Venue Description

We offer the finest drama, the brightest West End musicals, the cream of the comedy circuit, award winning ballet and dance, family friendly shows, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Opera North and Rambert Dance – and (we think) the best Pantomime in the country! We also offer weekly workshops for both Adults and Children examples include Shakespeare, Writing, Basic drama skills, Communication and confidence, Makeup, Costume, Technical theatre and more. We also offer tours of the Theatre, summer schools and coffee mornings and regular talks given by visiting performers and company members.

Accessibility

We have an automatic entrance wide enough for a wheelchair which can be opened from both the inside and outside by a push pad, there is no slope the entrance joins the pavement outside meaning easy access. We have wheelchair accessibility on all levels and a standard lift leading to all floors, although only one wheelchair can fit in at any one time. There are nine wheelchair spaces throughout the Stalls, Grand and Upper Circle of the auditorium, a wheelchair wedge is required in the Stalls which we have (this is positioned under the front wheels as there is a minor slope towards the stage). Ushers are on hand at all times for any assistance needed.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/visit/access

Accessible Performances

Yes we offer Captioned and Audio Described Performances for some of our shows (please see shows and times in the next section) we also have a ‘Relaxed’ performance for our pantomime, this year being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfes. Relaxed Performances are specifically designed to welcome people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability or sensory and communication disorders into theatres to give those who otherwise might feel excluded the chance to experience live theatre. They have a less formal, more supportive atmosphere in order to reduce anxiety levels. It is a specialist provision created to provide an opportunity for people who would otherwise find it difficult to come to see a show – for example people who make involuntary noise, or are likely to need to talk a lot, or move around. During a regular performance this can disturb the other audience members, and the show, but at a relaxed performance it’s fine.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets available from all levels of the theatre with step free access and the lift takes you directly to each one. The doors are wide enough for wheelchair access both manual and powered. There are grab rails within the toilets and a red cord which can be pulled in the event of assistance or an emergency. A radar key is only needed on the lower ground floor toilet which can be obtained from the Box Office. The toilet and the sink are at wheelchair level and with easy turns for the taps.

Staff

Some of our Box Office staff are trained in sign language. Some of the staff are trained in Disability, Equality and Diversity by the Percy Hedley Foundation. For our Relaxed Performance most of the Front of House team were trained to work alongside people with learning, sensory and communication disorders. Dawn Taylor who is Director of Operations is trained in working with people with learning difficulties. We currently have two members of staff currently in training.