Welcome
Welcome to your new season of accessible performances here at Birmingham Hippodrome, including world-class musicals, ballet, pantomime and much more.
We are delighted that over 3,000 people have joined our access registration scheme since we launched last summer. If you aren’t yet familiar, we have partnered with Nimbus to offer an improved online booking experience for our visitors with access requirements, including the ability to book wheelchair positions, essential companion seats as well as providing easier access to the most appropriate seats for Relaxed, captioned, BSL interpreted and audio described performances. To find out more visit our website or speak to a member of our team.
If you would prefer to book your tickets over the phone, you can continue to do so by calling the Hippodrome’s dedicated Access Line on 0121 689 1060*.
We are in the process of launching our new Access & Inclusion advocates programme, a new group who will meet monthly to share their experiences and ideas, to help break down barriers for individual and community access to theatre. I look forward to sharing more about this work with you very soon.
I would also like to thank our Access Forum members for their valuable support and contributions in shaping our accessible work.
2024 marks 125 years of Birmingham Hippodrome providing the region with ‘goosebumps’ moments and we look forward to welcoming you to a performance over the coming months to experience that very same feeling.
Vidar Hjardeng, MBE. Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Access Forum
Access Line 0121 689 1060
*Calls cost 4 5p per min plus access charge
Access Registration at Birmingham Hippodrome
We are pleased to have launched our brand new Access Registration scheme in partnership with Nimbus Disability allowing online booking for the first time alongside our phone service. Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise run by and for disabled people.
Registering is a three-step process, valid for three years and is completely free. This scheme will enable you to:
• Book wheelchair spaces online as well as by phone
• Book in essential companions online as well as by phone
• Have easier access to the most appropriate seats for captioned, BSL interpreted and audio-described performances on an interactive seat map
• View all discounts available to you online
Find out more and register at birminghamhippodrome.com/accessregistration
If you have any questions, our friendly Access Advisors are available at 0121 689 1060
(Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, closed on weekends and bank holidays) or hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com
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. It’s a chance to 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.
Discounts and Concessions
We offer concessions for people with access requirements. These vary from show to show.
Please make sure you are registered with Nimbus via our Access Registration scheme so you can book tickets online and view all your relevant discounts Of course, you can use our dedicated Access Line on 0121 689 1060 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, closed on weekends and bank holidays) if you prefer to book your tickets over the phone, just remember to have your Nimbus registration number to hand
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 for those wanting further assistance with the narrative.
For further information, please contact hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com
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 Services 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. Please note that these can be used in the auditorium or Patrick Studio for a show and are not available to use in the Front of House areas.
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 on 0121 689 1060. These are specially designed chairs that allow 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.
Accessible Performances
Come From Away
T
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 22 May, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 23 May, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 25 May, 12.45pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 25 May, 2.30 pm
The Wizard of Oz
BSL Interpreted Performance
Tue 11 Jun, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 13 Jun, 7.30 pm
Hamilton
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 10 Jul & Wed 21 Aug, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Sat 13 Jul, 2.30 pm & Thu 22 Aug, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 13 Jul & Thu 22 Aug, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 13 Jul, 2.30 pm & Thu 22 Aug, 7.30 pm
Bonnie & Clyde
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 4 Sep, 7.30 pm
SIX
T T
Touch Tour
Sat 15 Jun, 12.30 pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 15 Jun, 2.30 pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Thu 20 Jun, 8pm
Captioned Performance
Sat 22 Jun, 4pm
Touch Tour
Sat 22 Jun, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 22 Jun, 4pm
MYT Dreamland (Patrick Studio)
Captioned Performance Thu 5 Sep, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 7 Sep, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 7 Sep, 2.30 pm
A Chorus Line
Audio Described Performance
Sat 6 Jul, 7pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Sat 6 Jul, 7pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 11 Sep, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance Thu 12 Sep, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour Sat 14 Sep, tbc
Audio Described Performance Sat 14 Sep, 2.30 pm
Hairspray
T
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 18 Sep, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 19 Sep, 7.30 pm
Touch Tour
Sat 21 Sep, tbc
Audio Described Performance
Sat 21 Sep, 2.30 pm
BRB - La Fille mal gardée
T
Audio Described Performance
Sat 28 Sep, 2pm
Touch Tour
Sat 28 Sep, 12 noon
Disney’s Aladdin
T
R
Touch Tour
tbc
Audio Described Performance
Thu 17 Oct, 7.30pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Fri 18 Oct, 7.30pm
Relaxed Performance
Wed 23 Oct, 1pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 24 Oct, 7.30pm
Play On!
