Audio description improves access for visually impaired theatregoers by providing a live verbal commentary on the visual elements of a production broadcast through a headset.
There is an optional touch tour available before each in-person audio described performance.
Watch one of our Audio Describers talking about our touch tours.
At BSL interpreted performances an interpreter uses sign language to communicate what is spoken or sung on stage.
The interpreter will be stood on a podium to one side of the stage. If you are booking to have the best view of the interpreter, look for the BSL icon on stalls seats on the seating plan.
At in-person captioned performances the actors’ speech and song lyrics are displayed on units at the side of the stage, for anyone who would like to read along. Whilst no changes are made to the performance itself, the captions may be visible.
If you are booking to see the captions, the best view of the captioning units can be found in the Dress Circle, though this may vary depending on the production. Please sign up to our Access Membership and select Captioned Performance mailings to be notified of any changes to the caption unit position.
Relaxed Performances are specially adapted performances for those who benefit from a more relaxed environment whilst in the theatre.
What is a relaxed performance?
- You can make noise during the show
- If you sit in the Stalls, Dress Circle or Baylis Circle then you may come and go from the auditorium as you please
- If you’d like a break from the show there will be several chill out areas in the foyer.
- There will be ambient lighting in the auditorium throughout the show
Our rate for Access Members is £22-£25 for A Christmas Carol, Oedipus and The Brightening Air.
A companion ticket is the same price.
Sign up to be an Access Member to book online. Let us know if you require a particular seat.
Alternatively, please contact 0344 871 7628 or email access@oldvictheatre.com. To ensure the best choice of seats, we advise you to book in advance.
To book tickets you can either book online, via our Access Membership or use Text Relay, which is a free service (you only pay for the cost of the call to the venue) on 18001 0344 871 7628 (text phone users). For further details please log onto Text Relay.
The auditorium is fitted with a Sennheiser Infrared System. Two types of hearing device are available: headsets for people who don’t use hearing aids but would like amplified sound; or neck loops for use with a hearing aid by switching it to the ‘T’ setting. If you have a digital hearing aid, please ensure that the ‘T’ setting is available. Headsets should be collected from the cloakroom in the main foyer before the performance. Please inform the Box Office when booking if you’d like to make use of the system so we can advise on where best to sit.
In the Penny bar and cafe on the basement level there are two toilet blocks. A toilet block of eleven cubicles only which includes one baby change and one ambulant toilet; and a separate toilet block of seven urinals with two cubicles, one of which is an ambulant toilet. There is also a separate wheelchair accessible toilet and a separate gender neutral toilet with an enclosed sink.
On the Baylis Circle level on the 3rd floor there are two toilet blocks. A toilet block of twelve cubicles only which includes one baby change and one ambulant toilet; and a separate toilet block of eight urinals, with one cubicle that is also a baby change.
There is another wheelchair accessible toilet within the auditorium itself available for those seeing a show.
We have two entrances: one is on The Cut running directly in front of the theatre and the other is on Waterloo Road – this entrance is wheelchair accessible with lift access to the Box Office, the inner foyer and Penny bar and cafe on the basement level.
The Stalls are wheelchair accessible and can be entered from the inner foyer near to the Box Office.
You can book wheelchair spaces online, login or sign up as an Access Member.
Stalls
Approximately 47cm from the edge of the seat to the back of the row in front (leg room). Seat width is 43cm arm rest to arm rest.
Dress Circle and Baylis Circle
Leg room ranges from 20cm–35cm. Seat width is 43cm arm rest to arm rest.
You can contact us by email access@oldvictheatre.com or call 0344 871 7628.
