Welcome
Welcome to your new season of accessible performances here at Birmingham Hippodrome, including world-class musicals, ballet, comedy and much more.
We have a wide range of audio described, BSL Interpreted, Captioned and Relaxed performances available, including an additional weekend Relaxed performance of our new musical for children age 3+ No Such Thing As Wolves.
We’re proud to have recently become part of the Ramps On The Moon ‘Change Programme’, which is a programme of support for embedded change with performing arts organisations committed to disability equality.
Earlier this year, we were thrilled to launch our improved Audio Described system Auri. The new system provides access to the show relay at every performance, so audience members can hear the show through headphones, neck loop or via their own device if it is Bluetooth compatible. It also provides Audio Description at our Audio Described performances. We have had a fantastic response to Auri, and you can find out more about it by contacting our Access advisors.
Our Access Social Drop Ins are going from strength to strength, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next one on Thursday 29 January after our Relaxed performance of Robin Hood, you can find out more on how to join us on our website.
Finally, a reminder if you aren’t yet familiar, we have partnered with Nimbus to offer an improved online booking experience for our visitors with access requirements, including the ability to book wheelchair positions, essential companion seats as well as providing easier access to the most appropriate seats for Relaxed, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and Audio Described performances.
To find out more visit our website or speak to a member of our team. 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 look forward to welcoming you to the Hippodrome soon.
Vidar Hjardeng, MBE.
Access & Inclusion Lead, Birmingham Hippodrome Board
Access Line 0121 689 1060
Front Cover: SIX, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, The Red Shoes and To Kill A Mockingbird.
Access Registration at Birmingham Hippodrome
TOur Access Registration scheme, in partnership with Nimbus Disability, provides the ability for our customers with access requirements to book online and view the best seats and discounts for their individual needs.
Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise and an organisation run by and for disabled people and is recognised as a leading authority on accessible ticketing in the UK. Registering is a three-step process, is valid for three years and is completely free.
This scheme will enable you to:
• View and book wheelchair spaces online
• Book in essential companions online
• 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, based on your needs
How to register
For more information and to register now, go to birminghamhippodrome.com/accessregistration
If you are not able to use online forms and would be unable to access online sales, Nimbus can assist with telephone registration by calling 0330 808 5108
If you already have The Access Card, there is no need to re-register, just log in or create and account with us and submit your registration number.
Need more information?
We’ve compiled a list of Q&As in our help centre at birminghamhippodrome.com/faqs
If you would prefer to speak to someone, our friendly Access Advisors on 0121 689 1060 will be happy to help.
The Access Card
You can upgrade your free Birmingham Hippodrome registration to a full Access Card application, so you can visit other venues. It costs £15 and is valid for 3 years. You can find out more information on The Access Card provided by Nimbus at www.accesscard.online
The full card provides you with the same benefits as the free registration, as well as:
• Recognised at multiple venues across the UK & beyond
• Free companion tickets at events and venues across the UK (select venues only)
• Receive a Photo ID card with symbols relating to your accessibility needs
• Informative online access directory
• Access to a closed Facebook Community group
Accessible Performances
Audio Described Performances
We offer Auri headsets that give access to show relay and audio description. We have a limited number of headsets so please reserve yours when booking tickets to ensure you get one on the day. You are also welcome to connect using your own device if it is Bluetooth compatible.
TTouch Tours
For audio described performances, we usually offer a Touch Tour before the show. It’s a chance to 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
Productions are interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL), the most common form of sign language used in the UK. We will always try to make sure you are in view of the interpreter 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 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, closed on weekends and bank holidays) if you prefer to book your tickets over the phone, just remember to have your Nimbus registration number to hand. You will also need to present your Nimbus card when booking in person at the theatre.
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 who identify neurodiverse, having a learning, sensory, communication or mobility need and also those who need to access our BSL, captioning and Audio Description provision.
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 relaxed performance pack is provided in the pre-visit email and also available on site for 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 team members. They welcome our guests and can provide any advice or assistance required.
There are scribble pads for staff to communicate with guests 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 guest 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. Please note that these can be used in the auditorium or Patrick Studio for a show and are not available to use in the Front of House areas.
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 station is 0.4km/0.3 miles and Moor Street station is 0.6km/0.4miles 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 gender neutral and ambulant disabled toilets on all levels, plus low-level counter service.
