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 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.
Companion or assistant tickets can only be booked through Box Office. To do so, please call 0191 230 5151 or email boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk
What to expect when you visit
Building Familiarisation Tours
If you would like to familiarise yourself with any of our spaces before your visit, our Operations team are happy to provide tours. You can get in touch with them at operations@northernstage.co.uk to arrange this at a convenient time.
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:
- Macbeth – Thu 5 Oct, 7.30pm
- The Bat With No Bite – Thur 2 Nov, 11am & Sat 4 Nov, 11am
- High Times and Dirty Monsters – Fri 3 Nov, 7.30pm & Sat 4 Nov, 7.30pm
- The Three Bears – Fri 8 Dec, 1pm; Sat 16 Dec, 10am & Tue 19 Dec, 1pm
- Cinderella: A Fairytale – Fri 15 Dec 6pm, Sat 23 Dec 5pm
Audio Described Performance
Live commentary via headphones for blind or partially sighted patrons.
Performance dates:
- Macbeth – Fri 6 Oct, 7.30pm
- High Times and Dirty Monsters – Fri 3 Nov, 7.30pm & Sat 4 Nov, 7.30pm
- Cinderella: A Fairytale Sat 23 Dec 1pm, Fri 29 Dec 5pm
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:
- Grace Petrie: Butch Ado About Nothing – Mon 18 Sep, 7.30pm
- Macbeth – Fri 6 Oct, 7.30pm
- Driftwood – Thu 9 Nov, 7.30pm ; Fri 10 Nov, 2pm & 7.30pm
- Cinderella: A Fairytale – Sat 16 Dec 5pm, Thu 28 Dec 1pm
Relaxed Performance
To welcome audiences with learning disabilities, sensory or communication differences.
- Macbeth – Tue 3 Oct, 6pm
- The Bat With No Bite – all performances are relaxed
- Cinderella: A Fairytale – Sun 17 Dec 1pm, Wed 20 Dec 10am & 2pm
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.
Booking Companion Seating
To book a free ticket for a wheelchair companion or an assistant, contact our Box Office on 0191 230 5151, via email at boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk or by visiting our Box Office in person.
Guide Dogs
Guide, hearing and all working dogs are welcome here
Seat Accessibility
We want everyone to feel comfortable in our theatres, so we’ve listed the dimensions of our seating and details about arm rests. If you think you would need an accommodation to be made please let our Box Office know in advance of the day of the show on 0191 230 5151 or email boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk.
Stage 1 Seats are 43 cm wide, 41cm deep, with 46cm between arm rests. The aisleway is 51cm deep from the seat back. Arm rests cannot be removed.
Plus size seating: we have 2 plus size seats available at the rear of Stage 1. Seats are 50cm wide, 40cm deep with no arm rests. Please note these seats are lower to the ground than our regular seats, the seat cushion is 40cm from the floor. These seats can be booked via box office only on 0191 230 5151 or by emailing boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk.
Stage 2 Seats are 40cm wide, 41cm deep. The aisleway is 64cm deep from the seat back. There are no arm rests.
Stage 3 Seats are 41cm wide, 43cm deep. There are no arm rests. The seats are not fixed so can be rearranged to allow for more space. There are three heights of seat to allow for clear sightlines. The distance from the seats to the floor is 45cm, 60cm and 73cm respectively.
All seats adhere to British Standards at the time of installation.
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.