Accessibility

Our Building:

Alnwick Playhouse is located in Alnwick town centre.  The building is home to Alnwick Playhouse, Visitor Information and the Alnwick Library.  Brown signs are positioned on the approaches in to Alnwick.

There are several car parks to the rear of the Theatre.  There are limited disabled parking bays in these car parks.  Please read the parking restrictions carefully and note you will need a parking disc to park in some of them.  Parking Discs can be obtained from Visitor Information.

Alnwick Playhouse was built in the 1920s and as with old buildings, this presents challenges in providing full access to everybody.  We have done our utmost to provide the best possible access, however due to the number of levels in the building and limited space, unfortunately some parts remain not fully accessible.

Alnwick Playhouse offers ramped wheelchair access to the front entrance.  There are automatic doors at the front entrance.  Alnwick Playhouse Box Office is to the right as you enter the building and beyond that is the Playhouse Kitchen, Studio Hub, White room, accessible toilet and lift to the auditorium.

There are 2 lifts on ground floor level.  A small single person lift to access the lower floor Library and Studio Hub and a full sized passenger lift to the first floor.  Our auditorium, bar and gallery space are situated on the first floor.

There are also stairs directly up in to the bar to the left of the main entrance.  The first floor bar can only be accessed via stairs/steps. (Please see later section in respect of Wheelchair Users)

The White Room is located on the ground floor level with access for wheelchair users via a Flexstep.

Our Theatre:

Our theatre has a raked auditorium with rows of seating all equipped with grab-rails at the end of every row.  The steps are lit with low level lighting for the duration of the performance.

All seating is usually reserved in the auditorium so if you prefer an aisle seat to allow you to leave the theatre during the performance if necessary, let our box office staff know at the time of booking.  You can also choose an aisle seat if one is available when you book online.  Please feel free to bring a cushion or back support with you if required.

Front of House Volunteers can provide some support to patrons with mobility requirements but patrons are advised to discuss specific requirements with Box Office at the time of booking.  Volunteers and staff cannot transfer patrons between wheelchairs and fixed seating.

Walking aids (with the exception of walking sticks) must be stored outside the auditorium for the duration of the performance and patrons will be assisted by Front of House Volunteers with this.  Patrons may sit with their walking aid only if they book a disabled/access seat.

Guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, please remember to book an aisle seat.

Our first floor gallery space has full disabled access via the lift.

A level area has been created within the auditorium for wheelchair users.  There are three dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.  It is possible to purchase companion seats next to a wheelchair seat.  Unfortunately, at this time, we lack funding to be able to offer free seats for companions.

The Playhouse Kitchen

The cafe has ramped access from the street level through the main entrance.  On the ground floor there is flat access throughout the café and to the accessible toilet.  There are wheelchair accessible tables in the café booking in advance is advisable.

Our Bar

Our bar is accessed directly via stairs at the main building entrance.  The spiral staircase in the foyer or the lift will take you to the first floor/gallery space and there are then several steps down in to the bar.

There is no wheelchair access to the bar, however we have created wheelchair friendly tables in the ground floor foyer area where drinks and snacks may be served.  This is accessed via the lift.  These tables may be reserved for interval drinks and snacks.  Please enquire at Box Office at the time of booking.

Alternatively, we are also happy to bring refreshments to you during the interval in the Gallery Space outside the auditorium.  Please let the Front of House staff or volunteers know what you would like before the start of the show/at the time of booking.

Our Studio Hub:

All seating is usually reserved in the auditorium so if you prefer an aisle seat to allow you to leave the theatre during the performance if necessary, let our box office staff know at the time of booking.  You can also choose an aisle seat if one is available when you book online.  Please feel free to bring a cushion or back support with you if required.  The front row of studio seating (Row A) is level access with additional rows equipped with a continuous rail at by the steps.  Access to the studio is via a small single person lift or steps.  There are no separate accessible toilet facilities in the studio.

Our Brochure in Different Formats

If you require a large print brochure to be sent to you, we can provide a black and white/colour photocopy.

