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National Theatre - Dorfman Theatre

Upper Ground, Lambeth, London, SE1 9PX

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Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction - Dorfman Theatre

  • The Dorman Theatre is the most flexible of the National Theatre auditoriums, it is a rectangular room, which can hold up to 450 people. In the pit, the new flexible seating system can be raised and lowered in minutes to either a steep or shallow rake format, or the seats can be folded away completely to become a flat floor.

Theatre Information (Dorfman Theatre)

  • General Information View
    • Theatre Layout -
      Level -2 - The Pit Seating Area - There is step-free access to the pit via the main lift.
      Ground Level - Foyer and Circle Seating Area - There is step-free access to the foyer and the stalls seating area.
      Level 1 - Gallery Seating - There is step-free access to the seating area via the lift.
      Level 2 - Sherling Backstage Walkway - There is step-free access to the walkway via the lift.
  • Theatre Information View
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Patrons View
    • There is a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s).
    • An infra-red audio system is available in all theatres.
      Headsets can be collected from the Box Office if you don't use hearing aids or neck loops can be collected from Box Office if you use hearing aids.
    • The National Theatre has captioned performances on all productions where there are no technical restrictions to prevent them. Please check the website for dates.
    • Captioned performances have text on screens at the front of the auditorium so that deaf and hard of hearing, or anyone that would like to read along, can also enjoy the performance.
      Synopses are available for all productions.
    • Smart caption glasses are available on all productions where there are no technical restrictions to prevent them. They enable patrons to attend on a date to suit them rather that restricting them to open captioned performances.
    • Some performances are signed.
    • The National Theatre provides a limited number of BSL assisted performances. Please contact the theatre for more information.
    • Let the theatre know if you're bringing an assistance dog when you book your ticket.
      They can offer you an aisle seat, and let you know about any special effects that might affect your dog.
      Alternatively, you can leave your dog with our front-of-house staff.
      Free synopses are available for all performances. They can be sent in advance and are also available on the day from the Box Office.
      If you'd like to receive a script before your visit please phone 020 7452 3344 or email [email protected].
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Patrons View
    • Some performances are audio described.
    • The National Theatre offer a free touch tour for every audio-described production, usually before a matinee. You can feel the set, props and costume and familiarise yourself with the voices of the actors and audio describer. Do let us know if you need a member of staff to accompany you.
      Guide dogs are welcome on set.
      To join a touch tour, please call 020 7452 3000.
      Free Cast Lists are available in large print and braille from the Box Office for all performances.
    • Audio description is a live commentary interspersed with the actors' dialogue. This is relayed via a headset linked to the infra-red audio system.
      There is a short 'programme notes' session, before the production, which explains the atmosphere, costumes, characters and action. Programme notes are also available on CD in advance.
  • Autism Friendly/Relaxed Performances View
    • The National Theatre offers both Relaxed and Sensory Adapted performances.
      Relaxed:
      These have a more relaxed performance environment, allowing for noise and movement in the auditorium, a chill-out space for patrons who may need time away from the performance, and re-entry when needed.
      Sensory Adapted:
      A relaxed performance environment that also includes technical changes to the production, such as adjustments to light and sound effects, for those with sensory sensitivities.
      Please check the website for details of the available performances.

Related London South Bank Venues (National Theatre)

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
  • For more information about access at the National Theatre you can either call 020 7452 3284 or email [email protected].
  • Assistance dogs are welcomed into the auditorium.
    The theatre can provide a service where they can look after your assistance dog during the performance, returning them to the owner in the interval and at the end.
  • Water bowls are available for assistance dogs.

Parking (Underground)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off Upper Ground.
    • The car park type is underground.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height of the restriction barrier is 188cm (6ft 2in).
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
    • Car park charges for cars and motorcycles
      Parking spaces in the basement car park are £8.50 after 17:00.
      If attending a daytime ticketed event and you leave before 19:00 the charge is £8.50.
      A combined matinee and evening show rate is £15.00.
      Validation must be obtained from the Box Office for these two options.
      On Sundays/public holidays parking is £8.50 all day, with no validation required.
      An early bird offer is available Monday to Friday, when you arrive between 06:00 and 09.30am, and leave by 18.30 for £12.
      The Hourly tariff for cars and motorcycles not attending National Theatre performances are 2 hours £7, 4 hours £11, 8 hours £16, 12 hours £24 and 24 hours £28.
      Lost tickets will be charged at full daily rate.
      Payment - There are four payment machines, one in the car park near the entrance to the theatre that takes cash and cards, one in the car park towards the BFI exit, and two in the basement lobby that take cards. Touch cards can also be used at the exit barriers.
      Free parking is available in the NT Car Park for Blue Badge holders attending a performance or eating at the National.
      When attending a performance, or dining at an NT restaurant, Blue Badge holders can park anywhere in the car park and there are spaces near the lifts reserved for use by disabled people. There is a ramped entrance with semi-automatic doors to the basement foyer and lifts.
      For free parking, Blue Badge holders should take their badge, theatre ticket and car park ticket to any Box Office in the foyers for validation prior to leaving.
      For further Access information phone 020 7452 3000 or email [email protected].
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 430cm x 500cm (14ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is concrete and block paving.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.

