Guide to Accessible Theatres in London

London is known around the world for its rich and illustrious relationship with theatre. It encompasses over 230 theatres and is home to the renowned West End district. But as London leads the way in theatre, the capital city must also capitalise on making theatre accessible for all. 

Luckily, many of London’s venues in the West End and Off West End have already begun making waves in the theatre industry. From improvements to physical access to enabling web accessibility to scheduling more captioned, BSL signed, audio-described and relaxed performances, these are some of the most accessible theatres in London.

Prince Edward Theatre

The Delfont Mackintosh-owned theatre lies close to Leicester Square. It historically observed the ‘bananas dance’ by Josephine Baker, but today is known for hosting huge musicals like Disney’s Aladdin and Mary Poppins. 

Access information is easy to navigate to from Prince Edward Theatre’s website. They state the upcoming accessible performances and outline information related to the physical building clearly, including a Social Story video. This allows people to observe the Prince Edward theatre and explore its facilities in advance.

• Captioned performances
• BSL performances
• Audio Described performances
• Autism-Friendly performances
• Touch tours available for Aladdin
• Step free side street access

Savoy Theatre

The glittering golden Savoy has a stunning Art Deco design. It was formerly the home of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, retaining the opulence and grandeur to this day. Owned by ATG, the theatre group also oversee accessibility. On the ATG website, there is a fairly detailed guide about the Savoy’s accessible features, as well as a chart to assist with booking the right seats depending on the patron’s accessibility needs. The venue’s own website has more details, including descriptions of accessible performances and other important information, such as where the interpreter is positioned and where dialogue appears on screen.

• Captioned performances
• BSL performances
• Audio Described performances
• Infrared Loop system (connect to hearing aids)
• Headsets (magnifies sound on stage)
• Step free street access
• Step free access toilet
• Sub/Sur Titled shows
• Relaxed performances
• Touch Tours
• Access Host on arrival (optional)

Apollo Victoria

Another Art Deco design, the Apollo Victoria theatre is like a ‘mermaid’s dream of Heaven’. Bright pink lights, sea green carpets and silver organ pipes make the Apollo a magical underwater world. 

The venue also ranks well for accessibility, scoring 4 out of 5 stars on Euan’s Guide. Though there were some physical access issues, the friendly and attentive staff were able to help patrons overcome them. The ATG also offer a Visual Story on request for the Victoria, alongside documents outlining production information that may impact epilepsy or seizures.

• Captioned performances
• BSL performances
• Relaxed performances
• Touch Tours
• Audio Described performances
• Large Print/Braille programmes available
• Access Host on arrival (optional)
• Sennheiser MobileConnect WiFi sound amplification system (connects quality audio to smart device)
• Induction Loop Necklace
• Headset

Trafalgar Studios

Trafalgar Studios isn’t known for hosting the mega musicals transferred from Broadway. Instead, it hosts a variety of interesting and diverse plays from emerging talents. 

It also aims to be highly accessible, offering level access from the street and having the foyer, foyer bar and box office on the same level. The theatre’s website has detailed information relating to number of steps and how to access each part of the venue, alongside a visual familiarisation story. Trafalgar Studios claim to have at least one access host on site and a member of the Box Office with BSL training. 

• Induction Loop Necklace
• Headset
• Mobile Connect and Radio Enhancement System
• Captioned performances
• Audio Described performances
• BSL performances
• Relaxed performances
• Touch tours
• Braille/ large print cast lists available

Royal Opera House

Home to the Royal Opera, Royal Ballet and the Royal House Orchestra, the venue is one of London’s most prestigious. From new comedies to passionate classics, the Royal Opera House is great for both first-time opera-goers as well as lifetime fans of the discipline.

Thanks to modern updates, the theatre has enhanced its accessibility over the years. On the website, each area has a dedicated access page, allowing visitors to fully explore the venue. It also details information related to booking, getting to the venue and attending a performance.

“At the heart of Accessibility at the Royal Opera House is a highly effective system for communicating the individual access requirements of customers to our front of house staff, ensuring that from the point of booking we know what the customer requirements are and that they are met as a priority. This is a practical and personalised system, which works well due to access requirements differing in each case.” Colin Legge, Access Coordinator at ROH

• Trantec Radio System
• Captioned performances
• Audio Described performances
• BSL performances
• Relaxed performances
• Touch tours
• Large print information available
• Accessible toilets on all floors
• Lift access to all floors

Victoria Palace Theatre

Among its many claims to fame, the Frank Matcham-desgined Victoria Palace witnessed the London theatre debut of Elizabeth Taylor and the opening of the Olivier Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical. Today, it shows the record-breaking musical masterpiece by Lin-Manuel Miranda Hamilton. 

As with the Prince Edward, Delfont Mackintosh have also created another social story for the Victoria Palace Theatre to assist autistic visitors. There is also an Access Host on site, dedicated to helping people with access needs upon arrival. 

