to stalls front entrance. Once inside, there is a 10 metre gentle incline from middle to rear stalls. Handrails are in place throughout The front of the Dress Circle is approximately 25 metres from the theatre foyer with step free access to Row C. Once inside the auditorium there are 22 steps from row A – M, 2 steps per row, with handrails in place. The rear of the Dress Circle can be accessed via 15 steps leading up from the theatre foyer, again with handrails in place. The Grand Circle entrance is located inside the theatre foyer approximately 15 metres from the main entrance. There are 50+ steps leading to the rear of the Grand Circle and once inside the auditorium, there are 24+ steps leading from the rear of the Grand Circle, Row L, to Row A at the front. Handrails are in place throughout. Due to the number of stairs we do not recommend Grand Circle seating to patrons with restricted mobility. If you are not immediately approached on arrival to the theatre, please make yourself known to a member of our door staff to be introduced to you access host. DRESS CIRCLE, ROW C SEATS 1 & 25 Accessible from street level, each seat can be removed to accommodate one wheelchair. Wheelchair space dimensions are 60cm width x 85cm depth, seat dimensions are 44cm width x 45cm depth (74cm including leg room). BOX E Accessible from street level via a doorway measuring 63cm wide. The Box has accommodation for up to 2 wheelchairs users. Wheelchair space dimensions 60cm width x 85cm depth. Please note Box E gives a restricted view of the performance. Stalls Row C1 & C21, Row J1-5, Row J19-23 and Row Z1-2 have nothing directly in front giving full leg room, please note Z1-4 are partially upholstered flip-down seats with a restricted view of the performance. The theatre uses a Sennheiser Infrared Loop System, available from the cloakroom located in the foyer. The system operates in the following seating areas: Stalls rows E – P, Dress Circle rows A – K, Grand rows A-C.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.nederlander.co.uk/aldwych-theatre/plan-your-visit/access-and-facilities-aldwych-theatre

Accessible Performances

Details of accessible performances will be published on the theatre website as and when they are announced.

Toilets

The disabled access toilet is located in the theatre foyer and accessible from street level. It is 45 cms high and is a right-hand transfer. Non-disabled toilets are located in the theatre foyer, the rear stalls exit, grand circle rear exit, and the grand circle bar (6 steps leading up).

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Guide dogs are welcome in the theatre. There are allocated seats in the auditorium for patrons wishing to stay with their dogs, alternatively a member of staff can be allocated to look after the guide dogs and returned to the owner during the interval and at the end of the performance.

Other assistance dog facilities

Guide dogs are welcome in the theatre. There are allocated seats in the auditorium for patrons wishing to stay with their dogs, alternatively a member of staff can be allocated to look after the guide dogs and returned to the owner during the interval and at the end of the performance.