Spring/Summer 2023 Accessible Performances birminghamhippodrome.com/access T RP
At present, I have the pleasure and privilege of chairing the Birmingham Hippodrome Access Forum, and on behalf of everyone at the theatre, we hope you find this latest brochure both interesting and helpful. Please do take advantage of an accessible performance on offer to enhance your enjoyment of a visit to the theatre.
There is a genuine commitment on the part of everyone working at the Hippodrome to ensure that each and every patron gets the most out of their experience. Whether that’s an audio described, captioned, BSL Interpreted or Relaxed Performance – we really want you, or a friend or relative, to have a more fulfilling experience.
If you have direct experience of our accessible performances, you may be interested in joining our Access Forum, which meets quarterly. If you are interested in finding out more about the important work of this group, or just have some feedback for us on your experience, please get in touch by emailing us at hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com
We look forward to welcoming you to future accessible performances.
Vidar Hjardeng, MBE. Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Access Forum
Welcome
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Front Cover: The Lion King, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical, Winnie the Pooh and Sonia Sabri Company - Roshni
Accessible Performances
Audio Described Performances
Listen to a live description of the visual elements of a production with a discreet headset.
We have a limited number of headsets so please reserve yours when booking tickets to ensure you get one on the day.
TTouch Tours
For audio described performances, we usually offer a Touch Tour before the show. Familiarise yourself with the set, props and costumes beforehand.
Depending on the production, we can’t always guarantee stage access. Times for Touch Tours are confirmed 2-3 weeks in advance and must be booked before the day.
BSL Interpreted Performances
An interpreter communicates the script and sounds of the show using gestures, facial expression and body language.
Productions are interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL), the most common form of sign language used in the UK. We will always try and make sure you are seated near the signer on stage.
Captioned Performances
Similar to television subtitling, watch the script unfold on a display board at the same time as lines are sung and spoken.
We will allocate you seats suitable for seeing the captions.
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Relaxed Performances
Our Relaxed Performances are open to all, but created for people with specific needs who may find the theatre challenging.
This includes people on the Autism spectrum, with a learning disability or with sensory and communication needs.
We encourage and create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and able to react to a show as they wish. We sell fewer seats, which means more room for wheelchairs and more space and comfort.
Auditorium doors remain open throughout the performance to enable attendees freedom of movement. Certain aspects of staging are also adapted to suit the audience. The script may be simpler, bright lights and loud noises reduced, and house lights raised so the auditorium is not completely dark.
We also have calm spaces on every foyer level for our Main House Relaxed performances and use our conference spaces for our Patrick Studio Relaxed Performances.
A visual story board is provided in the pre-visit email and also available on site to those wanting further assistance with the narrative.
For further information, please contact hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com
Relaxed Performances are usually available to book online.
possible, please book by phone on 0121 689 1060 or at our counter and we can make sure you or your friend/family member gets the best seats in the house for your needs.
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Accessible Facilities
Access Assistance Point
This area, which is located inside the entrance near the main doors, is staffed by a dedicated and specially trained Visitor Service Assistant. They welcome our guests and can provide any advice or assistance required. There are scribble pads for staff to communicate with customers if required. There are also resources and equipment available to borrow from this desk such as Hearing Assistance Headsets, Audio Description Headsets (available for AD Performances only), noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys, light reducing glasses, and pre-booked wheelchairs. They can also issue one of our Access Lanyards which highlights to staff that the customer has additional access needs for which they may need assistance during their visit.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are very welcome in all areas of the theatre, including inside the auditorium. If you prefer, our staff can also look after them during performances. Please book your dog in with Ticket Sales in advance of your visit. Our team will also try and make sure you are assigned the most appropriate seat, for instance next to an exit.
Hearing Assisted Facilities
If you’d like a receiver for our infrared amplification system, just ask at our Access Assistance Point.
It’s always best to book accessible performances by phoning our Access line on 0121 689 1060 or sending an email to hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com
That way we can make sure you or your friend/family member gets the best seats in the house for your needs.
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Wheelchair and Mobility Facilities
The closest and most accessible car park for wheelchair users and patrons with impaired mobility is the Arcadian Centre Car Park which has specially allocated bays with easy access to street level and is only about 150 yards to our entrance. Another nearby car park is the Gallan Car Park which is directly opposite our Thorp Street entrance and provides easy access to the theatre. Please note, they both can become very busy and full at times. Limited on-street disabled parking is also available on Hurst Street and Thorp Street. We recommend dropping off at Inge Street.
New Street and Moor Street stations are 10 and 15 minutes away.
Automatic doors and lifts are available for wheelchair users and we have wheelchair positions both in our main auditorium and Patrick Studio. Please book these spaces in advance. Transfer seats can be booked online when selecting seats or via the access line 0121 689 1060. It is is a specially designed chair that allows audiences who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters to transfer from the wheelchair or mobility scooter to the theatre seat, and vice versa.
