Access and Accessibility

We are committed to making your visit to The Hazlitt Theatre an accessible and enjoyable experience.

Access Membership Scheme

Joining the Hazlitt Theatre's Access Membership is free and offers you the benefits of booking discounted tickets by phone or in person.

Customers wishing to take advantage of the Access Membership Scheme discounts are required to join our free Access Membership Scheme to ensure we can best support your theatre visit. By joining the Access Membership Scheme and purchasing a discounted Ticket(s) you agree that the Ticket(s) will only be used by the registered person with a disability (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) and if required their essential companion. Please note that Companion seats are only available to registered Membership Access member who are unable to attend the theatre without additional support and supporting proof will be required.    

Please complete the brief questionnaire below to tell us about yourself and how we can make your visit to the Hazlitt more enjoyable. The completed form can be completed online or email to hazlitt.boxoffice@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.

Sign up to  our New Access Membership Scheme here as advised by Nimbus Disability, the independent organisation and social enterprise behind the Access Card scheme.  Alternatively, you can download our New Access Membership Scheme PDF application here and post it back to our Box Office, Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL.

 

Disabled Access

The Hazlitt Theatre benefits from a number of disabled bays situated outside the venue. There is lift access (located in Rose Yard) into the theatre and adapted toilet facilities on floor one.  All audiences are advised to allow plenty of time to get to the theatre.  Please ensure that you have given us consent to send email confirmations so you will receive our pre and post show communications.  If you do not you may miss important information about your visit.  Otherwise, please be aware that unless otherwise specified doors and box office will open one hour before for our main house or 30 mins before shows in the Exchange Studio.

We have allocated seating capable of accommodating four wheelchair users and their companions in the theatre and four spaces in the studio. A wheelchair is also available for use free of charge (please call in advance to book). The Hazlitt has a lift to the stage also.  When booking tickets for wheelchair spaces these only be booked in advance through the box office on 01622 758 611 during our 10.30am - 2.30pm, Mon-Sat opening hours or email hazlitt.boxoffice@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.  Otherwise, please be aware that wheelchair space are located A-F19, with companion seats available A-F18.  Also for those with mobility issues please be aware that there is raised seating from rows H-Q of the stalls.

To help prepare those with additional needs attending our theatre for the first time please view our general Hazlitt Theatre Visual Story so you know what to expect.  You can also download this here.  

There are disabled parking bays directly outside the entrance of the Hazlitt Theatre on Earl Street - please remember to display your blue badge. There is also a number of disabled spaces at The Mall and Fremlin Walk as we all as various disabled bays in all of Maidstone short stay car parks. Blue Badge holders can park in any disabled bay, or should there be none available, any of the other bays free of charge for up to four hours. A valid blue badge must be clearly displayed at all times.  For more On-Street Disabled Bays information click here.

 

Facilities for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patrons

The Hazlitt auditorium benefits from an infra-red sound enhancement system for use with or without a hearing aid.  We also have a hearing loop which can be used if you switch your hearing aid to the "T" position.  However please be aware that we may need to turn the loop system off for certain performances, without notice, if it interferes with radio equipment, or if asked to by incoming shows.  Thank you for your understanding.

 

Free Touch Tours

Visually impaired patrons and a companion have the opportunity to take part in a free touch tour prior to the show, where you can be guided around the stage to familiarise yourself with the environment. You can feel the stage sets, props and possibly costumes an hour before the start of the show (subject to producer’s permission). Please ask Box Office for further details when you book your tickets.

The Hazlitt Theatre brochure is currently available online on our home page and can be enlarged by zooming in on each page to help view in large print. 

 

Relaxed Performances, BSL and more Neurodiverse & SEND Provision

For our patrons with additional needs or who are neurodiverse please inform us of any access requirement prior to booking so our box office and front of house team can best support your visit.

Through the Hazlitt Institute we are proud to offer Strictly Accessible:

Wednesday Evenings | £50.00 for a 10 week term

Strictly Accessible has been created for young people and adults who are neurodiverse, those on the autistic spectrum or who have learning disabilities, who want to get their groove on.

Strictly Minis (7-11) 4.30-5.30pm

Strictly Middles (12-18) 5.45-6.45pm

Strictly Grown-Ups (18+) 7.00pm-8.00pm

To apply or enquire please email hi.info@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk or complete your expression of interest here.

We are delighted to be providing the Relaxed Performances for our following Hazlitt Theatre Productions: 

6.00pm Friday 13th December (Family Special)

2.30pm Saturday 14th December (BSL)

Check our our current Cinderella panto online resources to support those attended with additional needed.  Which includes videos of the cast and visual stories about the theatre.  Nearer the time we will create a show visual story and at home sensory tour.  Check out our past online Access resources for:

2023 Peter Pan

2022 Sleeping Beauty

In addition to running inclusive HI programmes like Strictly Accessible and producing accessible shows we also strive to give representation to the SEND community with productions like the following and encourage all our visiting productions to be as inclusive as possible: 

For patrons who do not feel comfortable or are unable to speak on the phone or in person, you are welcome to email our box office on hazlitt.boxoffice@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk with any queries.  However for your security please be aware that we NEVER advise you to send your personal details over email but are happy to sign post you to the relevent secure booking page to make online payment.

Where possible we will always try to list our show running times or any show triggers so you can appropriately plan your visit (eg leave plenty of time to get to the theatre for the start time or 5 mins early if you want to avoid busy crowds).   However please be aware that running times are always an approximate guide and if you need to check the most up to date running time please contact our box office ahead of your performance date on hazlitt.boxoffice@parkwoodtheatres.co.u.uk.

Triggers and Show information

Please be aware that for the vast majority of our shows containing lighting affects (eg strobe, blue/red light, etc) and smoke may be used.  If you are sensitive to this, please inform us prior to booking or attending so we can prepare you and if needed give you a guide to when to leave the auditorium.  Every effort is taken list helpful information like age suitbility and running time on our booking pages to help you best plan your visit.  Please be advised that if you have any strong allergies or other considerations that can affect your theatregoing experience you must inform us before attending so we can best support you.

 

Hidden Disabilities

As an accessible venue we also recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which is a simple tool for applicable patrons to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.  If needed please make a FOH team member aware and we will be happy to accommodate.  We can also loan patrons a Sunflower lanyard for the evening to make it clear to all our staff.

 

Family Access

Baby changing facilities are available on the first floor both in the theatre and Studio.

The Hazlitt offers a wide range of family shows in the Theatre and Studio throughout the year, to entertain children of all ages and their families.  

To help make your visit to The Hazlitt  as easy and enjoyable as possible we offer the following family facilities:

Booster seats - we have a limited number available free on a first come, first served basis.  To avoid any disappointment you are also welcome to bring your own booster seat (car or cushion) as long as it does not obstruct any other patron.

Family ticket discounts on many shows

Refreshments suitable for children

Baby changing facilities

Where possible we will list age suitability and running time to help you plan for your date with your little ones! 

For health and safety we cannot permit any buggies in our auditorium or studio, however the Front of House team will be able advise where and how to store this during the performance.

If you have any queries about our facilities, please contact the Box Office on 01622 758611, who will be happy to help.

 

Seating

We have two bariatric seats available, seats G16 & G17. The width between the armrests of the wider seats is 600mm (a standard seat is 450mm). 

 

These seats are not available to book online and can be requested directly through our box office. 

To view all our seating please visit How To Book.