Access Services & Facilities
Here at the Theatre, we have a range of services and facilities available to make the arts more accessible to everyone.
Your Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House understands how vital the arts are to the well-being of everyone in society. That's why we are dedicated to providing top quality, accessible services and facilities to ensure everyone can have the best possible experience at the Theatre. From alternative format marketing materials, to a new accessible website and continued investment in the accessibility of the venue, the Theatre endeavours to put accessibility at the forefront of everything that we do.
We are committed to continually improving the standard of access throughout the building and in our practise, the Theatre regularly engages its Disability Advisory group to gather feedback and would love to hear from audience members who use the access services to better serve you.
Services & Facilities
Captioned Performances
Shows that are captioned feature the actors' spoken word converted into text on screens during the performance. The screens will also display on-stage sound effects and offstage noises. These performances assist individuals who are hearing impaired and those who do not have English as a first language.
Signed Performances
Signed performances have a trained interpreter standing on stage, interpreting the script and language used by the performers for individuals who are deaf and use sign as their first language. Please note all signed performances are in BSL (British Sign Language).
Relaxed Performances
A relaxed performance provides a welcoming, inclusive environment with adjusted sensory elements, helpful for people who require a more relaxed environment at the theatre. Typically, this includes adults or children with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication disorders.
Audio Described Performances
Audio-described performances provide a live narration that describes the visual elements of the production, enabling visually impaired audiences to access and enjoy the show. The audio description is listened to through a headset that can be obtained from box office.
Hidden Disability Signage
The Grand Opera House appreciates that not all disabilities are visible and displays signage outside all accessible bathrooms to ensure all customers are treated equally in their right to access facilities.
Loop System
Use of both hard-wired or infrared loops (via the use of a neck loop) is available in the auditorium for customers who use a hearing aid. The infra-red loop is also suitable for those customers who are deafened or hard of hearing. Read more about Hearing Loops.
Accessible Performances
The Grand Opera House programme regularly features a range of accessible performances including signed, captioned, audio described and relaxed formats. Find out about upcoming accessible performances below.
find out moreAccess For All Scheme
Join today to access a range of services and help us provide the best possible service, tailored to your needs.
find out moreBooking Tickets
Contact the box office team for advice on wheelchair positions and other access requirements. There is also a handy online guide to using our online booking system which you can access below.
Social Story
If you are coming to the Grand Opera House and would like to know what to expect ahead of your visit, you can read our social story which will give you an understanding of the Theatre’s layout and things you might encounter on your visit.
Hearing Loops
The Grand Opera House welcomes customers who require the use of either the hard-wired or the infrared loop via the use of a neck loop, to enhance their experience at the Theatre.
To make the most of these facilities, customers should switch their hearing aid to the T position.
It is important to ensure that the telecoil (loop) on your hearing aid has been activated. A telecoil is not always automatically switched on, but can be activated on request by your audiologist. Please be advised that some hearing aids may not have a telecoil - your audiologist can advise you of this.
Infra-red headsets are also available for those who are deafened or hard of hearing. This will enhance the volume of the performance on stage.