We have accessible unisex and ambulant disabled toilets on all levels, plus low-level counter service.
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£Discounts and Concessions
We offer concessions for people with access requirements. These vary from show to show.
It’s always best to contact our Access line 0121 689 1060 or email hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com when booking accessible performances to make sure we can get you or your friend/family member the best seats and prices.
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Accessible Performances
Welsh National OperaThe Magic Flute
Touch Tour
Fri 5 May, 5.45pm
Audio Described Performance
Fri 5 May, 7.15pm
Rambert Dance in
Peaky Blinders
BSL Interpreted Performance
Thu 25 May, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Sat 27 May, 2.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 27 May, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 27 May, 2.30 pm .............................................................................................................................
Birmingham Royal BalletApollo I Interlinked I ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café
Touch Tour
Sat 10 Jun, 12.30 pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 10 Jun, 2.30 pm
Winnie the Pooh
Relaxed Performance
Fri 16 Jun, 10.30 am
Disney’s The Lion King
Relaxed Performance
Tue 18 Jul, 1.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 20 Jul, 7.30 pm & Thu 7 Sep, 7.30 pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 26 Jul, 7.30 pm & Wed 6 Sep, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Wed 16 Aug & Sun 10 Sep, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Wed 16 Aug, 2pm & Sun 10 Sep, 2.30 pm
Birmingham Royal BalletBlack Sabbath - The Ballet
Audio Described Performance
Sun 24 Sep, 1pm
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 11 Oct, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 12 Oct, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 14 Oct, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 14 Oct, 2.30 pm
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Charlie and
the Chocolate Factory
Captioned Performance
Thu 19 Oct, 7pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 25 Oct, 7pm
Touch Tour
Sat 28 Oct, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 28 Oct, 2pm
Welsh National Opera -
La traviata
Touch Tour
Thu 9 Nov, 6 pm
Audio Described Performance
Thu 9 Nov, 7.30 pm
Birmingham Royal BalletThe Nutcracker
Touch Tour
Sat 25 Nov, 12.30 pm, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 25 Nov, 2.30 pm
Dear Santa
Relaxed Performance
Wed 13 Dec, 1.15pm & Thu 14 Dec, 10.15am
Jack and the Beanstalk
BSL Interpreted Performance
Sun 7 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm
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Touch Tour
Wed 10 Jan & Sat 13 Jan, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Wed 10 Jan, 2pm & Sat 13 Jan 2.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Sun 14 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm
Relaxed Performance
Wed 24 Jan, 12 noon
Edward Scissorhands
Audio Described Performance
Sat 10 Feb, 2.30 pm
Life of Pi
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 14 Feb, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 15 Feb, 7.30 pm
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Touch Tour
Sat 17 Feb, tbc
Audio Described Performance Sat 17 Feb, 2.30 pm
Birmingham Royal Ballet -
The Sleeping Beauty
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Touch Tour Sat 24 Feb, 12.30 pm, tbc
Audio Described Performance Sat 24 Feb, 2pm
Wicked
Captioned Performance
Thu 14 Mar, 7.30 pm
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BSL Interpreted Performance
Sat 16 Mar, 2.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 16 Mar, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 16 Mar, 2.30 pm
The Drifters Girl
Captioned Performance
Wed 17 Apr, 7.30 pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Thu 18 Apr, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 20 Apr, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 20 Apr, 2.30 pm
thank you
We are grateful to our generous supporters who help to make these programmes possible. Birmingham Bodenham Trust, Darwin Escapes, The Eveson Charitable Trust, The Grimmitt Trust and generous individual donors
Volunteers
Thank you to our individual and corporate volunteers from Darwin Escapes, Eversheds Sutherland, Gateley plc, Glenn Howells Architects, Gowling WLG, HSBC, Lockton, Savills and Voice Fostering at our Relaxed Performances.
A short online training session is provided in advance of the performance
Jesus Christ Superstar
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 24 Apr, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 25 Apr, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 27 Apr, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 27 Apr, 2.30 pm
42nd Street
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 1 May, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 2 May, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 4 May, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 4 May, 2.30 pm
On the day, volunteers support our Visitor Services team, helping to provide a world-class welcome to our audiences with additional or complex needs, their families and carers. Together we can create a day that they (and you) won’t forget.
Support Us
If you would like to make gift or a donation that offers audiences with additional or complex needs the chance to experience world-class live performance, please call Judith on 0121 689 3082, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact
If you’d like to find out more about how you can play a part in supporting our accessible performances or volunteering at our Relaxed Performances please send an email to fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com
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Access line 0121 689 1060 hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com birminghamhippodrome.com/access Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Ltd, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB Registered Charity Number 510842