After visiting the Victoria Palace, blogger Nina Grant claims the theatre listened to her and immediately rectified issues related to accessibility. “After my experience at the Victoria Palace Theatre, they did assure me that things had changed based on my recommendations. From what I’ve heard from other wheelchair using friends who’ve been to see Hamilton since, it seems to have improved.” Nina Grant, Blogger of brainkittens

• Sennheiser Infrared Enhanced Hearing headsets
• Captioned performances
• Audio Described performances
• BSL performances
• Step free side street access
• Accessible Theatres in London’s Off West End

Bridge Theatre

The new venue sits close to the banks of the Thames near the Tower Bridge – hence the name. According the London Theatre, The Bridge is the biggest commercial theatre in the city outside of the West End. It’s the combined expertise of founders Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr, who worked together at the National Theatre. 

Beyond offering accessible performances, Bridge Theatre also targets young people with autism. Their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream invited participants with autism to unravel the timeless tale using sensory games. It also an accessible website, which conforms with W3C accessibility guidelines for level AA compliance. 

• Captioned performances
• Relaxed performances
• Audio Described performances
• Access List for communicating needs
• Street level access
• Wheelchair hire
• Accessible website

Barbican Theatre

The Barbican is one of London’s prominent multidisciplinary arts venues, complete with theatres, cinemas, art galleries, a library, a conservatory and a concert hall. 

The venue is are dedicated to being one of London’s most accessible theatres and performing arts venues. They work alongside Attitude is Everything in the TIcketing Without Barriers Coalition to promote conversation about booking of access requirements. The Barbican’s website has lots of information surrounding accessibility, including guides, maps, facilities, events and membership. There is a video that shows visitors the building, covering accessible entrances, screening and events, parking and more. 

• Infrared hearing loop
• Audio Described performances
• Captioned performances
• BSL performances
• Changing Places toilet (Beech Street Cinema location, other accessible toilets available at the Silk Street Centre)
• Free parking for blue badge-holders
• Audio guides
• Large print guides
• Access maps
• Ramped access from main entrance
• Lift to all levels

Lyric Hammersmith

The Lyric is the largest theatre in West London, which hosts impressive new productions and promotes accessible performances. Its programme is eclectic and exciting, incorporating family-friendly pantomimes, revivals of classics and stunning never-before-seen shows.

 Across the Main House, Studio and Reuben Foundation Wing, the Lyric claims its facilities are fully accessible. The site features a Changing Places toilet and lifts to all sections with voice announcement and Braille signs. The Lyric also hosts workshops and classes to foster creativity of young people, some in collaboration with Action on Disability. 

• BSL performances
• Relaxed performances
• Open Captioned performances
• Audio Described performances
• Sennheiser Infrared Audio Enhancement System
• Changing places toilet
• Touch tours
• Lift access to all areas

Polka Theatre

As a children’s theatre, Polka is a very popular day out for the family. The Guardian describes it as a ‘local and national treasure’, due to its top performances geared to younger audiences. 

The venue is temporarily closed until 2020 to undergo a redevelopment. These changes will include excellent steps for physical accessibility, including automatic front doors, a sensory garden, improved lift access to all floors, a sensory suite, new accessible toilets. It will also allow wheelchair users to access onto the main stage for the first time.

“Central to Polka’s mission is to make live theatre accessible for all children, no matter what their background. Making our venue and work as inclusive as possible is central to that aim. We are excited that the redevelopment of Polka Theatre will enable more children with access requirements to experience and take part in our work.” Lynette Shanbury, Executive Director at Polka

• BSL performances
• BSL integrated performances
• Relaxed performances
• Audio Described performances
• Induction Loop (in Main Theatre and Adventure Theatre)
• Street level access
• Touch tours

Roundhouse

Located in Camden borough, the Roundhouse is a dynamic multidisciplinary theatre with a vibrant programme. The iconic circular venue has hosted events such as the BBC Electric Proms, iTunes Festivals and plenty of experimental theatre productions.

The Roundhouse is also a powerhouse for developing the skills of young people in the community. This welcoming and inclusive focus extends to their stance on accessibility. Though the building is listed and faces some issues, they have made efforts to promote access for all. You can also find lots of information online in their detailed access guide, visual stories and virtual tours.

“The Roundhouse prides itself on being accessible to all. Partnering with Attitude is Everything inspires us to continually review and revise our offer, ensuring we are one of the leading venues with regards to Deaf and disabled access, we’re proud to be a Gold Standard venue.” Tor Evans, Roundhouse

• BSL performances
• Relaxed performances
• Captioned performances
• Audio Described performances
• Street level access
• Hearing Loop system (box office and MADE Bar and Kitchen)
• Sennheiser Hearing Enhancement System (Main Space and Studio Theatre)
• Access list to communicate needs
• Accessible toilets on all floors
• Accessible booking online

Shakespeare’s Globe

Inspired by the original Globe Theatre, this venue has a special place in the world of theatre through its links to the immortal poet, William Shakespeare. Though its programme is full of traditional Shakespeare plays, the Globe shows evidence of the 21st century with experimental adaptations. Visitors can watch tragedies and epic romances with a new perspective, alongside various talks, readings, and family events.

