Access Brochure 2020

2020

Assisted Performances T

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birminghamhippodrome.com/access

Welcome At present, I have the pleasure and privilege of chairing the Birmingham Hippodrome Access Forum, and on behalf of everyone at the theatre, we hope you find this latest brochure both interesting and helpful. Please do take advantage of an assisted performance on offer to enhance your enjoyment of a visit to the theatre.

There is a genuine commitment on the part of everyone working at the Hippodrome to ensure that each and every patron gets the most out of their experience. Whether that’s an audio described, captioned, BSL Interpreted or Relaxed Performance – we really want you, or a friend or relative, to have a more fulfilling experience.

If you have direct experience of our assisted performances, you may be interested in joining our Access Forum, which meets quarterly. If you are interested in finding out more about the important work of this group, or just have some feedback for us on your experience, please get in touch by emailing us at access@birminghamhippodrome.com We look forward to welcoming you to future assisted performances.

Vidar Hjardeng, MBE. Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Access Forum

Front Cover: The Book of Mormon, SIX, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Room on the Broom.

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Blind and Visually Impaired 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.

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Touch Tours For audio described performances, we 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.

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.

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Browsealoud We are proud to use Browsealoud on our website which adds speech, reading, and translation, facilitating access and participation for people with Dyslexia, Low Literacy, English as a Second Language, and those with mild visual impairments.

Our website content can be read aloud in multiple languages.

Getting Here Listen to an audio-description of how to get to the theatre on our website at birminghamhippodrome.com/audiogettinghere

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Discounts and Concessions We offer concessions for people with access requirements.

These vary from show to show.

It’s always best to contact our Access line 0121 689 1060 when booking assisted performances to make sure we can get you or your friend/family member the best seats and prices.

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Deaf and Partially Deaf BSL Interpreted Performances A signer 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.

Hearing Assisted Facilities If you’d like a receiver for our infrared amplification system, just ask at our cloakroom.

It’s always best to book assisted performances by phoning our Access line on 0121 689 1060.

That way we can make sure you or your friend/family member gets the best seats in the house for your needs.

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

This includes people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability, or sensory and communication disorder.

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.

Attendees are welcome to walk in and out of the auditorium as they please and make noise throughout. 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 a calm space nearby, with beanbags, sensory toys and bubble lights, for when people need it. All front of house staff are trained in advance of all Relaxed Performances.

For further information, please contact access@birminghamhippodrome.com

Relaxed Performances can only be booked by phone on 0121 689 1060 or at our counter. That way we can make sure you or your friend/family member gets the best seats in the house for your needs.

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Impaired Mobility We recommend that wheelchair users and patrons with impaired mobility use the car park located on Thorp Street (B5 4AT).

This is directly opposite our Thorp Street entrance and provides the easiest access to the theatre. Limited on-street disabled parking is also available on Hurst Street and Thorp Street. The Arcadian Centre Car Park has specially allocated bays with easy access to street level and only about 150 yards to our entrance.

New Street and Moor Street stations are 10 and 15 minutes walk 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. Ask a member of staff if you’d prefer to store your wheelchair in one of the foyers.

We have accessible unisex and ambulant disabled toilets on all levels, plus low-level counter service. The Circle Restaurant is also fully accessible.

For visitors with complex accessibility needs, a folding mobile hoist can be booked in advance by calling our Access line on 0121 689 1060.

It’s always best to book assisted performances by phoning our Access line on 0121 689 1060.

That way we can make sure you or your friend/family member gets the best seats in the house for your needs.

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Assisted Performances The Twisted Tale of Hansel and Gretel

The Book of Mormon T

RP Relaxed Performances

Audio Described Performance Sat 7 Mar, 2.30pm

Fri 14 Feb, 1pm & Sat 15 Feb, 2pm .............................................................................................................................

BSL Interpreted Performance Sat 7 Mar, 2.30pm

The Red Shoes T

Captioned Performance Sat 14 Mar, 2.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 15 Feb, time tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 15 Feb, 2.30pm

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Message In A Bottle T

Birmingham Royal Ballet Swan Lake T

Touch Tour Sat 22 Feb, 10.30am Audio Described Performance Sat 22 Feb, 2.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 7 Mar, tbc

Touch Tour Sat 11 Apr, time tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 11 Apr, 2.30pm

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Priscilla Queen of the Desert BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 15 Apr, 7.30pm

RP Relaxed Performance Tue 25 Feb, 12 noon

Captioned Performance Thu 16 Apr, 7.30pm

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Touch Tour Sat 18 Apr, time tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 18 Apr, 2.30pm

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We Will Rock You Captioned Performance Thu 23 Apr, 7.30pm BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 29 Apr, 7.30pm

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Touch Tour Sat 2 May, time tbc

Room on the Broom RP Relaxed Performance Fri 22 May, 1pm .............................................................................................................................

Bring It On Captioned Performance Thu 4 Jun, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance Sat 2 May, 2.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Fri 5 Jun, 7.30pm

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Welsh National Opera The Marriage of Figaro T

Touch Tour Wed 6 May, 5.45pm Audio Described Performance Wed 6 May, 7pm

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MAMMA MIA! BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 20 May, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Thu 21 May, 7.30pm

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Touch Tour Sat 30 May, time tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 30 May, 2.30pm

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Touch Tour Sat 6 Jun, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 6 Jun, 2.30pm

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Birmingham Royal Ballet Don Quixote T

Touch Tour Sat 27 Jun, 10.30am Audio Described Performance Sat 27 Jun, 2.30pm

Les Misérables T

Sister Act

Touch Tour Sat 4 Jul, time tbc

Captioned Performance Thu 17 Sep, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance Sat 4 Jul, 2.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 23 Sep, 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 8 Jul, 7.30pm

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Touch Tour Sat 26 Sep, 1pm (subject to change) Audio Described Performance Sat 26 Sep, 2.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 16 Jul, 7.30pm

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SIX

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Hairspray BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 22 Jul, 6pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 14 Oct, 7.30pm

Captioned Performance Thu 23 Jul, 8pm

Captioned Performance Thu 15 Oct, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 25 Jul, time tbc

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Audio Described Performance Sat 25 Jul, 6pm

Touch Tour Sat 17 Oct, tbc Audio Described Performance Sat 17 Oct, 2.30pm

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The Phantom of the Opera BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 12 Aug, 7.30pm

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Touch Tour Thu 20 Aug, 1pm (subject to change)

Slava’s Snowshow T

Touch Tour Fri 30 Oct, tbc Audio Described Performance Fri 30 Oct, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance Thu 20 Aug, 2pm Captioned Performance Wed 26 Aug, 7.30pm

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Access line 0121 689 1060 Restaurant reservations 0844 338 9000* birminghamhippodrome.com/access *Calls cost 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Ltd, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB Registered Charity Number 510842