Access brochure Autumn 2023

Welcome

Welcome to your new season of accessible performances, including world-class musicals, ballet, pantomime and much more.

You may have recently seen our news (or perhaps even registered already) that we have partnered with Nimbus to improve the accessibility of your online booking experience.

Patrons with access needs can now book tickets online for the first time through the new access registration scheme. Once your access account is linked with your Birmingham Hippodrome account, you can book seats online that are suitable for your requirements, including wheelchair seats, essential companions and easier access to the most appropriate seats for Relaxed, captioned, BSL interpreted and audio described performances.

If you would prefer to book your tickets over the phone you can continue to do so by calling the Hippodrome’s dedicated Access Line on 0121 689 1060.

We’re incredibly pleased to be part of the Nimbus scheme and are delighted so many customers have already registered.

I would also like to thank our Access Forum members for their valuable support and contributions in shaping our accessible work. If you’re not familiar with our Access Forum, the group is comprised of Hippodrome staff, volunteers, audience members and access consultants. We meet quarterly to actively listen to the needs of our audience and to share our upcoming plans to ensure we are continually providing the best possible access for all. If you would like to find out more about the important work of this group, or would like to share some feedback for us on your experience, please do get in touch by emailing us at hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com

We look forward to welcoming you to a performance soon.

Vidar Hjardeng, MBE.

Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Access Forum

Access Line 0121 689 1060

Front Cover: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical, Everybody’s Talking

About Jamie, Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker and Bluey’s Big Play

Birmingham Hippodrome strives to provide Access for all.

TWe are pleased to have launched our brand new Access Registration scheme in partnership with Nimbus Disability allowing online booking for the first time alongside our phone service. Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise run by and for disabled people.

Registering is a three-step process, valid for three years and is completely free. This scheme will enable you to:

• Book wheelchair spaces online as well as by phone

• Book in essential companions online as well as by phone

• Have easier access to the most appropriate seats for captioned, BSL interpreted and audio-described performances on an interactive seat map

• View all discounts available to you online

Find out more and register at birminghamhippodrome.com/accessregistration

Please ask our Ticket Sales team for a copy of our access brochure for full details of our access provision.

Our Access Forum, made up of audiences, staff, volunteers and partners, meets quarterly and are committed to improving the experience for all visitors.

If you have any questions, our friendly Access Advisors are available at 0121 689 1060 or hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com

Accessible Performances

Audio Described Performances

Listen to a live description of the visual elements of a production with a discreet headset.

We have a limited number of headsets so please reserve yours when booking tickets to ensure you get one on the day.

TTouch Tours

For audio described performances, we usually offer a Touch Tour before the show. Familiarise yourself with the set, props and costumes beforehand.

Depending on the production, we can’t always guarantee stage access. Times for Touch Tours are confirmed 2-3 weeks in advance and must be booked before the day.

BSL Interpreted Performances

An interpreter communicates the script and sounds of the show using gestures, facial expression and body language.

Productions are interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL), the most common form of sign language used in the UK. We will always try and make sure you are seated near the signer on stage.

Captioned Performances

Similar to television subtitling, watch the script unfold on a display board at the same time as lines are sung and spoken.

We will allocate you seats suitable for seeing the captions.

£Discounts and Concessions

We offer concessions for people with access requirements. These vary from show to show.

Please make sure you are registered with Nimbus via our Access Registration scheme so you can book tickets online and view all your relevant discounts. Of course, you can use our dedicated Access Line on 0121 689 1060 if you prefer to book your tickets over the phone, just remember to have your Nimbus registration number to hand.

Relaxed Performances

Our Relaxed Performances are open to all, but created for people with specific needs who may find the theatre challenging.

This includes people on the Autism spectrum, with a learning disability or with sensory and communication needs.

We encourage and create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and able to react to a show as they wish. We sell fewer seats, which means more room for wheelchairs and more space and comfort.

Auditorium doors remain open throughout the performance to enable attendees freedom of movement. Certain aspects of staging are also adapted to suit the audience. The script may be simpler, bright lights and loud noises reduced, and house lights raised so the auditorium is not completely dark.

We also have calm spaces on every foyer level for our Main House Relaxed performances and use our conference spaces for our Patrick Studio Relaxed Performances.

A visual story board is provided in the pre-visit email and also available on site to those wanting further assistance with the narrative.

For further information, please contact hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com

Accessible Facilities

Access Assistance Point

This area, which is located inside the entrance near the main doors, is staffed by a dedicated and specially trained Visitor Service Assistant. They welcome our guests and can provide any advice or assistance required. There are scribble pads for staff to communicate with customers if required. There are also resources and equipment available to borrow from this desk such as Hearing Assistance Headsets, Audio Description Headsets (available for AD Performances only), noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys, light reducing glasses, and pre-booked wheelchairs. They can also issue one of our Access Lanyards which highlights to staff that the customer has additional access needs for which they may need assistance during their visit.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are very welcome in all areas of the theatre, including inside the auditorium. If you prefer, our staff can also look after them during performances. Please book your dog in with Ticket Sales in advance of your visit. Our team will also try and make sure you are assigned the most appropriate seat, for instance next to an exit.

Hearing Assisted Facilities

If you’d like a receiver for our infrared amplification system, just ask at our Access Assistance Point.