Accessible Performances
BRB - The Nutcracker
R
T
Audio Described Performance
Sat 29 Nov, 2.30pm
Relaxed Performance
Tue 2 Dec, 12.45pm
Touch Tour
Sat 29 Nov, 12.30pm
No Such Thing As Wolves (Patrick Studio)
R
BSL Interpreted Performances
Sat 13 Dec, 10.15am
Tue 16 Dec, 10.15am
Captioned Performances
Sat 13 Dec, 10.15am
Tue 16 Dec, 10.15am
Audio Described Performances
Sat 13 Dec, 10.15am
Tue 16 Dec, 10.15am
Relaxed Performances
Sat 13 Dec, 10.15am
Tue 16 Dec, 10.15am
Robin Hood
BSL Interpreted Performances Sun 11 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm
Audio Described Performances
Wed 14 Jan, 2pm Sat 17 Jan, 2.30pm
Captioned Performances Sun 18 Jan, 1pm & 5.15pm
Touch Tours
Wed 14 Jan Sat 17 Jan
R
Relaxed Performance Thu 29 Jan, 12 noon
Dance Consortium: MAM
Audio Described Performance Fri 6 Feb, 7.30pm
Touch Tour Fri 6 Feb
BRB - Don Quixote
Audio Described Performance Sat 14 Feb, 2pm
Touch Tour Sat 14 Feb
The Lightning ThiefThe Percy Jackson Musical
TBSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 25 Feb, 7pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 26 Feb, 7pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 28 Feb, 7pm
Touch Tour
Sat 28 Feb
Top Hat
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 4 Mar, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 5 Mar, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 7 Mar, 2.30pm
Dear England
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 11 Mar, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance
Wed 11 Mar, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 12 Mar, 12.30pm
Bourne’s
Audio Described Performance
Sat 21 Mar, 2.30pm
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
SIX
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 25 Mar, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance Thu 26 Mar, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance Sat 28 Mar, 2.30pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 1 Apr, 8.30pm
Captioned Performance Thu 2 Apr, 8pm
Audio Described Performance Sat 4 Apr, 4pm
To Kill A Mockingbird
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 15 Apr, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance Thu 16 Apr, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance Sat 18 Apr, 2.30pm
Barnum
BSL Interpreted Performance Wed 22 Apr, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance Thu 23 Apr, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance Sat 25 Apr, 2.30pm
Matthew
Red Shoes
Waitress
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 29 Apr, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance
Thu 30 Apr, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 2 May, 2.30pm
WNO - The Flying Dutchman
Audio Described Performance
Thu 7 May, 7.30pm
Touch Tour
Thu 7 May
MAMMA MIA!
Captioned Performance
Thu 14 May, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance
Sat 16 May, 2.30pm
BSL Interpreted Performance
Thu 21 May, 7.30pm
The Gruffalo
Relaxed Performance
Thu 21 May, 1pm
Derren Brown: Only Human
BSL Interpreted Performance
Wed 10 Jun, 7.30pm
thank you
We are grateful to our generous supporters who help to make these programmes possible.
Birmingham Bodenham Trust, The Bishop of Birmingham Charitable Trust, Baron Davenport’s Charity, Darwin Escapes, The Eveson Charitable Trust, The Grimmitt Trust, IMI plc, The Oakley Charitable Trust, The Owen Family Trust, Richardson Brothers Foundation, The Saintbury Trust, The Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation, Squire Patton Boggs Trust, supporters of our Big Give Christmas Challenge 2023 & 2024 and other generous donors.
Volunteers
Thank you to our individual and corporate volunteers from CBRE, Darwin Escapes, Eversheds Sutherland, Gateley plc, Howells, Gowling WLG, LDC, Lockton, Savills, Squire Patton Boggs, St Philips and Voice Fostering at our Relaxed Performances.
A short online training session is provided in advance of the performance.
On the day, volunteers support our Visitor Experience team, helping to provide a worldclass 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 a gift or a donation that offers audiences with additional or complex needs the chance to experience world-class live performance, please call Rachel on 0121 689 3070, 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 email us at fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com
Please take your seats
Main auditorium
Please note: These diagrams are a guide and not an accurate representation of seating positions. Stalls Rows A - D are not used for Opera and Ballet performances. Other variations may apply due to technical reasons.
Due to potentially restricted views of the stage and the technical requirements of specific productions, boxes may be unavailable to purchase. They are often made available for sale closer to the time over the phone only. If you would like to enquire about a box for a specific performance, please contact us on 0121 689 1060 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, closed on weekends and bank holidays).
Stalls Circle
