Access and Accessibility

Accessible Seating 

  • Auditorium - The auditorium is of the traditional raked amphitheatre style, with handrails at the end of each row.  Rows A - D are on the ground floor, and the seats start tiering from Row E, with 2 steps separating each row. There is no lift to the upper part of our auditorium. 
  • Wheelchairs - The Beck is licensed for up to 8 wheelchair users per performance (4 each side of 2 rows). Adjacent to these are ramped emergency exits. Additional seats are provided next to these for companions. It is not always possible to accommodate wheelchair users if they haven't pre-booked a wheelchair space in advance. We are also unable to offer wheelchair transfers, as this is in breach of our theatre license. If you will be using a large, motorised wheelchair, please let the Box Office team know when booking. Upon arrival please find a member of the team so we can store it for you. 
  • Access Seats – We have 20 seats available for those who may have restricted mobility.  
  • You can request Wheelchair and Access seats by calling our Box Office on 0343 310 0044. 
  • Car Park - The theatre has access to a free car park which is owned by the local council and is free of charge. It has specific spaces for 13 Blue Badge and 4 Brown Badge holders.  
  • Foyer - Access to the theatre foyer is either via a ramp to the right of the main entrance and through a set of automated doors or up a set of steps. The foyer and outside patio area have level, step-free access throughout. 
  • Toilets – In the accessible toilet, there are handrails, easy turn taps and locks, and an 
  • Emergency Pull Cord. All toilets have baby changing facilities.  

Relaxed Performances 

These performances are suitable for those who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. Performances are adapted so that the ambience of the auditorium and theatre rules are relaxed: 

  • Show Adaptions – Technical aspects of the show are changed such as the removal of pyrotechnics, loud noises and strobe lighting.  
  • House Lights – Lights are kept up so that there’s more visibility in the auditorium. 
  • Sound Reduction – We won’t have loud front of house announcements and hand dryers in toilets are turned off. Earplugs and ear defenders are also readily available. 
  • Open Door Policy – Everyone is welcome to come in and out of the theatre whenever they please. 
  • Chill Out Space – A quiet space is available to get away from the show at any time. 

Dementia Friendly Screenings

Our Dementia Friendly Film Screenings differ slightly from a regular cinema performance in that: 

  • House Lights - Lights are kept up so that there’s more visibility in the auditorium. 
  • Unreserved Seating – All seats are unreserved except for the wheelchair spaces. 
  • Socialising Opportunity - The ticket price includes free tea and biscuits at the end of the film so that the group can have an opportunity to socialise afterwards. 
  • Signed Performances – For these performances the interpreter will stand to one side of the stage and interpret the show. 

Captioned and Audio Described Performances

Some performances offer Captioned or Audio Described Performances. If this is the case, the relevant information will be in the brochure or on our website. 

Hearing Assistance

The Box Office and the auditorium has an Induction Loop System. You can use this facility by turning your hearing aid or loop listening to aid to the ‘T’ setting. You’ll then need to adjust the volume in the usual way. For those that intend to use the system we would suggest being seated in Row D for the best range of the system.  

Assistance Dogs

If you are attending with an Assistance Dog, please book your tickets over the phone so that suitable seating arrangements can be made. 

Walking Aids

Walking aids can be brought into the theatre but must be safely stored under your seat. If you need your walking aid stored away, speak to a member of staff upon arrival. 

Touch Tours

A Touch Tour is designed for those who are visually impaired or have a sensory processing disorder and is a way for them to explore the environment that the show is taking place in prior to the performance. You are invited onto the stage and allowed to navigate the space, touching key costumes and props to have a better understanding of what is happening on stage during a show. 

If you are interested in a Touch Tour please email our team and we’ll try to arrange one in accordance with the visiting company.

Familiarisation Visits

We can offer a Familiarisation Visit for anyone who would like one prior to the performance. These are designed to enable individuals to familiarise with their surroundings. Please email if you would like to arrange one with us.

Special Effects

Some performances may include strobe lighting, pyrotechnic explosives, loud noises, haze or smoke effects.  

Please be aware that the information offered is in good faith, but creative elements may not have been finalised at the time of briefing and may change on the day of the performance. The front of house team will have advisory signs on the doors of the theatre if they feature during the performance. 

Medical Requirements

We welcome audiences that may require medicine, food, drink or equipment to manage a medical condition. There is always a trained First Aider on site, so if you require one, please alert the nearest member of staff. 

Essential Companion Tickets

We offer complimentary tickets for Essential Companions. To book these, we will need to see a copy of your Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance or a Visual Impairment Certificate at the time of booking. To organise these, please email us.

Feedback

We’d welcome any feedback or suggestions that you have on how we can improve our accessibility. You can email us or leave us a review on Euan’s Guide.

https://www.euansguide.com/venues/beck-theatre-hayes-9525/information#page-content