We want our theatre to be open to everyone.

As an organisation, our aim is to continue to push to improve access to our work for all audiences and are open to making things better. We’re working with groups across Cornwall to ensure our offer constantly improves and develops.

Access Companion Tickets

We understand that some of our customers require assistance to allow them to attend a performance. To ensure this is a possibility, we are pleased to offer a free ticket for an essential companion whenever required. Please call the Box Office to book on 01872 262466.

Click here for Companion tickets T&Cs to check eligibility requirements

The building has been designed and updated to meet or exceed the latest minimum standards. Improvements we have made include the following;

• Step-free and sloped access on the ground floor from Boscawen Street entrance through to Back Quay.
• Automatic entrance doors at both Back Quay and Boscawen entrances.
• ADI RoomMate (audio description) in two ground-floor accessible toilets
• Double the number of accessible WCs, some accessible directly from the auditorium at stalls and circle level.
• Space to Change facility on the ground floor with a full adult hoist and changing bench
• Ambulant toilet cubicle in every public WC.
• New lifts giving access to the circle on both sides and the balcony on Back Quay.
• Technical control room and audio describers room are wheelchair accessible.

We are always open to making things better and welcome any feedback, so please do send us an email at [email protected]

When we were in the early stages of planning our redevelopment, we consulted with several access groups to ensure we could open our doors to as many people as possible without barriers. As a result, the following feature in our venue:

Access Facilities

Space to Change

One of only a handful of such facilities to exist in Cornwall and enabling the personal hygiene needs of children and adults who need changing and lifting facilities for their personal care when away from home. The room will encompass a wheelchair-accessible toilet with an adult-sized changing bench and hoist.

Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Where previously the theatre had just one row of accessible seating, we will now be able to offer 13 designated wheelchair spaces across the auditorium offering a much wider choice, with two of those available in the circle. Wheelchair spaces can be booked via the Box Office on 01872 262466 or email [email protected]

Step-free access

The Stalls and Circle levels of the auditorium are accessible from street level on both sides of the building with the use of ramps or the lift. Access to the Balcony level is available via the lift on the Lemon Quay side of the building only.

Please note, if booking for the left side of the Balcony (Boscawen Street entrance) you will be required to climb stairs to reach your seats.

The Stalls are fully accessible with the majority of seats on one level. Before the start of a performance, you will be able to access both sides of the building using the new Opeway at the back of the auditorium.

Easy Seat Access

For our customers who are arriving in a wheelchair but wish to transfer into a seat for the performance, or those who require ease of access into their seat, we now have several rows in the Stalls that feature transfer arms. This means that the arm of the seat will move up and out of the way to allow easier access. Please look out for these seats marked on our seating plan when booking.

Facilities for Hearing Impaired, D/deaf & Visually Impaired Customers

Induction loops are provided at the Playhouse Bar & Playhouse Cafe counters and at the Stage Door/Husa reception

The auditorium has a Sennheiser radio frequency system for assisted listening and audio description services, where users can borrow a receiver from us before the show. To ensure we have one ready for you, please contact the Box Office in advance to let them know your requirements.

Improved Backstage Facilities for Performers

We are pleased to be able to now offer two dressing rooms with step-free access to the stage, both with shower and toilet facilities for performers with access requirements.

Access Performances

Many of our shows feature accessible performances including Signed (BSL), Audio Description, Captions, Relaxed performances as well as Touch Tours taking our visually impaired customers up close and personal with the set.

Signed

A BSL interpreter will stand to one side of the stage and sign the entire script for the benefit of our hard-of-hearing or D/deaf customers. Box Office can advise on the best seats for this.

Captioned 

Screens showing captions of the performance script will be available for hard of hearing or d/Deaf customers.

Audio Described 

Visually Impaired customers can use a headset to listen to a full description of what is happening on stage, what costumes look like, what the set looks like, etc. This description is delivered live throughout the show by our Audio Describers. AD devices are to be booked via Box Office a first come first served.

Relaxed

A relaxed performance is where the ambience of the auditorium and theatre ‘rules’ are relaxed. The performance may also be adapted to support people’s needs; for instance, loud noises and music might be turned down. These performances are ideal for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

Chilled

A chilled performance takes a casual approach to noise and movement in the auditorium, but the performance itself is unchanged.

These performances are ideal for for people who feel more at ease knowing they can go in and out of the auditorium during the show.. This performance is for everybody and babes in arms are welcome (not walking or requiring their own seat).

Speak to an usher or anyone with a HfC lanyard and they’ll be able to guide you.

Touch Tour

Visually Impaired customers can get up close and personal with the costumes, sets and props from the show before the Audio Described performance to allow them to have a greater understanding of what is on stage. Tickets for the touch tour are free of charge and available for visually impaired customers booked in for the Audio Described performance only. Limited spaces available.

Accessible Website

Our website now contains features to enable our users to alter how they view the site.

We are committed to continue our work on additional access features for the website such as audio season brochures and online booking for wheelchair users. Watch this space!