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The Swan Theatre

Royal Shakespeare Company, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BB

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • The Swan Theatre is part of the Royal Shakespeare Company building.

Opening Times

  • The venue is open 10:00 -23:00 / show end time, Monday to Saturday and 10:00-17:00 Sundays.

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 240cm x 1600cm (7ft 10in x 52ft 6in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located in Waterside.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest public car parks are Bridgeway Surface and Bridgeway Multi-Storey located in Bridgeway.
    • There is also the Recreation Ground car park located across the river in Swans Nest.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Stratford-upon-Avon.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 280cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading to the entrance.
    • There is/are 6 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 in the centre.
    • 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.

Counter (Shop)

  • The counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Counter (Box Office / Ticket Office)

  • The counter is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the counter is high (110cm+).
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Outside Access (Swan Theatre Front 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) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).

Level Change (Swan Theatre Front Entrance)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 6 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not 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.

Outside Access (Swan Theatre Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 113cm (3ft 8in).
  • Comments View
    • There are a set of revolving doors also at this entrance.

Level Change (Swan Theatre Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are in the centre.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the foyer.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Eating and Drinking (Swan Café and Bar)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©/bar.
  • The cafĂ©/bar is located in the foyer area.
  • 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.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Swan Theatre main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 74cm.
  • 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 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 hot and cold meals and snacks.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in H49,H51,H54 and H58.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to the patron.
  • It is 13m (14yd 8in) 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 allowed in the auditorium.
  • To view thehttps://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/swan-theatre website for more information on accessible seating please click here (new tab).

Level Change (Swan Theatre)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the theatre entrance.
  • There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
  • 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.
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right beyond the Swan Theatre main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are UG, G, 1, 2, 4.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Swan Theatre 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 110cm x 155cm (3ft 7in x 5ft 1in).
  • 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 not 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Other Floors (Lift Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Other Floors (The Red Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • At the top of the stairs is a seating area to the front of the theatre entrance.
    • Beyond the entrance to the theatre there are 9 medium steps with handrails both sides leading into the theatre.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Swan Theatre main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 185cm x 178cm (6ft 1in x 5ft 10in).
    • 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 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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 open waste paper bin and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 not a hand dryer.
    • 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 cannot 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 fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (Upper Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the upper ground floor.
    • There is level access to this 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 159cm x 220cm (5ft 3in 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 90cm (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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are open waste paper bin and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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 fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground 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 in the foyer area.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the Swan Theatre main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the foyer area.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the Swan Theatre main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

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.
  • Comments View
    • The venue provides BSL Interpreted, Audio-described, Captioned, and Chilled and Relaxed performances for many of it's productions.
    • Please ask at the Box Office for details.

Parking (Blue Badge Holders)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 400cm x 530cm (13ft 1in x 17ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 67m (73yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 130m (142yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The car park has 2 designated electrical charging bays.
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • This car park is provided by the RSC to serve also the Swan Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.