Access Guide
Introduction
- Nestling in the heart of London's West End, The Comedy Store is the city's busiest comedy venue with over 3500 people passing through its doors every week.
- For more information on 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 Airport, 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 Airport, 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
- Monday 18:00 - 23:00.
- Tuesday 18:00 - 23:00.
- Wednesday 18:00 - 23:00.
- Thursday 18:00 - 23:00.
- Friday 18:00 - 01:15.
- Saturday 18:00 - 01:15.
- Sunday 18:00 - 23:00.
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.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print 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 mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
On Street Parking
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Standard on street parking is available.
- The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Oxendon Street.
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Comments
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- Pay-by-phone parking is located on Oxendon Street.
- Parking charges apply between 08:00 - 18:30, Monday to Saturday.
- The maximum stay is 4 hours and no return within 1 hour.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on Oxendon Street.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'The Comedy Store'.
- 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.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 142cm (4ft 8in).
- 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 140cm.
- 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 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 20cm.
- 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).
Other Floors (Main Entrance)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located immediately beyond the main entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 1m from the main entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground floor and lower ground floor.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.
Outside Access (Alternative Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on Oxendon Street, to the left of the main entrance.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or 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 but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is portable.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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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 20cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at 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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- Please notify the doorman at the main entrance if you wish to use this entrance.
- Assistance will then be provided for access to the lower ground floor auditorium.
Other Floors (Alternative Entrance)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located immediately beyond the alternative entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 1m from the alternative entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground floor and lower ground floor.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not 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 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.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.
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Comments
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- There is a chairlift on these stairs.
- Wheelchair users would have to vacate their wheelchair to use the chairlift.
Counter (Box Office)
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Counter
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- The counter is located at the bottom of the main entrance stairs.
- Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance.
- There is stepped access to the counter.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are low to moderate.
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided near the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
Counter (Cloakroom)
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Counter
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- The counter is located at the rear of the auditorium.
- Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the lift.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are low to moderate.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
Eating and Drinking (Comedy Store Bar)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located at the rear of the auditorium.
- There is step-free access to the bar.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
- The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
- There is step-free access within the bar.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- This area does not play background music.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are not welcomed in the bar area.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
Eating and Drinking (Comedy Store Diner)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located at the rear of the auditorium.
- There is step-free access to the café.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
- The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
- There is step-free access within the café.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- This area does not play background music.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- The nearest table is approximately 2m from the till/counter.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 68cm.
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm.
- The standard height for tables is 70cm.
- Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic/takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- There are hand held menus available.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are 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.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
Theatre Seating Area(s) (Comedy Store - Auditorium)
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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 auditorium.
- There is stepped access to the theatre area.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not 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 140cm.
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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 vinyl.
- There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- The width of the rows of seating is 37cm.
- The lighting level before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The nearest accessible toilet is located at the rear of the seating area.
- There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
- The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) 1-6.
- The access to the majority of seating is located in the centre of the seats.
- There is level access or stepped access to the majority of seating.
- There is/are 1 to 4 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 26cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 steps are 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 towards the front of the stage.
- The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
- There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
- There is/are 2 designated space(s) for wheelchair users.
- 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.
- There is not sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
- If required seats near the front can be removed for wheelchair spaces.
Accessible Toilet(s)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the auditorium.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 135cm x 205cm (4ft 5in x 6ft 9in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
- There is not a lateral transfer space.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a lid.
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the right of the seating area, facing the stage.
- There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is not a lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the right of the seating area, facing the stage.
- There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- There is not a lowered urinal.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is not a lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.