If you have any access needs, please get in touch via email on [email protected], or by phone on 01392 72 63 63 and we’ll gladly assist.
You can find a full list of upcoming access performances at the bottom of this page.
Audio Description
Audio description is a live verbal commentary on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds, such as actions, characters, costumes and sets. An audio describer delivers this information between the dialogue of a performance and anyone can listen to it via a headset. Audio-described performances also often include pre-show touch tours of the set.
Watch or listen to Audio Describer Harriet Godfrey talk about her role, what audiences can expect and why audio description is important.
In Conversation: Audio Description at the Northcott
Watch or listen to our Sales and Ticketing Manager and Audio Describer Guy Newman talk to audio description user Marylyn Lant about her experiences at our theatre over the past four decades.
British Sign Language Interpreted Performance
A British Sign Language performance is a show that’s interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL) by a qualified interpreter. The interpreter is positioned to one side of the stage or integrated as a character into the performance. Using their hands, facial expressions and body language, they help convey all the emotions and subtleties of what’s happening on stage.
We make sure to reserve the best seats with the clearest view of the interpreter for anyone who needs this service.
Watch or listen to Complete Communication‘s Managing Director and BSL-Interpreter Daryl McMullan explain how BSL-interpretation works at our theatre.
Captioned Performance
If you attend a captioned performance, you’ll be able to read captions either on a screen or on your own device. These captions give you a written version of spoken dialogue (speech), as well as other sounds and musical cues. Captions are particularly helpful for people with hearing impairments or those who many have difficulty understanding accents, dialects, or fast-paced dialogue.
Relaxed Performance
Relaxed performances are a lot more casual than a regular theatre performance:
• Our house lights (which illuminate our auditorium seating area) may be dimmed, but not completely darkened, to allow you to see and move around more easily.
• The performance will be tailored to accommodate those who may be sensitive to sound or lighting. The volume of the performance may be lower than usual, and there may be no sudden loud noises or flashing lights.
• Performers will have a more relaxed attitude to audience behaviour. There is no expectation for audience members to remain silent or still during the performance.
• You are welcome to leave the auditorium and re-enter as needed.
Hearing Loop System
Our Box Office and auditorium have an accessible hearing system, which transmits audio to hearing aids or specially provided headphones (which can be collected from the Box Office). The system can also be accessed via the Sennheiser MobileConnect app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Upcoming Access Performances
Access Performance News
Our partnership with Complete Communication, part of The Inclusivity Group
We’re partnering with the Deaf Academy to celebrate their bicentenary
Deaf Awareness Week: three big announcements