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
Virtual tour
This project has been funded and facilitated by England’s first Destination Development Partnership – Destination North East England. A partnership between , NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham, benefiting all seven local authorities. Destination North East England is funded by UK Government.
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.
These performances are designed for audience members who use British Sign Language. A BSL Interpreter stands to the side of the stage and interprets the script used by the performers during the show.
- Thu 24 Apr, 10.30am
- Fri 2 May, 7.30pm
- Thu 15 May, 7.30pm
Audio description explains what’s happening onstage via a headset. It’s particularly helpful for people with visual impairment. We offer free touch tours ahead of some audio-described performances where you can familiarise yourself with set, costumes and props.
- Thu 24 Apr, 1:00 pm. A touch tour will be taking place before this performance at 12pm. Book here.
- Thu 1 May, 7.30pm
- Sat 17 May, 2pm
A captioned performance features live subtitles, similar to watching a TV show or film with the subtitles on. Typically, there will be a box at the side of the stage which will display the captions. Sometimes, captions are integrated into the show and will be projected onto the set.
Captioned performances are designed with deaf people in mind, or those who are hard of hearing, but captioned performances can be beneficial for lots of other people too – for example, people who speak English as a second language, or people who like to process language in a written format.
- Thu 1 May, 7.30pm
- Sat 17 May, 2pm
During our relaxed performances, the show won’t look too different than usual, just that there will be more visibility in the auditorium for your safety, whilst maintaining a relaxed environment. We’ve also taken our levels of sound effects, music, and speech into careful consideration. However, in case these levels are still overwhelming or over stimulating, please be prepared with ear defenders. Our box office has a selection of adult and child sizes which you’re free to borrow.
Our front of house staff will be here to support you throughout your experience, so please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. We’re committed to providing you not only with a relaxed performance, but a relaxed experience all around.
- Wed 23 Apr, 10.30am
Access FAQ’s
Access FAQ’s
You can purchase access tickets via our website. If it’s your first time visiting, we recommend you book directly with the box office by calling 0191 230 5151 or emailing boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk. We will be able to add your access preferences to your account and answer any questions you may have. If you have an existing account with us, you can log onto your account and update your access requirements via My Account > Other Preferences. Then you will be able to select access tickets and purchase them online.
There are five wheelchair positions in Stage 1, two positions in Stage 2 and all seats are removable in Stage 3. To book a wheelchair space please contact the Box Office by calling 0191 230 5151 or emailing boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk. We offer a free carer/companion ticket for those who are not able to attend unaccompanied, which you can also book via the Box Office.
Please speak to our Box Office team by calling 0191 230 5151 or emailing boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk who will be happy to discuss options with you.
We are situated on the Newcastle University campus. Blue Badge holders can use any accessible bay, where available.
Guide, hearing and working dogs are welcome here.
We have a Changing Places toilet in the Stage 1 lobby and accessible toilets in the Stage 3 and Stage 2 lower entrance lobby. We also have gender neutral toilets in the Stage 2 lower entrance lobby.
We offer British Sign Language Interpreted, Captioned, Relaxed and Audio Described performances for a range of our shows. Please see here for information about what these performance types involve. We also provide touch tours prior to audio described performances, so blind and partially sighted audience members can familiarise themselves with the design of the space.
We have an induction loop system in all our public spaces, and an infra-red system in all three stages. In Stage 1, the induction loop is best covered in rows E-L. You can book seats in these rows online, over the phone or in person.
If you’d like to arrange a familiarisation tour before your visit, please email operations@northernstage.co.uk. We have a 360-degree tour available here if you’d like to familiarise yourself with our spaces online.
Anyone is welcome at our access performances and you don’t need to have an access need to come along.
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
We have a Changing Places toilet in the Stage 1 lobby and 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.