Captioned Performance
Thu 7 Nov, 7.30pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Fri 8 Nov, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 9 Nov, 2pm
BRB - The Nutcracker
Audio Described Performance
Sat 30 Nov, 2.30pm
Touch Tour Sat 30 Nov, 12 noon
The Jingleclaw (Patrick Studio)
Relaxed Performance
Wed 18 Dec, 1.15pm
Peter Pan
BSL Interpreted Performance
Sun 12 Jan, 1pm Sun 12 Jan, 5.15pm
Audio Described Performance
Wed 15 Jan, 2pm Sat 18 Jan, 2.30pm
Captioned Performance Sun 19 Jan, 1pm Sun 19 Jan, 5.15pm
Relaxed Performance Wed 29 Jan, 12 noon .............................................................................................................................
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
Audio Described Performance Sat 8 Feb, 2.30pm
BRB - Cinderella Touch Tour Sat 22 Feb, 12 noon
R R T T R
Audio Described Performance Sat 22 Feb, 2pm
Relaxed Performance Tue 25 Feb, 1pm
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 5 Mar, 7pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 6 Mar, 7pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 8 Mar, 2pm
Touch Tour tbc
Only Fools and Horses The Musical
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 2 Apr, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 3 Apr, 7.30 pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 5 Apr, 2.30 pm
Touch Tour tbc
Kinky Boots
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 16 Apr, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 17 Apr, 7.30 pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 19 Apr, 2.30 pm
Touch Tour
& Juliet
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 23 Apr, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance Thu 24 Apr, 7.30 pm
Audio Described Performance Sat 26 Apr, 2.30 pm
WNO - The Marriage of Figaro
Audio Described Performance Thu 8 May, 7pm
Touch Tour
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 28 May, 7.30 pm
Captioned Performance Thu 22 May, 7.30 pm
Relaxed Performance Thu 22 May, 12.30pm
Audio Described Performance Sat 24 May, 2.30pm
Touch Tour
thank you
We are grateful to our generous supporters who help to make these programmes possible.
Birmingham Bodenham Trust, Baron Davenport’s Charity, Darwin Escapes, The Eveson Charitable Trust, The Grimmitt Trust, IMI plc, The Saintbury Trust, The Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation and generous individual donors
Volunteers
Thank you to our individual and corporate volunteers from CBRE, Darwin Escapes, Eversheds Sutherland, Gateley plc, Howells, Gowling WLG, HSBC UK, LDC, Lockton, Savills, St Philips and Voice Fostering at our Relaxed Performances
A short online training session is provided in advance of the performance
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 a gift or a donation that offers audiences with additional or complex needs the chance to experience world-class live performance, please call Rachel on 0121 689 3070, 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 email us at fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com
Some of our wonderful Access Volunteers at a recent Relaxed Performance - they wear sparkly hats so everyone knows who they are!
Main auditorium
Please note: These diagrams are a guide and not an accurate representation of seating positions Stalls Rows A - D are not used for Opera and Ballet performances Other variations may apply due to technical reasons
Due to potentially restricted views of the stage and the technical requirements of specific productions, boxes may be unavailable to purchase They are often made available for sale closer to the time over the phone only If you would like to enquire about a box for a specific performance, please contact us on 0844 338 5000*
Stalls Circle