Other Floors (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Underground Car Park, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 12cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to the car park and on the ground floor ahead as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
  • The clear door width is 118cm (3ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 126cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 2in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Parking (Off Upper Ground)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off Upper Ground.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 500cm x 500cm (16ft 5in x 16ft 5in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • To book a space please call the Box Office on 020 7452 3000.

Approach (The Queen's Walk to National Theatre)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is concrete.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.

Outside Access (Dorfman Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Theatre.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 12cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Theatre Foyer

  • Theatre Foyer View
    • The theatre foyer is located ahead after you enter.
    • There is step-free access to the theatre foyer.
    • There is step-free access throughout the foyer.
    • The type of flooring in the foyer is concrete.
    • There is some flooring in the foyer which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Wayfinding signage is available.
    • The nearest seating is located in the Theatre Foyer.
    • The foyer does not play background music.
  • Bar View
    • There is a bar within the foyer.
    • The bar is located at the rear of the foyer.
    • The bar is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the entrance.
    • The bar is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the bar.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the bar.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the bar which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The bar is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the bar are moderate to good.
    • The height of the bar is 86cm.
    • There is not a/are not lowered section(s) of the bar.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the bar.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • There are wall menus available.
    • Braille menus are not available.
    • Large print menus are not available.
    • Picture menus are not available.
    • Menus are not clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Tickets can be purchased from the bar.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Theatre Foyer - Left Transfer Space)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the Theatre Foyer.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 230cm (5ft x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Theatre Foyer - Right Transfer Space)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the Theatre Foyer.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 115cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a lid.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left of the foyer.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (Circle - Ground Floor)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Circle.
    • The theatre area is located to the right of the foyer.
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the theatre area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm.
    • All doors accessing the area are similar.
    • The doors is/are permanently held open before and after performances.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
    • The doors give access to Row N.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • There are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The lighting level at the ramp/slope before and after performances is good.
    • The lighting level at the ramp/slope during performances is low to moderate.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • This information refers to the Grand Circle.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is vinyl.
    • There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 45cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located in the Theatre Foyer.
    • There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) N.
    • There is level access or stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • There is/are 1 to 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are fixed to the floor.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated during performances.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is designated seating available in this area.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located Row N.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • There is/are 2 designated space(s) for wheelchair users.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the screen from this seating area is good.
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear right of the foyer.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1 and 2.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 146cm x 260cm (4ft 9in x 8ft 6in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (The Pit - Lower Ground Floor)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Pit.
    • The theatre area is located to the left after you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the Theatre Area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • All doors accessing the area are similar.
    • The doors is/are permanently held open before and after performances.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
    • The doors give access to Rows L and M.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • The information below describes access to the Pit.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is vinyl.
    • There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 30cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located in the cinema foyer.
    • The layout of the theatre seating from Rows K to A varies depending on the performance/production.
      At the time of surveying there was stepped access to the rows.
    • There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) L and M.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is not designated seating available in this area.
    • The nearest designated seating to this area is located on the ground floor in the Circle.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (The Gallery - First Floor)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Gallery.
    • The theatre area is located to the left after you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the Theatre Area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • All doors accessing the area are similar.
    • The doors is/are permanently held open before and after performances.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
    • The doors give access to Row R.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is moderate to good.
    • The lighting level at the steps during performances is low to moderate.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated during performances.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • The information below describes access to the Gallery.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
    • There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 40cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located in the Theatre Foyer.
    • There is not step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are fixed to the floor.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is good.
    • The lighting level at the steps during performances is low.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated during screenings.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is not designated seating available in this area.
    • The nearest designated seating to this area is located on the ground floor in the Circle.

Attraction Space(s) (Sherling Backstage Walkway - Second Floor)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • There is a lift with an opening door width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening, via lift.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step free access throughout this attraction space.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • The type of flooring in the attraction space is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There are seating available within the attraction space.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • There is step-free access along the walkway.
      There are information boards about the theatre on the walls.
      Along the walkway you can lock down on the backstage area and sets being built.
      There is an information video located at the end of the walkway.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a lift.

Related London South Bank Venues (The Queen's Walk - between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge)