Explore our building improvements designed to foster an inclusive and accessible visit. From our extensive provision for wheelchairs, step-free access, online bookings to our broad range of Mrs. Doubtfire access performances, the Shaftesbury aims to champion accessibility in the West End.
“Exceptional support, faultless from arrival to leaving.” – Neil Palmer, wheelchair user.
If you require any assistance during your visit, our dedicated and friendly Front of House team is here to help.
Please note that our lift allows access between the ground floor and stalls only.
To book accessible seating, click the ‘Book Now’ button on any event. On the ticketing page, select the blue banner along the top of the screen and select your specific access needs. Once you enter the required code, you will be able to book the seats for you and a companion on the seating map.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your access requirements, please call the Box Office on 0207 379 5399.
The recent renovations to the Theatre will allow increased accessibility for all our guests. The newly installed lift allows guests with mobility issues to access The 1911 Bar and seats in the Stalls. The entire Stalls level, including toilet facilities, has step-free access. There are eight locations in the Stalls for wheelchair users and their companions to be seated. These can be booked online.
There are a limited number of seats for those with mobility needs in the Royal Circle. To book these seats, contact Box Office on 020 7379 5399 for more information.
Wheelchair transfer options are also available to aisle seats in the Stalls and, if a small number of steps can be climbed, in the low number seats at the front of the Royal Circle. Front of House staff will look after a wheelchair for any patron wishing to transfer into a seat; it will be brought to the user during the interval and at the end of the performance.
If you have more specific access requirements, please call our Box Office to discuss your visit with a member of staff.
The Theatre has a wheelchair available; if you would like to make use of the wheelchair, please contact Box Office before your visit.
The Theatre is equipped with a radio frequency system and sets are available on request. All seats in the auditorium can receive good signal from this system. Please speak to our Front of House team when you arrive if you require one. These systems have a standard sized headphone jack port which may enable some customers to connect their own devices or cochlear implant (cables not provided). For further information, please contact the Box Office on 020 7379 5399.
Assistance dogs are welcome at the Theatre. They may sit with you in the auditorium or our Front of House team will look after them whilst you enjoy the performance.
Customers with assistance animals which are not dogs are advised to contact the Box Office on 020 7379 5399 in advance, to best assist us in arranging support that meets your needs.
The Shaftesbury Theatre regularly presents access performances, the details of which can be found under the ‘More Info’ section of each production. Captioned performances are generally provided by StageText, British Sign Language interpreted performances by Theatre Sign and Audio Described performances by VocalEyes.
Captioning is similar to subtitling. At a captioned performance the words are displayed on a screen(s) placed near the stage or in the set and can be seen at the same time as they are spoken or sung. Speakers’ names, sound effects and offstage noises are also shown. A trained captioner prepares the script in advance to mirror the rhythm and flow of the performance and the captions are delivered live as the action happens on stage.
At Sign Language Interpreted Performances, an interpreter will stand in a clearly visible position and interpret the spoken and heard aspects of the show.
Audio Description is a live verbal commentary providing information on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds. It describes action that is essential to the understanding of the story, as well as other visual information such as the style and design, sets, costumes, facial expressions and visual jokes. The description is delivered around the dialogue of a performance and patrons listen to it through a headset.
Relaxed performances are specifically tailored to accommodate those who might find a traditional theatre environment challenging. Changes are made to the lighting, sound and auditorium setup to ensure everyone is comfortable. If at any point an audience member would like to step out, we have dedicated chill-out spaces on every level.
