Access Information

Milton Keynes Theatre has been designed with an emphasis on access facilities. This guide gives information to assist you in planning your visit and on facilities for people with disabilities.

Patrons with limited mobility

All areas of the Theatres are accessible to customers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. There is level access from the top of Margaret Powell Square, through into the foyer, with level access into the auditorium at both sides of the stalls. Ramped access is provided to backstage areas. The building features wide corridors and doors, and additional toilet facilities for disabled people. Two front of house lifts provide access to the circle and upper circle, with appropriate seating positions available on all levels. Similarly, a lift backstage provides access to all levels with mobility lifts cited at split-levels between front of house and backstage areas. All lifts are fitted with voice commentary and tactile aids.

The Box Office, Garden Room Bar and Business Bar on the ground floor all have low level counters and accessible levels for transactions. Front doors to the foyer areas can be operated automatically by push button with tactile aids.

Disabled Parking Facilities

If you have an orange or blue badge you can park free of charge, for as long as you choose, in surrounding “pay and display” spaces. Parking bays for people with disabilities are available in the multi-storey car park adjacent to the Theatre on Marlborough Gate (18 spaces at ground level), to the front of the Theatre (3 spaces), and nearby outside the TGI Friday restaurant (6 spaces). Please display your orange / blue badge clearly in your vehicle.

Dogs

Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome at Milton Keynes Theatre and they can stay with you while you are in the Theatre. If you wish to bring your guide or hearing dog to the Theatre, please advise the Box Office when booking your tickets and a seat next to the aisle will be reserved for you. Alternatively a member of staff will care for your dog during the performance. We can also provide drinking water for your dog.

Assisted Hearing Facilities

Milton Keynes Theatre is equipped with an infrared sound amplification system. To access the infrared system please request receiving equipment from the Theatre Shop which is situated next to the Box Office. There are two devices available.

Induction loop necklace - Suitable for persons wearing a hearing aid, the Induction loop necklace is worn around the neck. Whilst wearing the necklace, switch your hearing aid to the “T” setting and the sound is amplified. The necklace has an adjustable volume control.

Headset - This device amplifies sound through ear-pieces similar to regular headphones. Suitable for persons without a hearing aid.

Infra-Red Listening Systems
The Ambassador Theatre Group is now offering state-of-the-art Sennheiser infra-red listening systems in our venues. Please call the box office on 0870 060 6652 or visit the Sennheiser web site at www.sennheiser.co.uk for more details.

Infrared receiving equipment can be booked via the box office when purchasing tickets. Although not essential advanced booking is recommended, to ensure equipment is available. You will be asked for a £5 deposit on collection. This will be fully refunded on return of equipment at the end of the performance.

Toilets

There are public toilet facilities on the ground, first and third floors of the foyer areas. There are separate, fully accessible, male and female facilities on the ground and first floors, and fully accessible facilities for both men and women on the third floor (by door 10). Backstage there are accessible facilities on all levels. There is an emergency call-point in all accessible facilities, should you need to call for a member of staff.

Baby changing facilities are located in fully accessible toilets on the ground, first and third floors.

Signed Performances

Sign language interpreted performances are interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL) for native BSL users. A signer will be sited at the side of the stage. Advice on the position of the signer can be provided by the Box Office for individual performances.

Audio Described Performances

Audio description is a live verbal commentary, given through headsets, which describes the setting, costumes, characters, facial expressions, body language and action during silent intervals of the piece being performed. An introduction is provided prior to the show.

PreView is a pre-show introduction, led by the audio describer, for blind and visually impaired people and anyone who would appreciate a more detailed description of the set, characters and costumes in advance of the performance. Advance booking via the Box Office.

STAGETEXT® Captioned Performances

STAGETEXT® delivers open captioned performances. Captioning is a way of converting the spoken word into visible text, that provides people with hearing loss with access to live performance. Captions produced by a computer and a display unit installed on or near the stage enable people with hearing loss to understand what is said when it is said. A captioned performance is delivered live by a captioner trained by STAGETEXT®. STAGETEXT® provides open captioning. This is a form of universal access enabling people with a hearing loss to enjoy theatre on an equal basis with their hearing peers. Open captions also include sound effects and offstage noises. For more information and to view audience feedback visit www.stagetext.co.uk .

Touch Tours

Touch tours are led by the audio describer, one hour prior to the show, providing the opportunity for members of the audience who are blind or partially sighted to familiarise themselves with elements of the set, costumes and props. Advance booking essential.

Concessions
For most performances a £4 concession is available, off any seat in the top three price bands, for people with disabilities and a companion. A concession of £2 is available, on seats in the top three price bands, for the following groups: under 16s, full time students, UB40s and over 60s. Further information is available from the Box office.

Advance Booking

Advance bookings can be made by telephone, minicom, post, fax, in person or by using the link below via TicketMaster (booking fee). The Box Office counter is of a height suitable for wheelchair users and is fitted with an induction system for the hard of hearing.

If you have particular seating requirements, please book directly with Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office (not Ticketmaster) and advise the Box Office of your requirements when you book. Advance booking is recommended for all performances as they often sell out.

Telephone: 0870 060 6652(bkg fee)
Access Booking: 0871 297 5477 (bkg fee)
Box Office minicom: 0870 060 6641(bkg fee)
Groups and Schools: 01908 547609

Information

Programme information and this guide are available on audiotape and in large print by telephoning 01908 547500.

Further Information

Further information, including information on steps to specific seating areas, is available from the Box Office on 0870 060 6652.