Accessibility

Getting here and getting in

Our main entrance has level access and is wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users. There is no automatic door opening system at the front entrance, but staff are always on hand to help. 

There is 150cm of clear space behind the front door when fully opened, providing wheelchair turning space.

There is space to queue outside the building, and bench seating in the foyer. There is currently no seating outside the venue. 

The main welcome counter is 86cm high. Tickets, drinks (except draft beer), and merchandise are available at the welcome counter.

Getting around inside

The theatre space is on the ground floor and fully accessible from the entrance. Double doors lead from the foyer into the theatre. These do not open automatically. There is a bar and teaching room upstairs. 

The accessible toilet is located on the ground floor and can be accessed either through the theatre space, or by exiting the front entrance, travelling approximately 2 metres, and entering via a flat Emergency Exit door.

Access to the accessible toilet may require staff assistance depending on which route is in use.

The entrance, theatre entrance, and corridor outside the accessible toilet provide 150cm turning space for wheelchair users.

All walkways meet fire safety width requirements.

There is currently no separate ground‑floor changing space for performers or students who cannot access the upstairs areas, other than the accessible toilet.

Outdoor space is available during intervals but is public.

Steps and level changes

The staircase to the upstairs bar and teaching room has 29 steps across multiple flights, with platforms (122cm x 122cm) and 90-degree turns at each level. All steps are approximately 120cm wide, with a tread depth of 27cm. Handrails are provided on both sides throughout.

In the theatre, the performance area is at floor level, with a slightly raised edge of approximately 10–12mm.

Three rows of audience seating are at level access. Other seating areas require navigating one to three steps; one of these sections has railings alongside.

Seating

Theatre seating 

Theatre seating is on shared padded benches. There are two wheelchair user spaces, created by removing a bench – this is a quick removal system. Both spaces are near the accessible toilet entrance, and a companion seat can be placed alongside these as required.

Three rows of seating are at level access. Other seating areas require navigating one to three steps, one of which has railings alongside.

Bar & Teaching Room Seating

The bar has a mix of high stool, low stool, and chair options. Two of the chairs are armchairs.

Teaching room seating arrangements are still under discussion.

Lighting

The entrance, upstairs bar, and teaching room have adjustable lighting with both bright and relaxed settings. The theatre uses LED strip lighting as working lights, rather than fluorescent lighting. 

House lighting is festoon lights, on a preset state. Audience seating is illuminated. Lighting is lower than normal room lighting, as is standard in a theatre.

Heating and ventilation

The building has adjustable heating and air conditioning, with fresh air circulated throughout the venue. The space tends to run cool due to its location.

Water & refreshments

There are bars on both floors of the building. The upstairs bar has a free-access water tap.

The accessible toilet

There is one wheelchair-accessible toilet on the ground floor. It can be reached either through the theatre space, or via a flat emergency exit approximately 2 metres from the main entrance. The corridor leading to the toilet is approximately 150cm wide. Access may require staff assistance depending on which route is in use.

The toilet has grab rails at the toilet, sink, and door, and an emergency alarm cord. There is currently limited counter or shelf space. There is a bin for disposing of hazardous or sanitary waste.

There is no Changing Places toilet in the building. The nearest Changing Places toilets are at the Imperial War Museum (approximately 16 minutes’ walk, open until 6pm) and Royal Festival Hall (approximately 19 minutes’ walk, open until 11pm).

Questions?

If you have any questions about access before your visit, please get in touch at hello@thefreeassociation.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help.