Access Theatre

2008 Assisted Performances

Accessibility is a growing concern in London theatres, most newer theatres have good access for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users while some older theatres are restricted on improving access arrangements because of their listed building status. With more theatres changing to become accessible and welcoming to all, Show and Stay® keep you up to date and well informed on the facilities offered by the different venues along with details on assisted performances.

Access and Facilities

The majority of London theatres have access for wheelchair users and many allow guide dogs, those that don't allow them in the auditorium itself are willing to look after the dogs during the performance with prior arrangements. Most London theatres are also equipped with Loop or Infrared Sound Amplification systems, usually in the aisle seats for those audience members that are hard of hearing.

Loop Sound Systems...
Loop sound systems use an induction loop that goes around the listening area, usually the aisle seats. A loop amplifier powers the cable after receiving it's connection from a microphone placed in front of the sound source, the current fed through the loop produces a magnetic field that matches the sound. The magnetic current can be picked up by a hearing aid that is switched to the 'T' setting and volume can be adjusted in the normal way.

Infrared Systems...
An infrared system works in a similar way to the loop sound system, but uses a transmitter and a listening receiver. Sound is fed to the transmitter as with the loop system then transmitted to the receiver as invisible infrared light.

For full details on a theatres facilities check our theatre pages or contact them directly. When booking your tickets please state if you require a seat near the sound loop or wheelchair access.

Assisted Performances

Many London theatres offer Assisted Performances at a selection of top West End shows catering to theatre goers that may find it difficult to hear or see the detail that is taking place on stage, so that none of the quality of the shows are lost. Show and Stay bring you an easy to follow guide to the type of Assisted Performances on offer along with listings of the West End shows that we offer that feature assisted performances.

Audio Description...
Audio Description allows the blind or partially sighted to fully enjoy theatre with a live commentary. The live verbal commentary is delivered around the dialogue and via a discreet headset and describes all the action that is taking place on stage along with other elements such as facial expressions, body language, visual jokes, sets, costumes and anything else that may otherwise be missed so that the play can be enjoyed to its utmost.

Captioning...
Captioning works in a way very similar to subtitles and provides a way for the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing to follow all the dialogue and sounds of a show. By using captioning, words and speakers' names, sound effects and offstage noises are displayed on screens close to the stage or in the set. All the scripts for captioning are prepared in advance by a trained captioner so that they are delivered in real time and in keeping with the flow and rhythm of the show.

Language Interpreted Performances...
Signed performances are aimed at the deaf and hard of hearing and have become a regular feature in London theatres. During Sign Language Interpreted Performances an interpreter will stand in a clearly visible position and interpret the spoken and heard parts of the show.

Upcoming Assisted Performances 2008

April May June July August
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Please note for groups of 10 rooms or more than 20 people contact us on 0871 360 1042 or complete our online group booking form