Access Guide
Overview
- The Apollo Theatre is in the centre of London's West End on Shaftesbury Avenue, approximately 170 metres from Piccadilly Circus Underground Station.
- Shaftesbury Avenue is a very busy road for both pedestrians and cars with two way traffic.
- For information about Piccadilly Circus please click here.
Getting Here (Piccadilly Circus)
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By Bus
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- There are bus stops located on Regent Street/St James's Street, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Coventry Street and Haymarket.
All London buses have ramp access and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. - For more information on London buses (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
- There are bus stops located on Regent Street/St James's Street, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Coventry Street and Haymarket.
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By Underground
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- Green Park is the nearest accessible step-free station and is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
The accessible entrance is from the park at the rear of the station.
Piccadilly Circus Station is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo Line Services.
Leicester Square Station is served by the Piccadilly and Northern Line Services.
Both stations are accessed by steps only. - For more information on London Underground (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
- Green Park is the nearest accessible step-free station and is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
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By Train
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- London Charing Cross has step-free access to all platforms.
Staff are available to assist with ramps between the platform and the train. - For more information on access and facilities at Charing Cross Station please click here (opens new tab).
- London Charing Cross has step-free access to all platforms.
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By Road
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- Piccadilly Circus can be accessed from Piccadilly, Regent Street, Haymarket and Coventry Street.
Piccadilly Circus is in the Central London Congestion Charge Zone (charges apply Monday - Friday 07:00 -18:00).
It is also in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (charges apply at all times for non-compliant vehicles). - For more information on driving in London please click here (opens new tab).
- Parking in the area is very limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
The nearest public car parks are Q-Park Leicester Square, located off Whitcomb Street and NCP Brewers Street.
There are 3 Blue Badge bays within Q-Park Leicester Square.
On street Blue Badge bays are located on Whitcomb Street and Jermyn Street. - For more information on the Blue Badge Scheme and parking in London please click here (opens new tab).
- A London taxi can be hailed in any location or summoned by phone.
There are taxi ranks located off many side roads from Piccadilly Circus, these include; Regent Street/St James's Street, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Haymarket, Jermyn Street, Air Street, Coventry Street, Oxendon Street, Whitcomb Street and Wardour Street.
- Piccadilly Circus can be accessed from Piccadilly, Regent Street, Haymarket and Coventry Street.
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By River
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- 6 TfL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
The nearest pier is Westminster.
This is close to Westminster Underground Station on the Jubilee Line which connects to Bond Street Station.
There is step-free access onto the river buses, except at 3 piers.
Please see the TfL website for details. - For more information on London River Bus services please click here (opens new tab).
- 6 TfL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
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By Air
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- The nearest airports to central London are London City, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
London City Airport is connected to the centre by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank or Tower Gateway, with interchanges to the rail and underground network at Canning Town and Stratford.
From Gatwick Airport there are fast trains connecting to London Bridge Station.
Heathrow Airport is connected by fast trains to Paddington Station and is also on the Piccadilly underground line. - For more information on travelling to London by air please click here (opens new tab).
- The nearest airports to central London are London City, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
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Useful Links
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- Please use the TfL journey planner for details of the most suitable routes.
The planner can be filtered by options such as step-free routes or maximum walking distances. - To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The TfL website has links to the TfL accessibility guides, including large print maps and audio guides to order or download.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please use the TfL journey planner for details of the most suitable routes.
Opening Times (Box Office)
- Monday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Sunday Closed.
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are not mobility aids available.
- An assistant is allocated to wheelchair users to escort them to their seats and order any drinks required from the bar.
On Street Parking
- There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Archer Street.
- The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 205cm x 540cm (6ft 9in x 17ft 9in).
Outside Access (Main Entrance - Foyer)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on Shaftesbury Avenue.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 97cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 93cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 1 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
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Comments
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- The entrance step tapers between 5cm to 12cm from right to left as you face the entrance.
Theatre Foyer
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Theatre Foyer
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- The theatre foyer is located inside the main entrance.
- There is stepped access to the theatre foyer.
- There is step-free access throughout the foyer.
- The type of flooring in the foyer is tiles.
- There is flooring in the foyer which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- Wayfinding signage is available.
- The nearest seating is located in the foyer.
- The foyer does not play background music.
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Box Office
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- There is a/are box office within the foyer.
- The counter(s) is/are located to the left as you enter the main entrance.
- The nearest counter is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
- The counter(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the counter(s).
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter(s).
- There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the counter(s) are good.
- The height of the counter(s) is/are 126cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter(s).
- There is a/are lowered section(s) of the counter(s).
- The height of the lowered section(s) at the counter(s) is 90cm.
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section(s) of the counter(s).
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section(s) of the counter(s).
- The counter(s) is/are staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter(s).
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Bar
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- There is not a bar within the foyer.
Outside Access (Alternative Entrance - Stalls)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on Shaftesbury Avenue, next to the main entrance.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main 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 98cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located immediately beyond the entrance.
- There is/are 9 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.
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Lift
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- There is a lift to access this entrance.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
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Comments
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- This entrance is for wheelchair users only with a platform lift giving access from the entrance doors to the rear of the stalls.
- There are 9 steps immediately inside this entrance that the platform lift overcomes.
- The platform lift dimensions are 80cm wide x 98cm deep.
- The platform lift is operated by staff.
