Access brochure 22/23

Accessible Performances

Welcome

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

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.

RP

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 with an Autism Spectrum Condition, learning disability, or 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 only bookable by phone on 0121 689 1060 or at our counter. That way we can make sure you or your friend/family member gets the best seats in the house for your needs.

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.

Wheelchair and Mobility Facilities

We recommend that wheelchair users and patrons with impaired mobility use Arcadian Centre Car Park which has specially allocated bays with easy access to street level and only about 150 yards to our entrance. We recommend dropping off at Inge Street. There is another car park located on Thorp Street (B5 4AT) which is directly opposite our Thorp Street entrance and provides easy access to the theatre. Limited on street disabled parking is also available on Hurst Street and Thorp 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.

We have accessible unisex and ambulant disabled toilets on all levels, plus low level counter service.

Discounts and Concessions

Accessible Performances

Birmingham Royal BalletCoppélia

T

Touch Tour

Sat 29 Oct, 12.15pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 29 Oct, 2.30 pm

Strictly Ballroom The Musical

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 2 Nov, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 3 Nov, 7.30 pm

T

Touch Tour

Sat 5 Nov, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 5 Nov, 2.30 pm

Welsh National OperaLa bohème

T

Touch Tour

Thu 10 Nov, 5.45pm

Audio Described Performance

Thu 10 Nov, 715pm

Birmingham Royal BalletThe Nutcracker

T

Tales From Acorn Wood at Christmas

Touch Tour

Sat 26 Nov, 12.15pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 26 Nov, 2.30 pm

R R

Relaxed Performance

Thu 15 Dec, 1pm

Dick Whittington

BSL Interpreted Performance

Sun 8 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm

Audio Described Performance

Wed 11 Jan, 2pm &

Sat 14 Jan, 2.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Sun 15 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm

Relaxed Performance

Wed 25 Jan, 12noon

Motionhouse: Starchitects

R

Relaxed Performance

Fri 3 Feb, 1pm

Matthew Bourne’s

Sleeping Beauty

T

Touch Tour

Sat 11 Feb, 1pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 11 Feb, 2.30 pm

Birmingham Royal BalletSwan Lake

T

Touch Tour

Sat 18 Feb, 12.15pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 18 Feb, 2.30 pm

SIX

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 1 Mar, 8.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 2 Mar, 8pm

T

Touch Tour

Sat 4 Mar, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 4 Mar, 4pm

My Fair Lady

T

Touch Tour

Sat 11 Mar, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 11 Mar, 2pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 16 Mar, 7pm

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 22 Mar, 7pm

The SpongeBob Musical

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 12 Apr, 7pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 13 Apr, 7pm

T T

Touch Tour

Sat 15 Apr, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 15 Apr, 2pm

Titanic The Musical

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 19 Apr, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 20 Apr, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 22 Apr, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 22 Apr, 2.30 pm

The Commitments

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 26 Apr, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 27 Apr, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 29 Apr, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 29 Apr, 2.30 pm

Welsh National Opera -

The Magic Flute

T T

Touch Tour

Fri 5 May, 5.45pm

Audio Described Performance

Fri 5 May, 7.15pm

Disney’s The Lion King

RRelaxed 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

Audio Described Performance

Wed 16 Aug, 2pm &

Sun 10 Sep, 2.30 pm

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 11 Oct, 7.30 pm

thank you

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

T

Captioned Performance

Thu 12 Oct, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 14 Oct, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 14 Oct, 2.30 pm

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Captioned Performance

Thu 19 Oct, 7pm

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 25 Oct, 7pm

T

Touch Tour

Sat 28 Oct, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 28 Oct, 2pm

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 Eversheds Sutherland, Glenn Howells Architects, Gowling WLG, HSBC, Savills, 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 gift or a donation that offers audiences with additional or complex needs the chance to experience world class live performance, please call Adele on 0121 689 3072, 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