Access at Northern Stage
We are very proud that Northern Stage is a fully accessible building.
Book Access Tickets Online
You can purchase access tickets via our website.
On certain events we may hold back seats for our Captioned, Audio Described and BSL Interpreted performances for users of those services. These seats are located in the best place in the auditorium to make use of the relevant facility.
To book tickets held for caption, audio description or wheelchair users, log on to your account at northernstage.co.uk. Go to My Account > Other Preferences and update your access requirements. You will be then be able to select access tickets and purchase them online. If it’s your first time visiting, we recommend you book directly with the box office via calling 0191 230 5151 or emailing boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk to ensure all needs are met and appropriate advice can be given for each particular performance space.
Access Performance Types
We offer a range of methods to assist in your enjoyment of shows at Northern Stage. Look for the following symbols on individual show pages of the website, on our brochure or ask our box office for details.
British Sign Language Interpreted performance
Sign language interpreted performance for Deaf BSL users
Performance dates:
- Quiet Rebels – Wed 12 & Thu 13 Oct 7pm
- Northern Stage is Curious – Sat 15 Oct 7pm
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Thu 3 Nov 7pm, Wed 9 Nov 2pm
- Hey Diddle Diddle – Sat 10 Dec 12pm, Wed 14 Dec 10.30am, Wed 21 Dec 1pm
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – Sat 17 Dec 10.30am, Wed 28 Dec 3pm
Audio Described Performance
Live commentary via headphones for blind or partially sighted patrons.
Performance dates:
- Quiet Rebels – Wed 12 & Thu 13 Oct 7pm
- Downs with Love – Thu 3 Nov 7.30pm
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Sat 12 Nov 2pm
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – Sat 17 Dec 3pm
Captioned Performance
English text displayed on a unit for deaf or hard of hearing patrons. For best visibility in Stage 1 we would advise rows E – L, anywhere in Stage 2 is fine.
Performance dates:
- Curious Festival 2022: Sound Cistem – Sat 16 Jul, 7.30pm
- Quiet Rebels – Wed 12 & Thu 13 Oct 7pm
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Thu 10 Nov 7pm
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – Sat 10 Dec 3pm
Relaxed Performance
To welcome audiences with learning disabilities, sensory or communication differences.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Sat 5 Nov 2pm
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – Thu 22 Dec 10am & Thu 29 Dec 10.30am
Building Access
Step free access
Northern Stage is fully accessible. The theatre has three lifts providing access to all parts of the building, including the accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, stages 2 & 3 and the backstage area. Buggy parking is available
Wheelchair spaces
There are five wheelchair positions in Stage 1, two positions in Stage 2 and all seats are removeable in Stage 3.
Toilets
Accessible toilets in Stage 3 and Stage 2 lower entrance lobby. Gender neutral toilets are situated in the Stage 2 lower entrance lobby.
Hearing enhancement
Induction loop system in all public spaces, and an infra-red system in all three stages. (In Stage 1 the induction loop is best covered in rows E – L)
Assistance
One free ticket for the assistant of a disabled person who is not able to attend unaccompanied.
Guide Dogs
Guide, hearing and all working dogs are welcome here
There are two entrances to the theatre, Kings Road Entrance (this is the taxi drop-off/collection point) and the Main Entrance.
Both level entrances have automated doors. These lead into the foyer area where you will find the Restaurant, Bar, Box Office and entrances to Stages 1, 2 and 3.