Theatre Seating Area(s) (Stalls)
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Access to Seating
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- The information below describes access to the Stalls.
- The theatre area is located at the rear of the stalls.
- There is ramped/sloped access to the theatre area.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 105cm.
- The doors is/are not permanently held open before and after performances.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
- The doors give access to Row R.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The lighting level at the ramp/slope before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The lighting level at the ramp/slope during performances is low to moderate.
- The ramp/slope is not clearly illuminated during performances.
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Theatre Area Information
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- This information refers to the Stalls.
- The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- The width of the rows of seating is 45cm.
- The lighting level before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The nearest accessible toilet is located to the right of the stalls as you face the stage.
- There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
- The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) R.
- The access to the majority of seating is located either side of the seats (against wall) and in the centre of the seats.
- There is ramped/sloped access to the majority of seating.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- There are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The lighting level at the ramp/slope before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The lighting level at the ramp/slope during performances is low to moderate.
- The ramp/slope is not clearly illuminated during performances.
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Designated Seating Area(s)
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- There is designated seating available in this area.
- The designated seating area(s) is/are located Row Q.
- The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access to the designated seating area(s).
- Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
- The visibility of the stage from this seating area is good.
- Companions/carers sit next to the patron, behind the patron and in front of the patron.
- There is not sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
- Assistance dogs are looked after in bar.
Seats are removed to facilitate wheelchairs.
Eating and Drinking (American Airlines Bar - Stalls)
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located at the rear of the stalls.
- There is stepped access to the bar.
- For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
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Service and Menus
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- Tables can be booked in advance.
- There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include: written wall menus.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
- The type of food served here is bar snacks.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Adapted cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- This area does not play background music.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
- There is a portable card machine available for payment.
- Assistants can obtain a portable card reader.
The bar tills have a customer facing screen with the drinks menu and customers selected order.
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 110cm.
- There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Tables and Seating
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- The surface height of the lowest table is 60cm.
- The surface height of the highest table is 109cm.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- There are also coffee tables and high tables.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- Doors to the bar area are tended by staff.
There are 8 medium height, not well marked steps with handrails on both sides and central to access the main bar area.
Toilet with Adaptations (Stalls)
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located off the right hand side of the stalls as you face the stage.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a gender neutral toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 137cm x 222cm (4ft 6in x 7ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 65cm (2ft 2in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Standard Toilet(s) (Stalls)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located off the right hand side of the stalls as you face the stage, next to the accessible toilet.
- There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 22m from the lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 92cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The male toilet is located off the American Airlines Bar.
- There is stepped access to the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 37m from the lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 89cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located either side of the foyer.
- The stairs are approximately 3m from the main entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are Stalls, Ground and Dress Circle.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
Theatre Seating Area(s) (Dress Circle)
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Access to Seating
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- The information below describes access to the Dress Circle.
- The theatre area is located at the rear of the dress circle.
- There is stepped access to the theatre area.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 147cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 105cm.
- All doors accessing the area are similar.
- The doors is/are not permanently held open before and after performances.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
- The doors give access to Row G.
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Theatre Area Information
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- This information refers to the Dress Circle.
- The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
- There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
- The width of the rows of seating is 44cm.
- The lighting level before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The nearest accessible toilet is located at the rear of the stalls.
- There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
- The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) E.
- The access to the majority of seating is located either side of the seats (against wall) and in the centre of the seats.
- There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
- 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.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the 30cm and 45cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The lighting level at the steps during performances is low to moderate.
- The steps are not clearly illuminated during performances.
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Designated Seating Area(s)
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- There is not designated seating available in this area.
- The nearest designated seating to this area is located at the rear of the stalls.
Outside Access (Grand Circle Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on Shaftesbury Avenue.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main 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 88cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
- There are steps all the way up to the grand circle from the entrance.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 1 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
Theatre Seating Area(s) (Grand Circle)
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Access to Seating
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- The information below describes access to the Grand Circle.
- The theatre area is located at the rear of the grand circle.
- There is stepped access to the theatre area.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 136cm.
- The doors is/are not permanently held open before and after performances.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
- The doors give access to Row F.
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Theatre Area Information
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- This information refers to the Grand Circle.
- The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
- There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
- The width of the rows of seating is 42cm.
- The lighting level before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The nearest accessible toilet is located at the rear of the stalls.
- There is not step free access to a row/rows of seating.
- The access to the majority of seating is located in the centre of the seats.
- There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
- There is/are 8 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the 30cm and 45cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The lighting level at the steps during performances is low to moderate.
- The steps are not clearly illuminated during performances.
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Designated Seating Area(s)
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- There is not designated seating available in this area.
- The nearest designated seating to this area is located at the rear of the stalls.
Eating and Drinking (Grand Circle Bar)
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located at the rear of the Grand Circle.
- There is stepped access to the bar.
- For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
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Service and Menus
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- Tables cannot be booked in advance.
- There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include: written wall menus.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
- The type of food served here is bar snacks.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- This area does not play background music.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
- Assistants can obtain a portable card reader.
The bar tills have a customer facing screen with the drinks menu and customers selected order.
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 101cm.
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Tables and Seating
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- The surface height of the lowest table is 57cm.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
- There are also coffee tables and armchairs.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
Standard Toilet(s) (Grand Circle)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located at the rear of the Grand Circle, next to the bar.
- There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the Grand Circle Bar.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are good.