Access Leeds Theatre

To find out more about how West Yorkshire Playhouse aims to provide a Welcome that's available to everyone download Open to Everyone, in pdf or word format, created in association with Mind the Gap theatre company.

If you or anyone in your party has mobility difficulties, hearing or visual difficulties, vertigo or claustrophobia or will be accompanied by Hearing or Guide Dog, please let the Box Office know and they will try to advise you on seating.

Leeds Grand Theatre
Leeds Grand Theatre opened in November 1878 with a performance of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' and has continued to entertain audiences ever since.  The theatre now offers the very best touring productions, including performances from the National Theatre and our resident companies Opera North and Northern Ballet.

Leeds Grand Theatre has lift access to most of the auditorium (excluding the Upper Balcony) from the foyer and a wheelchair access lift to the foyer from the Box Office.  The theatre has 13 spaces for wheelchair users across three seating levels; 6 in Stalls, 4 in Dress Circle, and 3 in Upper Circle.  Accessible toilets are located in Stalls and Dress Circle.

An infra-red system is in operation in the auditorium for deaf and hearing impaired patrons.  Head sets are available from the Kiosk in the main foyer for a £5 refundable deposit.  Please contact Box Office for information on the best seats for this facility.
Guide Dogs are welcome and a bowl of water can be provided on request.

Opera North 
Opera North is breathing new life into the Arts in the North of England, inspiring audiences, engaging communities and challenging preconceptions. We produce a busy programme of main stage productions, but also strive to create opportunities for everyone to engage with the arts. Through our work and performances we strive to reflect and engage community life in the North whilst contributing unique, vital and truly original material to the world of opera.

In Autumn 2012, selected performances of Janáček'sThe Makropulos Case will be audio-described (by Vocaleyes including a free touch tour). Find out more about The Makropulos Case here.   

Northern Ballet
Northern Ballet is theUK's leading narrative ballet company, touring extensively throughout theUKand internationally. It is unique in bringing together stunning classical dance, vivid, exciting theatre and live music to create productions based on well-known stories. Northern Ballet is an accessible ballet company and we have paved the way in creating opportunities for visually impaired audiences to engage with world class entertainment.

The Company provides an ideal introduction for first time ballet visitors.  Our unique Access Day enables visually impaired patrons to enjoy a full range of activities that enhance the enjoyment and understanding of ballet.  The day consists of a touch tour on stage to feel the set, props and costumes, a workshop introducing movements from the production assisted by Company dancers, and an audio described performance.

Following the touch tour, visually impaired patrons take part in a workshop designed to let them meet the dancers, be creative and have fun exploring the shapes and quality of the movement to gain a greater understanding of the production.  There is no need to be an experienced dancer - participants can enjoy the workshop from the comfort of their chair or can partner up with one of our dancers and be guided through steps from the ballet.  We use teaching methods designed with visually impaired people, ensuring that the workshop is accessible to all. 

The performance, audio described by Vocaleyes, enables visually impaired patrons to enjoy the story of the ballet and the emotion and quality of the movement accompanied by music played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.  

The Carriageworks
The Carriageworks is a forward-thinking venue that nurtures theatre-makers and develops the audience for live performance in Leeds andYorkshire. Situated in the Electric Press building, at the heart of Millennium Square , the theatre showcases the best national and international touring productions, and has quickly established itself as a key destination for audiences looking for an entertaining, inspiring and adventurous night out.

The Carriageworks has a full access policy and its  front of house staff will help make your visit as enjoyable as possible. If you need to make specific arrangements prior to your visit please contact us on 0113 247 4746. All our floors are wheelchair accessible and have disabled toilets.  Guide Dogs are welcome and bowls of water supplied.

A hearing loop is available for both performance spaces. Please enquire at the Box Office when you arrive at the venue. A £5 returnable deposit is required.

There are also several disabled parking spaces on Cookridge Street, just around the corner from the entrance to The Carriageworks.

For more information on access in theatre please visit:

www.see-a-voice.org.uk

For more information on captioning please visit:
www.stagetext.org 

For more information on audio description please visit:
www.vocaleyes.co.uk

For accessible theatre in London visit: 
http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/access/

For accessible theatre in Scotland visit: 
http://www.scottishtheatres.com/accessguide.php

Access Leeds Theatre webpage created in partnership with: