London’s most accessible fringe theatres
24th September 2019
So many of us look forward to heading to London for a show. There are so many wonderful theatres out there, even if you don’t include the West End. Known as fringe theatres or ‘Off West End’ theatres, these renowned locations put on an incredible line up of plays and performances. But what about those who have limited mobility and rely on the use of stairlifts at home? Well, the good news is that many of London’s fringe theatres are very accessible, having created a welcoming environment for all who would like to visit. This article highlights a selection of London’s most accessible fringe theatres, letting people with limited mobility know about their options if they want to see a great play but not at one of London’s most expensive locations.
Bush Theatre
The Bush Theatre is located in Shepherd’s Bush and opened its doors back in 1972. A world-renowned location for exciting new plays, helping to uncover exciting new talent and playwrights in the process. Putting on a host of contemporary productions with both style and passion, a trip to the Bush Theatre is always a provocative and entertaining experience. Click here for a look at their current schedule of productions.
Accessibility at the Bush Theatre
“The Bush Theatre aims to be as accessible as possible in everything we do. The whole building is fully accessible.” – The Bush Theatre
- Fully accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair spaces
- Ramp access from the street
- Level access to stalls
- Lift available
Read more about their accessibility here.
Arcola Theatre
This Off West End theatre is located in the London Borough of Hackney, presenting plays, operas, and musicals that showcase both emerging and established artists. The Arcola Theatre is home to two studio theatre spaces, as well as a café-bar and has become a prized-asset of the local community - thanks in no small part to its arts engagement programmes in combination with the high-quality and daring theatre on display. Click here for a look at their current schedule of productions.
Accessibility at Arcola Theatre
“Arcola Theatre’s main building is fully wheelchair accessible. We accommodate wheelchairs in both studios as well as in our rehearsal rooms.” – Arcola Theatre
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair spaces
- Level access from street
- Step-free access to Studio 1
- Step-free access by lift from foyer to Studio 2
- Lift to studios 2, 3, and 4
- Relaxed performances
The Arcola Theatre has also made great efforts in terms of becoming more digitally accessible - improving the visitor experience further still. Speaking about this, the theatre said: "Our booking system supports features where you can independently inform us of your access requirements in your online profile. This will unlock features like booking specific access seats only available to you and booking free companion tickets without the need to call or email us."
Read more about their accessibility here.
The Lyric Hammersmith
The Lyric in Hammersmith is one of those theatres with a great record of transferring hits over to the West End (such as Bugsy Malone), and, as such, is a great place to catch some of London’s best productions. As well as mainstream hits, the Lyric is also known for its adventurous side, with a great history of unique performances that the theatre world can’t stop talking about. Click here for a look at their current schedule of productions.
Accessibility at the Lyric Hammersmith
“The Lyric Hammersmith is inclusive and welcoming to all. Our building is fully accessible” – The Lyric Hammersmith
- Fully accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair spaces
- Ramp and lift from street to foyer
- Elevators to both theatres
- Access tickets
- Induction Loop
Read more about their accessibility here.
Rose Theatre Kingston
Opening its doors in 2008, the Rose Theatre Kingston was modelled on the original Elizabethan theatre that was once situated on London’s Bankside. The largest producing theatre in South West London, the Rose has a reputation of collaborating with the best talent to create a series of vibrant and inspiring productions. This includes the critically acclaimed Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which is now making its way to the West End. Click here for a look at their current schedule of productions.
Accessibility at the Rose Theatre Kingston
“Rose Theatre Kingston is a fully accessible and inclusive organisation” – Rose Theatre Kingston
- Fully accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair spaces
- Level access from street to foyer
- Lift to all levels
- Level access to the Rose Café
- Relaxed performances
- Low counters at the box office
Read more about their accessibility here.
Park Theatre
Located in Finsbury Park, the Park Theatre is yet another fringe venue that should be visited. A fairly new location, this neighbourhood theatre has world-class offerings to entertain locals and visitors alike. Its development process was even supported by iconic actors Ian McKellen and Alan Rickman. Fusing new writing and modern revivals, the quality on hand is exceptional, producing in-house gems and collaborations with acclaimed producers. Click here for a look at their current schedule of productions.
Accessibility at Park Theatre
“Our aim at Park Theatre is to be a welcoming and inclusive venue for everyone.” – Park Theatre
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair spaces
- Level access from street to foyer
- Level access to box office and ground floor
- Lift to all levels
- Accessible performances
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Relaxed performances
Read more about their accessibility here.
Almeida Theatre
The main goal of the Almeida Theatre is to help the next generation of British artists arrive on the world stage and they have certainly been successful. They have found equal success in providing premier entertainment for London’s theatre lovers. A small location but with a big international reputation, there’s an exciting collection of artists taking risks and surprising audiences on a regular basis. When it comes to top-notch productions outside of London’s West End, the Almeida Theatre checks all the boxes. Click here for a look at their current schedule of productions.
Accessibility at the Almeida Theatre
“The Almeida Theatre aims to be as accessible as possible.” – Almeida Theatre
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair spaces
- Level access from street to foyer
- Ramp to auditorium
- Assisted performances
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Relaxed performances
Read more about their accessibility here.
London’s accessible fringe theatres
- Bush Theatre
- Arcola Theatre
- Lyric Theatre
- Rose Theatre Kingston
- Park Theatre
- Almeida Theatre
These are just some of the many incredible London fringe theatres and Off West End locations out there to enjoy. Whatever you are in the mood for, there will be a production to enjoy. And, as you can see, many of them are incredibly accessible, regardless of mobility or disability.
This news article is from Handicare UK. Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only and are up to date as of the time of publishing
