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Bristol Old Vic

36 King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ED

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • The Bristol Old Vic is the first British Theatre to survive 250 years. The building opened in 1766 and some parts are original. Improvements to access are always being made and staff will make special arrangements if a visitor calls in advance.
  • A range of accessible performances are available including Audio Description, Captioned, Signed and Relaxed performances. There are concession rates and a free companion ticket where necessary. Companion tickets have to be booked through the Box Office.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Bristol Temple Meads.

Opening Times (Box Office)

  • Monday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 900cm x 200cm (29ft 6in x 6ft 7in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located in front of the venue.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Comments View
    • Parking on King Street is restricted.
    • All standard kerbside parking is pay and display.
    • King Street roadway is cobbled and the pavements are stone slabs which are uneven in places.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • Please note, the approach to the entrance is via a traffic-free cobbled road due to tables, chairs and fencing being placed on the pavement along King Street.
    • The cobbles can be slippery when wet.

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 13/05/2021.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are not welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Visitors can reach the Box Office and Restaurant/Bar areas in a motorised scooter but would not be able to access the Auditorium due to the narrow aisle.

Theatre (Theatre Royal)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in in the Dress Circle.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit beside you.
  • It is 30m (32yd 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 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 all.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair, please ask at the box office.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are not allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • Assistance dogs can be left with staff outside the auditorium.
    • There are audio described, captioned and signed performances and also relaxed performances with a lower sound level and the house lights left on.
    • A free ticket is available for a companion to assist with access needs; this ticket must be booked through the Box Office, not online.

Theatre (Studio Auditorium)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located the balcony area.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit beside you.
  • It is 30m (32yd 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 a fixed loop.
  • 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 not allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • Access to the Balcony of the Studio is level from the Box Office.
    • All seating at this level is moveable and can be moved or removed for access.

Other Floors (Pit, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Gallery)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Pit, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Gallery.
    • 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.

Level Change (Pit Theatre (Lower Ground))

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located to the left after exiting the lift in the basement.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the right after exiting the lift.
  • There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • 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 height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, G, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 120cm x 190cm (3ft 11in x 6ft 3in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the café/bar.
  • The refectory is located just beyond the main entrance.
  • 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 not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • 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 hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional bar on the Dress Circle level for the sale of drinks only. There is no lowered counter and all drinks are ordered from the bar. Patrons with mobility difficulties are offered assistance.

Accessible Toilet (Level -1 (The Western Studio Floor))

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right after exiting the lift on level -1.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 250cm (4ft 11in 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 non-infectious waste and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
  • 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 47cm (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 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 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 low to moderate.
  • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).

Accessible Toilet (Level 0 - Dress Circle)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right after exiting the lift on level 0.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 260cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 6in).
    • There is 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 non-infectious waste and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
  • 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 the right.
    • 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.
    • 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 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 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 low to moderate.
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).

Accessible Toilet (Level 1 (Cooper's Bar))

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located To the left after exiting the lift on level 1.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 220cm (5ft x 7ft 3in).
    • There is 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 non-infectious waste and clinical 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (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 not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can 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 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 low to moderate.
  • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Level -1 (The Wester Studio Floor))

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the Western Studio Floor (Basement).
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the Western Studio Floor (Basement), to the right after exiting the lift.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested 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 can be requested.
  • Comments View
    • Assistance dogs are not permitted in the auditorium. Arrangements can be made for their care during the performance.