Assisted performances are fundamentally an invitation. At Shakespeare’s Globe we have two radically democratic spaces, but democracies can only function when no person is barred from contributing. In hosting multiple assisted performances all year round, we’re acknowledging that all people, in their wonderful variety, have a right to engage with our plays.” David Bellwood, Access Manager

• BSL performances
• Relaxed performances
• Captioned performances (including individual tablets for captioning in the SW Playhouse)
• Audio Described performances
• Street level access
• Induction Loop system
• Access Scheme to communicate needs
• Touch tours/ familiarisation
• Large print/ high contrast brochures
• Audio introduction to season online

Theatre Royal Stratford East

Bringing accessible theatre to the diverse area of Newham, East London, Theatre Royal Stratford East prides itself in being part of the community. The programme is exciting and fresh, incorporating their in-house shows with touring productions. 

The theatre is part of the Ramps on the Moon consortium, which brings together a collaborative network of six National Portfolio Organisations. Ramps on the Moon aims to achieve a step change in the employment and artistic opportunities for disabled performers and creative teams, and a cultural change in the participating organisations to enable accessibility to become a central part of their thinking and aesthetics.

• BSL performances
• Relaxed performances
• Captioned performances
• Audio Described performances
• Touch tours
• Six wheelchair spaces
• Access mailing list
• Infrared induction loop

Chickenshed

Stemming from a former chicken barn in Barnet, the theatre is one of the most promising accessible performing arts venues in London. It has four performance areas, and programmes theatre, comedy and music shows. 

Chickenshed has many features to promote access, as well as various outreach projects, education courses and working with other organisations. It aims to create outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and positive change.

“Chickenshed is an organisation that is built on a philosophy of inclusion – we believe in the value of every individual, and our vision is of a society that welcomes and values everyone. That idea applies as much to our audiences (both existing and potential) – we want our shows and our building to be open, available and welcoming to everyone.” Kevin Metchear, Head of Communications & Commercial Development at Chickenshed

• Sennheiser Infrared System in main house (for audio boost, induction loop and audio description)
• Portable Infrared System for other spaces
• Captioned performances (using captioning box and/or tablets)
• BSL performances (fully integrated into selected shows)
• Audio Described performances
• Touch Tours
• Pre-show audio notes
• Season brochures and programmes available in alternative formats
• Accessible website

National Theatre

Often regarded as the leading theatre of Britain, National Theatre is one of London’s most prominent. It includes three distinctive theatres; the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman, comprising a blended programme of Shakespeare and other classic works with more contemporary writing.

The National Theatre’s website details access to each of the three theatres, facilities for different disabilities and each type of accessible performance.  Furthermore, AccessAble claim the staff at National Theatre receive disability awareness training too. 

“In addition to our accessible performances, we have recently launched our smart caption glasses for D/deaf, deafened or hard of hearing audiences and ProFile, a video database for D/deaf and disabled actors which industry professionals can use as a casting tool. We hope both of these developments will have a huge impact, not only at the NT, but in the entertainment industry as a whole.” Ros Hayes, Head of Access at National Theatre

• Infrared System 
• Script lending service
• Captioned performances 
• Smart Caption Glasses
• BSL performances
• Audio Described performances
• Touch Tours
• Relaxed performances
• Pre-show audio notes
• Accessible website
• Large print seasonal brochure
• Free cast lists in braille and large print
• Access List

Kiln Theatre & Cinema

Formerly the Tricycle Theatre, The Guardian describes the venue as having a matchless record in exposing justice. It has a reputation for showing theatre that reflects contemporary politics and diverse and underrepresented communities. 

 According to Octavia Foundation, Kiln is among the top ten most accessible venues in West London. Coupled with the refurbishment to improve physical access, Kiln’s Front of House staff also undergo accessibility training. This undoubtedly lends to the venue’s holistic approach to breaking down barriers. 

“Kiln is an accessible building with access to adapted toilets on all three levels. We have added three wheelchair spaces to our theatre auditorium and lowered our box office counter to accommodate all different types and sizes of wheelchairs – we hold these spaces and can even offer tickets to customers in wheelchairs on the door, which is a very rare thing to be able to do.” Nina Primeraki, Marketing and Communications Manager at Kiln Theatre & Cinema

• Relaxed performances
• Captioned performances
• Audio Described performances
• Accessible toilets
• Touch Tours

This article was written by Aminah Barnes and originally published on TickX.  

This video was compiled with the help of the InVideo video maker