Wheelchair and Mobility Facilities

The closest and most accessible car park for wheelchair users and patrons with impaired mobility is the Arcadian Centre Car Park which has specially allocated bays with easy access to street level and is only about 150 yards to our entrance. Another nearby car park is the Gallan Car Park which is directly opposite our Thorp Street entrance and provides easy access to the theatre. Please note, they both can become very busy and full at times. Limited on-street disabled parking is also available on Hurst Street and Thorp Street. We recommend dropping off at Inge Street.

New Street and Moor Street stations are 10 and 15 minutes away.

Automatic doors and lifts are available for wheelchair users and we have wheelchair positions both in our main auditorium and Patrick Studio. Please book these spaces in advance. Transfer seats can be booked online when selecting seats or via the access line on 0121 689 1060. These are specially designed chairs that allow audiences who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters to transfer from the wheelchair or mobility scooter to the theatre seat, and vice versa.

We have accessible unisex and ambulant disabled toilets on all levels, plus low-level counter service.

Accessible Performances

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 11 Oct, 7 30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 12 Oct, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 14 Oct, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 14 Oct, 2.30 pm

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -

The Musical

Captioned Performance

Thu 19 Oct, 7pm

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 25 Oct, 7pm

Touch Tour

Sat 28 Oct, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 28 Oct, 2pm

The Good Enough Mums Club

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 25 Oct, 7.30 pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 28 Oct, 2.30 pm

Welsh National Opera - La traviata

Touch Tour

Thu 9 Nov, 6 pm

Audio Described Performance

Thu 9 Nov, 7.30pm

Birmingham Royal Ballet -

The Nutcracker

Touch Tour

Sat 25 Nov, 12 noon

Audio Described Performance

Sat 25 Nov, 2.30pm

Dear Santa

Relaxed Performance

Wed 13 Dec, 1.15pm & Thu 14 Dec, 10.15am

Jack and the Beanstalk

BSL Interpreted Performance

Sun 7 Jan, 1pm & 5 15pm

Touch Tour

Wed 10 Jan, & Sat 13 Jan, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Wed 10 Jan, 2pm & Sat 13 Jan, 2.30pm

Captioned Performance

Sun 14 Jan, 1pm & 5 15pm

Relaxed Performance

Wed 24 Jan, 12 noon

Edward Scissorhands

Touch Tour

Sat 10 Feb, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 10 Feb, 2.30pm .............................................................................................................................

Life of Pi

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 14 Feb, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 15 Feb, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 17 Feb, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 17 Feb, 2.30 pm

Birmingham Royal BalletThe Sleeping Beauty

Touch Tour

Sat 24 Feb, 12.30 pm, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 24 Feb, 2pm

Wicked

Captioned Performance

Thu 14 Mar, 7.30 pm

BSL Interpreted Performance

Sat 16 Mar, 2.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 16 Mar, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 16 Mar, 2.30 pm

Dear Zoo Live!

Relaxed Performance

Thu 11 Apr, 1.30 pm

The Drifters Girl

Captioned Performance

Wed 17 Apr, 7.30 pm

BSL Interpreted Performance

Thu 18 Apr, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 20 Apr, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 20 Apr, 2.30 pm

Jesus Christ Superstar

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 24 Apr, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 25 Apr, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 27 Apr, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 27 Apr, 2.30 pm

42nd Street

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 1 May, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 2 May, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 4 May, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 4 May, 2.30 pm

Sister Act The Musical

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 15 May, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 16 May, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 18 May, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 18 May, 2.30 pm

Come From Away

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 22 May, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 23 May, 7.30 pm

Touch Tour

Sat 25 May, tbc

Audio Described Performance

Sat 25 May, 2.30 pm

The Wizard of Oz

BSL Interpreted Performance

Tue 11 Jun, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 13 Jun, 7.30 pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 15 Jun, 2.30 pm .............................................................................................................................

SIX

BSL Interpreted Performance

Thu 20 Jun, 8pm

Captioned Performance

Sat 22 Jun, 4pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 22 Jun, 4pm

Hamilton

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 10 Jul & Wed 21 Aug, 7.30 pm

thank you

We are grateful to our generous supporters who help to make these programmes possible.

Birmingham Bodenham Trust, Darwin Escapes, The Eveson Charitable Trust, The Grimmitt Trust, The Saintbury Trust and generous individual donors.

Volunteers

Thank you to our individual and corporate volunteers from Darwin Escapes, Eversheds Sutherland, Gateley plc, Glenn Howells Architects, Gowling WLG, HSBC, LDC, Lockton, Savills and Voice Fostering at our Relaxed Performances

A short online training session is provided in advance of the performance

Captioned Performance

Sat 13 Jul, 2.30 pm & Thu 22 Aug, 7.30 pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 13 Jul, 2.30 pm & Thu 22 Aug, 7.30 pm .............................................................................................................................

Bonnie & Clyde

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 4 Sep, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 5 Sep, 7.30 pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 7 Sep, 2.30 pm .............................................................................................................................

Hairspray

BSL Interpreted Performance

Wed 18 Sep, 7.30 pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 19 Sep, 7.30 pm

Audio Described Performance

Sat 21 Sep, 2.30 pm

On the day, volunteers support our Visitor Services team, helping to provide a world-class welcome to our audiences with additional or complex needs, their families and carers

Together we can create a day that they (and you) won’t forget.

Support Us

If you would like to make gift or a donation that offers audiences with additional or complex needs the chance to experience world-class live performance, please call Judith on 0121 689 3082, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact

If you’d like to find out more about how you can play a part in supporting our accessible performances or volunteering at our Relaxed Performances please send an email to fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com