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The Bristol Hippodrome

St Augustine's Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ

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About this venue

Bristol Hippodrome (opens in new tab) is home to one of the largest theatre stages in Britain and has established itself as one of the key stops for all major West End touring productions. The building was designed by acclaimed theatre architect Frank Matcham and opened in 1912. The auditorium features a large, retractable dome in its roof that can be opened to improve ventilation and remains operational to this day.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Location

  • The nearest National Rail station is Bristol Temple Meads.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 165cm (5ft 5in) wide.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the venue.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The bell is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in) wide.

Outside Access (Box Office Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open automatically (away from you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The doors are single width.
    • The door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in) wide.

Level Change (Box Office Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the box office entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access (Box Office)

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Inside Access (Theatre)

  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access to the wheelchair user seating areas in the stalls section of the auditorium.

Level Change (Theatre)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is portable.
  • Please contact a member of staff.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located leading to the box seating.
  • There is / are 9 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a standard and / or platform lift to access this service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 125cm (2ft 7in x 4ft 1in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located within the stalls and box seating.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit alongside the patron.
  • It is 31m (33yd 2ft) 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 system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • As well as audio description, the theatre also provides captioned performances, signed performances and relaxed performances for some shows.
    • Please contact the venue for details.

Eating and Drinking (Circle Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • 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 distance between the floor and the lowest table is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.

Eating and Drinking (Piano Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Other View
    • The services / areas on the floors which are not accessible are Circle Bar and balcony.

Accessible Toilet (Stalls)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is 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 to the left as you enter.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 230cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush 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 general domestic waste and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 84cm (2ft 9in).

Accessible Toilet (Piano Bar)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 210cm (5ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There is a flush 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • 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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Level Change (Male Standard Toilet)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Level Change (Female Standard Toilet)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located leading to the female standard toilet.
  • There is / are 10 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.

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