Requesting Access Tickets
Phone Lines: 0343 310 0033
Open from 10:00am - 17:00pm, Mon - Sat.
When our box office is closed you can request access tickets using our online form.
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Accessibility information for Orchard West is coming soon
While construction of the state-of-the-art venue is underway, we are finalising the details around the venue's accessibility.
The Orchard Theatre
There is an access ramp via the right of the entrance, that brings you onto the same level as the stalls, lower bar and disabled toilet, which is operated by a radar key. All of our stairs have handrails except those in the auditorium. Please note the Orchard Theatre does not have any lifts. Wheelchair users are accommodated in six spaces, three each side of the front stalls. Additional seating is provided next to these spaces for a personal assistant.
The theatre has a limited number of disabled parking bays, which can be booked on a first come first serve basis for blue badge holders through our Ticket Office.
In addition to the on-site bays, there are five public disabled parking spaces in Suffolk Road to the right of the clock-tower and further spaces are available in the town centre and on the lower level of the Orchards Shopping Centre Car Park.
BSL Sign Language Interpreted Performances (SLIP)
An interpreter will stand in a visible position and interpret the spoken and heard elements of a performance. A seat space can be made available for the use of guide/assistance dogs.
The theatre has installed two hearing aid systems, infra-red audio enhancement system, and an induction loop system.
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances are adapted in a number of ways to reduce anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere, including adjusting light and sound levels, and demonstrating an embracing attitude towards audience noise and movement in the auditorium. Relaxed performances could provide an opportunity for people with autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities or other sensory and communication needs to access theatre in a relaxed environment.
Relaxed Atmosphere
These are perfect for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. These performances allow for noise and movement in the auditorium, re-entry when needed and a chill-out space for patrons who may need time away from the performance.
A Relaxed Atmosphere performance is perfect for anyone who benefits from being able to make a noise, leave and return to their seat or access the toilets during the performance. This would include customers with dementia, anxiety, Tourette’s, bowel and bladder conditions, an autism spectrum condition, or a learning disability.
Relaxed Atmosphere performances have no adjustments made to the performance. They are not suitable for customers with sensory sensitivities.
Audio Described Performances
Audio description is a verbal commentary that tells theatre-goers what is happening on the stage during the parts of the performance where there is no dialogue (i.e. during fight scenes). The description does not interfere with the performance but fills in the gaps, describing facial expressions, costume, scenery and action sequences so that anyone can follow the plot fully and independently. Furthermore on the day a touch tour takes place prior to the show and gives those people who will be listening to the audio description a chance to explore the set, costumes and sometimes, meet some of the actors.
Hearing Loop
We also have a hearing loop system (sometimes called an audio induction loop), which is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to ‘T’ (Telecoil) setting. The hearing loop consists of a microphone to pick up the spoken word; an amplifier which processes the signal which is then sent through the final piece; the loop cable, a wire placed around the perimeter of a specific area i.e. a meeting room, a church, a service counter etc to act as an antenna that radiates the magnetic signal to the hearing aid.
Captioned Performance
Provided by www.stagetext.org
Visual Story
Our Visual Story has helped numerous children and adults who experience Autistic spectrum disorders. It breaks down the experience of visiting the theatre into small steps using words and pictures.
Download a copy of The Orchard Social Story
At the time of booking, if you have any access requirements or questions please contact our Ticket Office on 0343 310 0033.
Download The Orchard Theatre's Disability Access Policy
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