Patrons with disabilities/access needs and our booking process:

If you wish to book an access seat it is advisable to please call in advance and speak to a Box Office member of staff.  If you wish to be able to book your own access seat on-line please contact Box Office who will be able to arrange this for you.

Accessible toilet facilities:

An accessible toilet is available on the ground floor next to the lift.

There are general toilet facilities on the ground floor past the studio and on the first floor in the bar.  These are both accessed via steps.

Baby changing facilities and breastfeeding:

Baby changing facilities are available on the ground floor next to the main passenger lift (in the accessible toilet).

Carers:

Unfortunately, at this time, we lack funding to be able to offer free seats to carers. Carers tickets are offered on most shows at a 50% discount upon proof of eligibility (CEA Card or similar, documentation of your support requirements etc)

Assistance Dogs:

Assistance dogs are welcome, but please let us know when you book so that we can allocate appropriate seats for you and tell you about any special effects that might affect your dog’s comfort.

Facilities for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Patrons:

Our theatre has recently been equipped with an infrared hearing assistance system.  A personal induction loop which is worn round the neck is provided for you and this connects with the T button on your hearing aid(s).  If your hearing aid has no T button then the personal neck-loop will connect to headphones, either your own or ones that we can provide.

Our Box Office and Studio Hub are each equipped with an induction loop system which work for you if you have your T button switched on.

The Bar and the White Room have portable systems which work in the same way.

Please ensure we know of your needs before your visit so that the best help can be given.

Facilities for visually impaired patrons:

Staff and volunteers have received deaf awareness training.  Please notify box office at the time of booking if you require sight guided assistance in our venue.

Accessible Programme:

Subtitled film and BSL interpreted performances

We occasionally offer subtitled film and BSL interpreted performances.  Please see the programme for details.

Audio described performances

Our sound enhancement system is also used for selected audio described film and live performances.  Please see programme for details.  These will be marked AD.  When a show is Audio Described, we may be offering a Touch Tour an hour before the performance. These are free of charge and last no longer than half an hour. Please enquire at the box office when you book your tickets.

Relaxed Performances – these films and performances may be of benefit to people with dementia, autism, learning difficulties or sensory communication disorders

We occasionally offer relaxed performances whereby:

– lighting is left on low

– sound turned down

– the freedom to move in and out of the auditorium is offered to all patrons

– quiet spaces available

– if the event is a live performance, TV relay of performance will be shown in the bar area. Please note this is not available for film

These screenings are open to anyone who feel they may benefit from a more relaxed screening and reduced sensory stress.  Please see the programme for details.

In support of the Equality Act 2010 customers with learning disabilities who use expressive or receptive language techniques will not be asked to leave a performance due to any behaviour that is a direct result of their disability.  Staff will offer and provide support where possible, and a break out space will be made available should this be required.

Familiarisation Visits

If you have not been to the theatre before, we will be happy to arrange for you to come to have a look around to get your bearings when it is not too busy.  Please call Box Office to arrange a suitable date and time.  Please note we may not be able to support a visit on the day of the performance, so do call with as much notice as possible.  If you would prefer to go into the auditorium just before the rest of the audience, or when everyone else is seated, please let the Front of House staff know when you arrive at the theatre.

Ready, Steady, Go booklets are available on request.  These booklets provide information and images about our theatre and may help someone create a visual understanding of what to expect.  You can find this booklet on our website.

Alternatively please contact the Box Office who will arrange for you to receive a copy.

Bring in Baby Screenings

We occasionally present screenings tailored specifically for new parents and carers with babies! The films will be on the gentle end of the spectrum as we’re only allowed by law to show films with a U, PG or 12A certificate. We’ll keep the lights on slightly higher and the sound slightly lower than usual for you and your baby’s comfort.

Do you need any further assistance?

Please inform the box office if you have any special requirements, or if there is anything we can do to make your visit easier.

Alnwick Playhouse seeks to make every effort to make our venue as accessible as possible for all people.

We welcome your feedback and encourage you to put any concerns or suggestions to us in writing by emailing info@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk