Access brochure Winter 2023/24 by Birmingham Hippodrome

Winter 2023/24

Accessible Performances T

birminghamhippodrome.com/access

Welcome Welcome to your new season of accessible performances, including world-class musicals, ballet, pantomime and much more. You may have recently seen our news (or perhaps even registered already) that we have partnered with Nimbus to improve the accessibility of your online booking experience. Patrons with access needs can now book tickets online for the first time through the new access registration scheme. Once your access account is linked with your Birmingham Hippodrome account, you can book seats online that are suitable for your requirements, including wheelchair seats, essential companions and easier access to the most appropriate seats for Relaxed, captioned, BSL interpreted and audio described performances. 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’re incredibly pleased to be part of the Nimbus scheme and are delighted so many customers have already registered. I would also like to thank our Access Forum members for their valuable support and contributions in shaping our accessible work. If you’re not familiar with our Access Forum, the group is comprised of Hippodrome staff, volunteers, audience members and access consultants. We meet quarterly to actively listen to the needs of our audience and to share our upcoming plans to ensure we are continually providing the best possible access for all. If you would like to find out more about the important work of this group, or would like to share some feedback for us on your experience, please do get in touch by emailing us at hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com We look forward to welcoming you to a performance soon.

Vidar Hjardeng, MBE. Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Access Forum Access Line 0121 689 1060

Front Cover: Wicked, The Drifters Girl, Unfortunate and Edward Scissorhands

Access Registration at Birmingham Hippodrome T

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.

Touch 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 Dear Santa

Life of Pi

Relaxed Performance Wed 13 Dec, 1.15pm & Thu 14 Dec, 10.15am

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 14 Feb, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Thu 15 Feb, 7.30pm

.............................................................................................................................

Jack and the Beanstalk

BSL Interpreted Performance Sun 7 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm

Touch Tour Wed 10 Jan & Sat 13 Jan tbc Audio Described Performance Wed 10 Jan, 2pm & Sat 13 Jan, 2.30pm

Audio Described Performance Sat 17 Feb, 2.30pm .............................................................................................................................

Birmingham Royal Ballet The Sleeping Beauty

Captioned Performance Sun 14 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm

Relaxed Performance Wed 24 Jan, 12 noon

.............................................................................................................................

Wicked Captioned Performance Thu 14 Mar, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance Fri 2 Feb, 1pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Sat 16 Mar, 2.30pm

.............................................................................................................................

Edward Scissorhands

Touch Tour Sat 10 Feb, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 10 Feb, 2.30pm

.............................................................................................................................

Touch Tour Sat 24 Feb, 12.30pm tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 24 Feb, 2pm

Bluey’s Big Play

Captioned Performance Fri 2 Feb, 1pm

Touch Tour Sat 17 Feb, tbc

Touch Tour Sat 16 Mar, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 16 Mar, 2.30pm

.............................................................................................................................

Dear Zoo Live!

Relaxed Performance Thu 11 Apr, 1.30pm

The Drifters Girl

Sister Act The Musical

Captioned Performance Wed 17 Apr, 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 15 May, 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Thu 18 Apr, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 16 May, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 20 Apr, tbc

Touch Tour Sat 18 May, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 18 May, 2.30pm

Audio Described Performance Sat 20 Apr, 2.30pm

............................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................

Jesus Christ Superstar

Come From Away

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 24 Apr, 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 22 May, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 25 Apr, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 23 May, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 27 Apr, tbc

Touch Tour Sat 25 May, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 25 May, 2.30pm

Audio Described Performance Sat 27 Apr, 2.30pm

.............................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................

Blood Brothers

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 1 May, 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Tue 11 Jun, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 2 May, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 13 Jun, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 4 May, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 4 May, 2.30pm

..............................................................................................................................

WNO Così fan tutte

Touch Tour Fri 10 May 6pm Audio Described Performance Fri 10 May, 7pm

The Wizard of Oz

Touch Tour Sat 15 Jun, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 15 Jun, 2.30pm

SIX

A Chorus Line BSL Interpreted Performance Thu 20 Jun, 8pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 11 Sep, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Sat 22 Jun, 4pm

Captioned Performance Thu 12 Sep, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 22 Jun, tbc

Audio Described Performance Sat 22 Jun, 4pm

Touch Tour Sat 14 Sep, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 14 Sep, 2.30pm

Hamilton

Hairspray

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 10 Jul & Wed 21 Aug, 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 18 Sep, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Sat 13 Jul, 2.30pm & Thu 22 Aug, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 19 Sep, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 13 Jul & Thu 22 Aug, tbc

Touch Tour Sat 21 Sep, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 21 Sep, 2.30pm

Audio Described Performance Sat 13 Jul, 2.30pm & Thu 22 Aug, 7.30pm

.............................................................................................................................

BSL Interpreted Performance Fri 18 Oct, 7.30pm

Disney’s Aladdin

Bonnie & Clyde BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 4 Sep, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Thu 5 Sep, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 7 Sep, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 7 Sep, 2.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 24 Oct, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Thu 17 Oct, tbc Audio Described Performance Thu 17 Oct, 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance Wed 23 Oct, 1pm

thank you We are grateful to our generous supporters who help to make these programmes possible.

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.

Birmingham Bodenham Trust, Baron Davenport’s Charity, Darwin Escapes, The Eveson Charitable Trust, The Grimmitt Trust, IMI plc, Kindness Foundation, The Saintbury Trust, The Sebbie Hall and generous individual donors.

Support Us

Volunteers Thank you to our individual and corporate volunteers from CBRE, Darwin Escapes, Eversheds Sutherland, Gateley plc, Glenn Howells Architects, Gowling WLG, HSBC, LDC, Lockton, Savills, St Philips and Voice Fostering at our Relaxed Performances.

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 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 email us at fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com

A short online training session is provided in advance of the performance.

Some of our wonderful Access Volunteers at a recent Relaxed Performance - they wear sparkly hats so everyone knows who they are!

Please take your seats Main auditorium

Circle

Upper Circle Foyer

K J

11 9 10

12 10 11

11 9 10

14 12 13

12 10 11

11 9 10

0 11 9 1

12 0 11 9 1

0 11 9 1

1 12

18 19 20 21

13 14

18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21

15 16

3 3 3

4 4

E D

5 5

6 6

6 6 6

7 7

7 7 7

7 7

8 8

8 8 8 8

9 1

0 1 9 1 0 9 1

1 1

12 11

16 17

4 13 1

16 17

3 14 2 1 1 1 3 14 2 1 1 11 10 14 13 12 11 10 3 14 2 1 1 11 10 14 13 12 11 10 4 3 1 2 1 1 11 10 4 3 1 1 12 11 10

16 17

0 1 9 1

9 9

16 17 16 17 16 17 16 17 16

Lower Circle Foyer Stalls Foyer Lounge AA

3 seats

X 14

14 15

3 seats

4 seats

3 seats

2 U

R Q

1 1

2 2

2 O N

3 3 3

3 3

3 3 M

4 4

4 L

5 5

5 5 K

6 6 6

6 6

7 7

11 12 9 10

7 7 7 7 7

7 J

8 8

9 10

14 15 14 15

11 12

0 1 9 1

14 15

1 12

14 15

12 0 11 9 1

0 11 9 1 0 1 9 1

0 1 9 1 0 1 9 1

0 1 9 1

14 15

1 12

14 15

1 12

14 15

1 12

14 15

1 12 0 1 9 1 12 11 0 1 9 12 11 10 9 12 11 10 9

14 15 14 15 14 15 G 14

E 14

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*.

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

20 21 L 18 19

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

22 23 19 20 21

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

22 23 19 20 21

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

18 19 18

18 19 18 19 18

33 34 33 34 33 34 33 34

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 20 21 22 23 33

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

35 36 35 36

18 19 18 19

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

33 34 33 34

37 38

37 38 37 38

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

15 16 16 17 16 17

18 19 16 17

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

16 17 16 17 16 17 16 17 16 17 16 17

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

17 18 19

17 15 16

15 16

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

20 21 17 18 19

16 17

15 16

30 31 31 32 31 32

31 32 31 32 31 32 31 32 31 32 31 32 31 32 31 32 31 32 31 32

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

35 36 35 36 35 36

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 10 11 12 13 22 23

A 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8

43 4

4 45

43 4 4 43 4

46 4 7 4

46 4

6 4

9 5 0

7 4 8 4 9 5 0

46 47 4

45 4

4 4

8 4

7 4

5 4

8 4

9 5

8 4 9 5 0

41 42

40 4

9 40

Middle Circle Foyer

32 32 33 34 36 37

33 34

36 37

34 36 37

33 34

36 37

33 34

36 37

33 34

36 37

33 34

33 34 33 34 33 34 33 34 33 34 33 34 34

33 34

24 25

26 2 7

24 2 5 26

22 23

38 39 38 39

40 4 1 42

40 4 1

38 3 9 40

38 3 9 4 38 3 9

38 3 9

0 41

42 42

40 4 1 4

24 2 5

28 2

27 2

3 seats

LOWER BOXES 43 4

42 4

3 4

4 4

43 4

3 seats

4 seats

3 seats

6 4

5 4 6 4

4 4

2 4 3 4

5 4

5 4 6

4 4 40 4 5 4 1 4 6 2 4 47 3 4 38 3 48 4 4 9 4 5 0 4 46 1 36 37 42 47 43 38 48 44 39 40 4 5 41 46 36 3 42 7 3 47 43 8 3 44 9 4 45 0 4 1 4 36 3 46 2 4 7 3 3 4 8 3 9 4 4 0 4 4 5 1 4 36 3 2 4 7 3 8 3 3 4 9 4 4 0 4 45 36 1 4 37 2 4 38 3 39 44 40 45 41 36 37 42 38 43 39 44 40 41 36 37 42 38 39 40 41

36 37

33 34

22 23

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

43 4

Lower Circle Foyer Stalls Foyer UPPER BOXES

41 42

4 45

7 4 8 4 9 5

Lounge BB

41 42

47 4 8 46 4

1 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 41 6 42 47 43 48 44 49 45 40 41 46 50 42 47 4 3 4 38 3 48 4 4 9 4 49 0 4 5 4 1 4 6 2 4 47 3 4 38 3 4 8 4 4 9 4 49 0 4 5 4 1 4 6 2 4 47 38 3 4 48 39 4 4 40 5 4 41 6 42 47 43 38 39 48 44 40 45 41 46 42 47 38 43 39 44 40 45 41 46 42 38 43 39 44 40 45 41 46 42 38 4 3 4 39 4 4 40 41 5 42 43 44 45

32 33

39 40

41 42

43 4

5 46

4 45

38 3 9

35 36

32 33

39 40

38 3

35 36

32 33

31 32

39 40

41 42

43 4

48 49

35 36

32 33

31 32

39 40

38 3 9

35 36

30 31

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

20 21 17 18 19

16 17 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

19 20 16 17 18

16 14 15

15 16 17

39 40

41 42

44 4

35 36

34 35

33 34

37 38

39 40

42 43

6 4 7 4 35 36 8 4 43 4 37 38 9 4 4 39 40 5 4 6 4 41 42 7 4 35 36 8 4 4 3 4 37 38 9 4 4 39 40 5 4 6 4 41 4 35 36 7 4 2 4 8 4 37 38 3 4 9 4 4 39 40 50 5 4 6 4 41 4 35 36 7 4 2 4 37 38 8 4 3 4 4 4 9 39 40 5 4 50 6 4 7 4 8 4 9

34 35

33 34

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 19 20 21

17 15 16

14 15

F 14

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.

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

19 17 18

W 14

35 36

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Y 14

LOWER BOXES

35 36

37 38

Stalls

UPPER BOXES 3 seats

35 36

18 19 20 21

19 17 18

16 17

3 14 2 1

35 36

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

18 19 20 21

16 2 1 1 0 1

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

18 19 20 21

13 14

31 32 33

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 18 19 20 21

15 16

14 15

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

22 18 19 20 21

13 1 12

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

15 16

13 14

40 41

39 40

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 18 19 20 21

15 16

14 15

14 12 13

18 19 20 21

15 16

15 13 14

14 12 13

0 1 9 1

13 14

12 13

0 11 9 1

13 14

Middle Circle Foyer 2

T 1

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Circle overhead Row N backwards

U 1

V 1

W 1

X 1

Y 1

Upper Circle Foyer 18 19 20 21

All boxes offer some restricted viewing and have no step free access

Companion seats Stairs

Stage

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

K 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

J 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

H 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

G 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

F 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

E 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

D 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

C 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

B 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

A 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Stage

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