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South London Theatre

The Old Fire Station, 2A Norwood High Street, West Norwood, London, SE27 9NS

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Basement: bar.
    Ground Floor: entrance foyer and box office, auditorium and small meeting room.
    First Floor: rehearsal rooms and props storage.
    Second Floor: wardrobe storage and costume hire.
    Third Floor: staff offices.
  • Comments View
    • This amateur theatre runs a full schedule of performances throughout the year.
    • There are spaces within the venue, such as the ground floor meeting room and first floor rehearsal space, which are available to hire by outside groups.
    • The venue is also developing its own programme of activities such as children's music sessions and an adult writers' group.
    • The theatrical costume store also operates a hire service.
    • The theatre bar is open to the public on performance evenings.
    • It is also open most other evenings to members.
    • Please contact the venue for further details of the event programme.

Opening Times

  • Opening times for the venue vary according to bookings/events taking place.

Location

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

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 125cm.

Reception (Reception and Box Office)

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a wire hearing loop inside the theatre as well.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • The hearing loop is in the auditorium.
    • Photograph 1 shows the entrance foyer.
    • Photograph 2 shows the small meeting room on the ground floor.
    • Photographs 3 and 4 show the two rooms on the first floor which are used for rehearsals and other activities.
    • All of these rooms are also available to hire.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located the front row.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • It is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does not 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.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair, please ask at reception.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The stage and seating layout varies between performances, but there is always space at ground level for wheelchair users.
    • The stage set up will also be designed for actors who have mobility difficulties as required.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are third floor staff offices.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 1 shows the stairs connecting the basement bar and the ground floor.
    • Photographs 2 and 3 show the stairs to the upper levels on the right hand side of the building.
    • There is also a stair to the left hand side of the building which has handrails to both sides (shown in photograph 4).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the main entrance foyer, ahead from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, G, 1 and 2.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • The lift is always available to connect the entrance foyer with the basement bar.
    • A staff/member electronic fob is required to operate the lift to the upper levels.

Eating and Drinking (Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on floor -1, ahead as you exit the lift.
  • 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.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 53cm (1ft 9in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 53cm.
  • 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.

Third Floor Hire Rooms

  • There are three rooms on the third floor which are used as hire venues.
  • There is a room which is set for a consultation/therapy/meeting room.
  • There is a room with chairs and tables which can be organised for any kind of activity.
  • The other room is a kitchen as well as a side room with a toilet and a bath.

Accessible Toilet (Foyer - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear right of the entrance foyer.
    • 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 268cm (5ft 1in x 8ft 10in).
    • 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 88cm (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 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 general domestic waste and sanitary 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 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 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 bright.
  • 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 92cm (3ft).
  • Comments View
    • This toilet has a second door so that it can also be accessed from the back stage area.

Accessible Toilet (Basement Bar - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to rear right of the bar as you exit the lift.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 250cm (7ft 3in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 152cm (4ft 12in).
    • 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 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 open waste paper bin, general domestic waste and sanitary 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 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.
    • 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 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 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 bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • This toilet is also signed for use as a gender neutral toilet.

Accessible Toilet (Second Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the second floor.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 230cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 sanitary and open waste paper bin 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 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 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 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 bright.
  • 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).
  • Comments View
    • As you exit the lift, the accessible toilet is to the right after a single manual door which is heavy to operate.

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 off the basement bar.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located in the ground floor backstage area.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional female, male and shared standard toilets on the first floor (shown in photographs 5 and 6).
    • There are 3 steps up from the main first floor level served by the lift.

Standard Toilet(s) (Third Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the third floor.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the stairs.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are two doors to enter these toilets, the first door 76cm wide and the second door is 68cm.
    • There is also a bath tub within the toilet which can be used in case of any accidents/emergencies.

Level Change (Access to First Floor Standard Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located through the door to the right as you exit the lift on the first floor.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
  • The step(s) is/are not 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 both sides.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not 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 in the rear yard.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Comments View
    • Pre-visits tour or touch tours can be arranged, including information about the sensory environment. Please contact the South London Theatre by emailing [email protected].
    • Some staff are trained in the Dementia Friends scheme to have awareness and be better able to assist people with dementia.