Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Barbican Theatre

Castle Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2NJ

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

About this venue

Barbican Theatre is an intimate and vibrant 140-seat theatre at the heart of the historic Barbican in Plymouth. Together with the B-Bar, Barbican Theatre offers a diverse programme of contemporary theatre and dance, laugh-out-loud comedy, and live music from across the world. From hilarious Christmas performances for the whole family, to chilled out soul and jazz music in the relaxed atmosphere of the B-Bar, this vibrant little venue really does have something for everyone.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • The theatre is situated on cobbled streets which are steep and not easily accessible to wheelchair users.
  • It is possible to drop-off directly outside the building in Castle Street, although the street is narrow here.
  • Tickets are ordered and collected from the bar, as there is no longer a separate box office.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Plymouth.
  • The venue is situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Plymouth.

Opening Times (Box Office)

  • Monday 11:00 - 16:00.
  • Tuesday 11:00 - 16:00.
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 16:00.
  • Thursday 11:00 - 16:00.
  • Friday 11:00 - 18:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • Theatre opening times vary according to performances taking place.
    • There is no separate Box Office. Tickets are ordered and collected from the Bar.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 106cm (3ft 6in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • There is / are 9 step(s) to the area / service.
  • Lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • There is a standard and / or platform lift to access this service.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G-1.
  • The lift is 3m (9ft 10in) from main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 150cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are not within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The controls are 90cm to 116cm in height.
  • The lift controls do have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • The steps immediately beyond the entrance can be overcome via this lift.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the building.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Lighting levels are varied.
  • Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is medium.

Restaurant Bar Internal (B-Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Food is available from the bar.
  • Full table service is available.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 69cm (2ft 3in).
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • 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 Thai.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in the front row.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit beside the patron.
  • It is 25m (27yd) 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.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 8m (26ft 3in) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the rear of the box office.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 146cm x 220cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 3in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • No emergency alarm fitted in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails 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.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • An additional adapted toilet, with identical specifications, is available on the 1st floor.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • The baby change facilities are located in both adapted toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Standard Toilet(s)

Level Change (Standard Male Toilet)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located leading into the toilet.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.
  • Lighting levels at the steps are bright.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Additional Info

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