ACCESS AND INCLUSION
Everyone is welcome at the Grand and we are committed to making our theatre as accessible as possible. We offer a range of services to aid those who have additional access needs, and aim to develop these services in order to improve the theatre-going experience for all. We are always interested in hearing from our patrons and discussing how else we can be of assistance.
The theatre is a member of Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance and is working towards becoming a dementia friendly venue. We have been working hard over the last few years to improve our provisions for our customers living with the condition.
We also ask our customers to remember that not all disabilities are visible, so please bear that in mind when visiting our venue and using our facilities.
For more information on all our access services click the links below, or contact our Outreach Manager- Access & Inclusion remyl@grandtheatre.co.uk
For our latest Audio Brochure, please click here
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
The theatre offers a variety of accessible performances including BSL interpreted, audio described, captioned, relaxed and dementia friendly performances.
Accessible performances can be found below.
We offer free Touch Tours with most of our Audio Described Performances. These usually take place an hour before the performance begins and provide our visually impaired customers with the opportunity to interact with pieces of set, props and costume with the describer. All touch tour spaces must be booked in advance via our Box Office.
You can reserve and purchase tickets for any of our accessible performances via our Box Office.
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
2022
FOOTLOOSE
THURSDAY 7 JULY 7.30PM | | INTERPRETED BY LAURA MILLER OF THEATRESIGN
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CLUEDO
WEDNESDAY 13 JULY 2.30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED | DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY MIND’S EYE
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BLOOD BROTHERS
THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY DONNA RUANE OF THEATRESIGN
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2.30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED | DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY MIND’S EYE
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THE COMMITMENTS
SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER 2.30PM | CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE | CAPTIONED BY STAGETEXT
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THE CHER SHOW
THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER 7:30PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY KARL LLORCA OF THEATRESIGN
SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER 2:30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED| DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY MIND’S EYE
ALADDIN
SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER 11AM | RELAXED PERFORMANCE | INTERPRETED BY THEATRESIGN
WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2.30PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY LAURA MILLER OF THEATRESIGN
WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2.30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED| DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY ANNE HORNSBY OF MIND’S EYE
WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 7PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY THEATRESIGN
2023
ALADDIN
THURSDAY 5 JANUARY 11AM | RELAXED PERFORMANCE | INTERPRETED BY THEATRESIGN
SATURDAY 7 JANUARY 2PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED | DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY ANNE HORNSBY OF MIND’S EYE
SATURDAY 7 JANUARY 2PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY THEATRESIGN
MAMMA MIA!
WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 2023 7.30PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY KAREN WARD OF THEATRESIGN
SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2023 2.30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED | DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY MIND’S EYE
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JERSEY BOYS
THURSDAY 16 MARCH 7.30PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY DONNA RUANE OF THEATRESIGN
SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2.30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED | DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY MIND’S EYE
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SISTER ACT
THURSDAY 8 JUNE 7.30PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY ROSEMARY PELL OF THEATRESIGN
SATURDAY 10 JUNE 2.30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED | DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY MIND’S EYE
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THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
WEDNESDAY 27 SEPT 7.30PM | CAPTIONED BY STAGETEXT
SATURDAY 30 SEPT 2.30PM | BSL INTERPRETED | INTERPRETED BY THEATRESIGN
SATURDAY 30 SEPT 2.30PM | AUDIO DESCRIBED |
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ACCESS REGISTER
The Grand Theatre Access Register scheme supports patrons with disabilities and additional access requirements, and provides concessions for those patrons and their partners/companions.
Joining the Access register is FREE and easy, just download an application form here, or request one by calling the Box Office. Once completed, email your application form along with scans of the required supporting documentation, detailed on the application form, to access@grandtheatre.co.uk
Alternatively you can request a paper copy of the application form by writing to us at c/o Outreach Manager- Access & Inclusion, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1DE. Once you’ve completed your application form please return it to us at the above address along with copies of your supporting documents, please do not post original documents.
For organisations such as Care homes or groups, please contact Remy Lloyd (Outreach Manager- Access & Inclusion) at remyl@grandtheatre.co.uk to discuss concessional rates with group bookings.
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SERVICES
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is working towards becoming a dementia friendly venue and we are always expanding and improving provisions for our customers living with dementia. We are proud members of the Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, and our team includes members of staff who are Dementia Friends.
MEMORY CAFE
We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy theatre in an environment that is supportive and comfortable for them. We host Memory Cafes in our Encore Lounge that feature a dementia-friendly morning of professional, theatrical entertainment and refreshments in a supportive environment. The cafes are a fantastic opportunity for those living with dementia to experience the magic of theatre with their loved ones or carers and to interact with people in a similar situation.
Thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors, the cafes are free to attend however, we do ask our customers to book their free ticket via our Box Office by emailing us at remyl@grandtheatre.co.uk
If you have any questions about our Memory Cafes, please email Remy Lloyd (Outreach Manager- Access & Inclusion) on remyl@grandtheatre.co.uk
We arrive with a heavy heart but leave with a huge smile. In a nutshell, it’s like being given a great big hug. Thank you so much to everyone for making this possible, it really is a lifeline.
HEADLINE SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
We can’t run the theatre or any of our projects without the help of our patrons. If you’d like to make a donation to support us we’d really appreciate your generosity.
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
We are currently exploring opportunities to add selected, carefully adapted dementia-friendly performances to our future programme of shows in our main auditorium.
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES
ASSISTIVE HEARING EQUIPMENT
The Grand Theatre operates two hearing systems, both provided by Sennheiser. The first is a radio frequency system that works with our in-house headsets and necklace loops. The second is Mobile Connect, a system that uses wi-fi to transmit to transmit to our in-house iPods or your own mobile device.
All in-house devices are available from the Box Office.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide Dogs are welcome in the theatre, and if you are happy to do so you can keep your dog with you in the auditorium. When booking your tickets please ensure you inform the Box Office if you intend to take your assistance dog into the auditorium with you, this will allow us to allocate the most appropriate seating for you. Please note, dogs taken into the auditorium must be with and are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.
If suitable seating cannot be found or if you would rather your dog not be in the auditorium during the performance due to the loud music/noises, the theatre can arrange for a verified volunteer to look after your dog on the premises during your visit, as part of our Assistive Dog Scheme.
ASSISTIVE DOG SCHEME
Working alongside the charity Beacon we operate a scheme for those who wish to attend the theatre with their Assistance Dog. If suitable seating is not available in the auditorium for you and your dog, or you do not want your dog to remain in the auditorium during the show, we can arrange for a verified volunteer to look after your dog on the premises during your visit.
Please inform the Box Office that you would like to use this service when booking your tickets. They will pass the details of your visit on to our Access & Inclusion Manager who can assist in making arrangements for you. If you are booking online and wish to take advantage of this service, please email access@grandtheatre.co.uk to discuss the details of your visit.
Please be aware that although the theatre will make every effort to arrange this on your behalf, this is a voluntary service provided by Beacon and cannot be guaranteed. We will require as much notice as possible so booking tickets in good time is advised. We are unable to arrange this service if it is requested within seven days of the date of your performance.
For further information, or to request this service please contact us in advance of your visit by emailing access@grandtheatre.co.uk
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Accessible toilets are located close to each of our seating levels and can all be accessed via our lift. There are two accessible toilets located on the basement level, one in the Stalls (Ground Floor) foyer area, one on the Dress Circle (First Floor), and one on the Grand Circle lower level (Second Floor).
Please note, there are no facilities located on the Grand Circle upper level (Third Floor). Patrons seated here are advised to use facilities on the Grand Circle lower level (Second Floor), which can be accessed via the lift.
During your visit members of our Front of House team will be happy to direct you to the nearest accessible facility.
We kindly ask all of our patrons to remember that not all disabilities are visible.
ORIENTATION
Should you require we can also offer Orientation sessions to help with familiarisation of the theatre. Ideal for individuals, families and groups who would benefit from a pre-visit to assess the environment before a performance. This may be of use to customers who are autistic, those who have mobility requirements, vertigo, social anxieties (such as claustrophobia or agoraphobia), those with additional needs. Please note these are not theatre tours.
WHEELCHAIR POSITIONS
Wheelchair seats are highlighted in blue below.
ACCESS TO THE BUILDING
The Grand Theatre has flat access from the street via two of its five main doors. Once inside we have lift access to all public levels, and an array of facilities to support your visit. If you require any assistance, please ask a member of our Front of House team, they’re always happy to help.
Drop off and collection before and after your visit is possible at the main entrance. You are more than welcome to wait inside while your transport arrives or family return, there is a pull in bay located in front of the theatre to the right of the main entrance and just outside the main doors there is also a drop curb.
Accessible parking is available for Blue Badge holders. Accessible spaces are located at many of the main car parks and streets close to the theatre, a list can be found on the Wolverhampton Council’s website. Parking in Berry Street to the rear of the theatre is double yellow lined. Princess Street has four disabled parking bays with a 3 hr time allowance and there are another four disabled parking bays on Market Street opposite Marks and Spencer’s also with a 3hr limit. Spaces are available on Queens Street please see the information for time restrictions. Costs for the various car parks can vary, please check with the Wolverhampton Council website for details before your visit. You can find information about getting to the theatre on the Travel and Parking page of this website.
If you are attending any of our Tours or theatre functions/events and have wheelchair or mobility needs, please let us know when you book. We are a Victorian building with steps and tight turns; we will of course accommodate you, but in order to provide the same/similar experience for everyone we ask you inform us before you arrive.