Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include the Piano Bar, The Baby Piano Bar, and the Stalls Bar.
-
Comments
View
- The Alexandra Theatre is a historic building and has step-free access to the stall's auditorium only.
- Access to the Main Entrance, Box Office, Concierge Desk, old Foyer Entrance, the Piano Bar, The Baby Piano Bar, the Stalls Bar, and Standard Toilets is via steps only.
- There is a dedicated free of charge Access Hotline on 0121 230 9077 which is open 10:00 - 18:00 Monday to Saturday.
- Familiarisation visits are available upon request.
- Throughout the year the venue offers several relaxed performances for people with learning disabilities and autism.
Location
- There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Birmingham New Street.
Opening Times (Alexandra Theatre)
- Opening times do vary depending on performances.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
-
Public Car Parks
View
- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is NCP New Street.
- The car park is located on St Judes Passage.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
-
On Street Blue Badge Parking
View
- On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
- The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 210cm x 490cm (6ft 11in x 16ft 1in).
- On street Blue Badge parking is located on Station Street.
-
On Street Standard Parking
View
- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
- The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 210cm x 490cm (6ft 11in x 16ft 1in).
- Standard marked parking bays are located on Station Street.
-
Drop-off Point
View
- There is a designated drop off point.
- The drop off point is located in front of the Main Entrance on Suffolk Street Queensway.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue on Suffolk Street Queensway.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm.
-
Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 3 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
- 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 not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
-
Comments
View
- Photograph 4 shows the bell.
- The information provided close to the bell is pictorial, written text and Braille.
Outside Access (Old Foyer Entrance)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the side of the venue on Station Street.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 150cm (4ft 11in).
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The width of the door opening is 83cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
-
Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located on Station Street.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 127cm (4ft 2in).
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 148cm.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 148cm.
-
Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
-
Comments
View
- At every performance there is an Access Ambassador stationed at the door to assist patrons.
- Tickets can be collected from the Access Ambassador.
Reception (Box Office)
- The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
Reception (Concierge)
- The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Main Entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played within the auditorium.
- Motorised scooters are not welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
-
Comments
View
- There are two types of hearing loops available; a necklace type or headset.
- Please advise at the time of booking which you require.
- They can be collected upon arrival by a member of the front of house team.
Theatre
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located in at the front and rear of the theatre.
- Wheelchairs are left with you.
- A companion may sit with you.
- Companions sit on the adjacent seats.
- It is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
- This venue does provide audio described performances.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system is infrared.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
- The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are C-T.
- There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
- Concessions are available.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
- To view the www.atgtickets.com website for more information on accessible seating please click here (new tab).
-
Comments
View
- Photographs 1 and 2 show the accessible seating at the rear of the stalls.
- There are 15+ medium clearly marked steps without handrails leading throughout the tiered theatre seating (photograph 6).
- Rows A and AA can be removed depending on the performances to allow for dancing.
- Accessible seating is at the end of rows D and E on the left side and middle (viewed with your back to the stage). Photographs 8 and 9.
- The bars are all stepped access, but the theatre offers the Ordertorium service. Drinks and snacks can be ordered from and delivered to your seat.
- There is a menu available at every seat.
- Orders can be placed and paid for by App or in person.
Other Floors
-
Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are Dress Circle to Upper Circle.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
-
Other
View
- The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the Piano Bar, Baby Piano Bar, Stalls Bar, and VIP lounge.
-
Comments
View
- The stairs detailed also have a handrail in the centre.
- Photographs 4 and 5 show the stairs at the rear of the venue.
- These stairs have handrails on both sides.
Eating and Drinking (Stalls Bar)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located adjacent to the old foyer entrance.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are hand held and wall.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is cold snacks.
-
Comments
View
- There are no tables and only limited seating in this area.
Eating and Drinking (Piano Bar)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on the first floor.
- The bar does serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 55cm (1ft 10in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are hand held only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is cold snacks.
-
Comments
View
- There is a pianist playing in this area before all performances.
- There is a cold snacks and drinks kiosk to the right of the bar (photograph 5).
- The height of this counter is 96cm.
Eating and Drinking (Baby Piano Bar)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on the first floor.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The standard height for tables is 43cm.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are hand held only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
-
Comments
View
- There is a pianist playing in this area before all performances.
Eating and Drinking (The Ambassador Lounge)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located near to the dress circle.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Ambassador Lounge Entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 59cm.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are hand held only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
Level Change (The Ambassador Lounge)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located beyond the entrance to the lounge.
- There is/are 9 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
-
Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Accessible Entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the left as you enter via the Accessible Entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
-
Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 250cm (4ft 8in x 8ft 2in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 66cm (2ft 2in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
-
Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- 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).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
-
Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
-
Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within this Accessible Toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
-
Comments
View
- This toilet can also be accessed from the front right of the Theatre Auditorium.
Standard Toilet(s)
-
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- 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 at the rear of the stalls.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the Accessible Entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
-
Comments
View
- There are also female and male standard toilets in the dress circle level and the upper circle.
- There are shared standard toilets in the Ambassadors Lounge (photographs 7 and 8).
Level Change (Standard Toilets)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located leading to the male standard toilets.
- There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
-
Comments
View
- Photograph 3 shows the clearly marked shallow step without handrails leading to one of the cubicles in the female standard toilet.
Additional Info
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents are available in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
- The assistance dog toilet area is located at the rear of the venue on Station Street.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
- Staff are trained to BSL level (unknown at time of research).
-
Comments
View
- All staff are taught basic sign language as part of their training, but they are not fluent.
- A member of staff is designated to assist with assistance dogs if required.