Access
We are committed to making theatre as accessible as possible. In this page we list all services we currently offer for customers with access requirements but we are constantly looking at ways we can improve. If you have any suggestions about how we can add to these services, please email generalmanager@birmingham-rep.co.uk.
If you have access requirements (or book on behalf of someone who does), you may wish to join our Access Register. The Access Register gives you access to information in appropriate formats (e.g. large print brochures) and ensures that you have access to the best possible seats (e.g. the seats with the best view of the closed captions.) To join call our box office on 0121 236 4455.
Guide dogs and other assistance animals are welcome throughout the theatre and can be taken into the auditorium or left with a member of staff during the performance.
So that we can provide the best possible service, please mention that you have an assistance dog when making your booking.
Our Audio Described Performances use live narrators to describe the action on stage, interspersed between actors' dialogue. You will need to pre-book your headset through BoxOffice and then collect it at the venue for a returnable deposit. Alternatively, you can access the audio description via a smart phone and headphones by downloading the MobileConnect app and logging on to the MobileConnect wi-fi network. Customers wishing to enjoy an Audio Described Performance should be in their seats 15 minutes before the performance begins in order to hear the full description of the set and costumes. This is also made available online before the show.
At every performance where Audio Description is provided, there is a pre-show Touch Tour 90 minutes before the performance. Touch Tours give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the set and costumes before the show and sometimes even to meet the performers. Touch tours are free, but places are limited so advanced booking is essential.
Large print versions of our brochure and other marketing materials are available. We also have an audio version of our brochure that is available as a CD or online. To ensure you receive content in the most appropriate format, we recommend that you join our Access Register.
After a fundraising appeal, we are upgrading our old hearing induction loop. An up-to-date Hearing Assistance system will now be available in all three of our auditoria. We would like to thank all the generous donors who made this upgrade possible.
All of our counters are fitted with hearing loops and several members of our Front Of House team speak British Sign Language.
Many of our shows will have BSL Interpreted performances. The interpreter is typically situated on the right hand side as you face the stage. The seats with the best view of the signer are reserved for members of our Access Register, so please specify that you are booking for the BSL performance when you contact the Box Office.
During a Captioned Performance, the actors' words appear as visible text on screens at the same time as they are spoken. The seats with the best view of the screens are reserved for members of our Access Register, so please specify that you are booking for the captioned performance when you contact the Box Office.
Wheelchair seating is available in all our auditoria.
All our auditoria are accessible from the ground floor as are our box office, cloakroom and shop. The introduction of new lifts during our recent refurbishment means that step-free access is now available for more of our building than ever before! Lift access is available for our restaurant and conference spaces, all levels of our main auditorium, our meeting rooms and rehearsal rooms. Step-free backstage tours are available, but please mention your access requirements when booking so that we can plan our route accordingly.
Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor and mezzanine levels of the foyer.
There are two drop-off bays on Cambridge Street for the use of theatre-goers with access requirements. Blue badge parking is available at the Brindley Drive car park at the rear of the theatre.
Complimentary tickets for an assisting companion can be booked by disabled customers who require support. Disabled customers are eligible for concessionary priced tickets where available
You can join The REP's Access Register by signing up for an online account or changing the preferences of your existing account. Being a member of our Access Register gives you access to information in appropriate formats (e.g. large print brochures) and ensures that you have access to the best possible seats (e.g. the seats with the best view of the closed captions.) You can also join the access register by phone.
If you have access requirements not covered above, please contact us on access@birmingham-rep.co.uk or by calling 0121 236 4455 (Typetalk – 18001 0121 235 4455) and let us know how we can accommodate you.
If you have suggestions for how The REP can improve our access provision and are interested in joining our customer advisory group, please email generalmanager@birmingham-rep.co.uk. We'd love to hear from you!
