Facilities for blind and visually impaired people
Please note, the information below relates to standard productions in our two theatre spaces.
TOUCH TOURS
In addition to the audio described performance, a free touch tour of the set is available before the start of the show (usually 1 hour 30 minutes prior to the performance).
This is led by the audio describers and members of Royal Court staff.
The touch tour consists of descriptions of the set and an opportunity to feel the fixtures, fittings and textures of the scenery, and to meet the actors who will describe their character and costume. If you wish to attend the touch tour before the performance, please inform the Box Office who will be able to give you more information.
PLAYTEXTS
Playtexts are available from the Bookshop from the first night of the production. These are priced at £4 and include cast and production details.
We display large print cast sheets for all Royal Court productions that we invite you to read or take a picture of before you take your seat, and braille cast sheets are available for all Jerwood Theatre Downstairs productions.
SIGHT AIDS
As you enter the theatre via the easy-open doors on the right-hand side of the building, the lift is located to the right of these doors. The lift is fitted with a voice commentary and takes you to all levels of the building.
Our stairs have handrails with raised tactile aids to indicate which level you are approaching. Handrails are made from metal and leather to indicate different sides of each staircase.
As you enter the building from street level, there are four steps up to the main entrance doors. From the foyer there are three staircases which lead to all Front of House areas:
TO STREET LEVEL
At the front of the foyer on the right-hand side, there is a U-shaped staircase leading downwards. The first flight of 4 steps leads you to a landing from which you can exit or enter the building on the Lower Ground floor through stair-free, easy-open doors.
Our main entrance is located at the front of the building where 4 steps lead to glass doors, taking you into the Box Office foyer.
TO CIRCLE ENTRANCE
The Circle entrance doors to the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs are situated at either side of the foyer, directly behind the Box Office ticket desk.
TO STALLS AND BOOKSHOP
From the foyer, a flight of 16 steps leads you down to the Stalls and Bookshop. As you approach this level, you will feel 1 stud on the metal hand rail. For the Cloakroom and Stalls, turn right at the bottom of the stairs. For the staircase leading to the Bar & Kitchen, turn left at the bottom of the stairs. To access the Bookshop, turn left towards the Bar & Kitchen stairs and then right; the Bookshop is on a balcony overlooking the bar.
TO BAR & KITCHEN
From the Cloakroom and Stalls level, there is a staircase of 11 steps and a platform lift, which lead down to the Bar & Kitchen. There is one 1 stud at the top of the metal hand rail and 2 studs at the bottom which indicate the Bar & Kitchen level.
TO BALCONY AND BALCONY BAR
At the back of the foyer on the right-hand side, behind the Box Office and past the lift, there is a long staircase leading upwards made up of eight flights of stairs (64 steps), separated by small landings. Two flights (18 steps) take you up to the Balcony of the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs and the Balcony Bar. There is 1 stud at this level.
A separate L-shaped staircase of 11 steps, a landing and a further 7 steps leads to the Balcony level only and is located directly to the left of the main entrance doors.
TO JERWOOD THEATRE UPSTAIRS
At the back of the foyer on the right-hand side, behind the Box Office and past the lift, there is a long staircase leading upwards made up of eight flights of stairs (64 steps), separated by small landings. The Jerwood Theatre Upstairs is located on the floor which has 4 studs on the metal handrail. As you climb the stairs, you will feel a number of raised studs which indicate office areas for staff only.
The lift can be used to access the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs once the house has opened. Alternatively, the lift will take you to the third floor landing where you can wait until the house has opened.