General information
AccessGeneral information
We are here to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable.
If you require information about productions and the theatre please contact our Box Office at 0131 248 4848 or via email at boxoffice@lyceum.org.uk.
We subscribe to the Social Model of Disability. If you have identified that there is a barrier to your attendance, we do not require you to provide any 'proof' of disability.
To help our box office team find the best seats for you, please let them know what adjustments you require for your visit (for example: do you need an aisle seat? To be close to the bathroom? If you are a wheelchair user, will you be transferring to a seat in the auditorium?).
Assistance dogs: Guide and hearing dogs are welcome in the theatre and can go with their owner into the auditorium. Front of House staff are also happy to look after them during the performance.
Essential companion: If you need an essential companion to accompany you, a free ticket will be provided for them. Please notify the Box Office when booking on 0131 248 4848.
Arrival: There are blue badge parking spaces opposite the theatre and staff are available in the foyer for assistance. There are lifts to all levels.
Transfer Wheelchair: We have one transfer wheelchair available to visitors to The Lyceum. This cannot be booked in advance, so if you require use of the transfer wheelchair then please speak to a member of our FOH team who will assist you.
The Foyer and Bars
We have lifts to all levels including the Wyndham Bar (at Grand Circle level) and the downstairs Howard Bar (at Stalls level). We have street-level emergency exit and a wheelchair for audience use. The main lift has a voice synthesiser and infrared-activated doors.
Toilets: Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor. The Accessible toilet is located in the foyer corridor, opposite the lift. Below is information on the nearest toilets, depending on where you sit in our auditorium:
- Front Stalls to row H: Toilets are accessible by heading down into the Howard Bar, for female or male toilets with stalls.
- Rear Stalls and Stalls Boxes: Male toilets are accessible through the exit to the right of the Rear Stalls main doors, and female toilets are located through the main Rear Stalls doors. The closest accessible toilet is the accessible toilet is in the foyer corridor opposite the lift. The lift can be taken from Level 1 to Ground to access the accessible toilet from Rear Stalls.
- Grand Circle: Male and female toilets are accessible through an exit from the Grand Circle corridor on the left-hand side of the theatre as you look at the stage. The closest accessible toilet is the accessible toilet in the foyer corridor opposite the lift. The lift can be taken from Level 2 to Ground to access the accessible toilet from Rear Stalls.
- Upper Circle: Female toilets are accessible at the top of the stairs to the Upper Circle, or on the left-hand side as you exit the lift. Male toilets are on the other side of the Upper Circle bar area through the double glass doors and next to the Upper Circle Fire exit. The closest accessible toilet is the accessible toilet in the foyer corridor opposite the lift. The lift can be taken from Level 3 to Ground to access the accessible toilet from Rear Stalls.
Seating:
All seating in the auditorium (with the exception of seats in The Boxes) is Fixed Auditorium Seating. These seats are 45cm wide, with an average legroom of 65cm from the base of the seat to the back of the row in front.
The Boxes have loose chair seating. These seats vary in width, from 48-52cm wide, with varying average legroom, too. If you require more information about seating options at The Lyceum then please contact our Box Office team on 0131 248 4848 and boxoffice@lyceum.org.uk.
Within the auditorium, is a raised area in the Stalls known as the Stalls Boxes. The stall boxes have space for up to 18 people either in wheelchairs or in one of our removable armchairs. They provide an excellent view of the stage, and are a short distance from the lift from the foyer.
Interval drinks can be pre-ordered at the bar before the performance. It may be possible to bring interval drinks to the Stalls Boxes. Please ask a member of the Front of House team.
We also have many seats further forward in the Stalls, which are on the aisle and have removable armrests. This is to ease access for anyone wishing to transfer out of a wheelchair. These seats are: Stalls B5, B25, G4, G25, H4 and H26.
View our Seating Plan.
In the auditorium, we have underlit row letters in the floor. We also have tactile row markers and embroidered seat number panels on each chair which are more visible and tactile.
Booster cushions and footstools are also available for your comfort.
Hearing Enhancement: The Lyceum also has an FM radio wave Hearing Enhancement system for use during performances for both hearing enhancement and audio description. These enable users to hear sound from the stage (as well as audience noise, such as clapping). Each headset has a volume switch enabling total control. Headsets may be borrowed, free of charge, from the shop in our foyer.
Accessible Performance Types Explained
Audio-described
For those with visual impairments, we offer audio-described performances. Two describers convey onstage action from the control booth in the rear Upper Circle. Alongside commentary, you will hear live play dialogue. The commentary typically starts ten minutes before the show, providing casting and scene details. Every show at The Lyceum has an audio-described performance. Upon arrival, collect a headset from our shop, and our professional team will describe the action. These performances are also enjoyable for non-visually impaired guests.
Touch Tours
Before Audio-described performances, join a Touch Tour. Your pre-show email will provide timing details. The tour starts in the Howard Bar and moves to the stage, guided by an audio describer. Trained staff are available for assistance. Gather in the foyer at the scheduled time where a staff member will greet you. Tickets are free, but booking is required.
British Sign Language (BSL)
Each show in our season includes a BSL interpreted performance. When booking, inform the Box Office of your need for this service. We will secure the best available seats for optimal viewing of the professional interpreter. The interpreter's presence will not obstruct the view. These performances are also suitable for non-BSL users.
Captioned
Our captioned performances cater to customers with impaired hearing, as well as hearing customers. Captions, including sound effects and offstage noises, appear on a screen simultaneously with performances. You will find Caption Units in Grand Circle Boxes A and D. For the best view, choose seats in the Grand Circle. Each show in our season offers a Captioned performance.
Relaxed
Designed for all customers, our relaxed performances are adapted to various needs, including:
- Families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition
- Customers with sensory and communication disorders
- Customers with learning disabilities
- Customers with dementia
- Customers seeking a more relaxed environment
Adaptations for Relaxed Performances
During relaxed performances, we embrace a relaxed attitude towards audience noise. The auditorium's lights are on low throughout the show, and sudden loud noises and effects are softened. Feel free to leave and re-enter the auditorium at any time. We will increase wheelchair capacity and provide extra staff to assist with seating and access. We have also set up a Chill Out Room for those who need quiet time before and during the performance. Approach a Front of House staff member to access this space.
We are here to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable. If you have any questions or need assistance, speak to one of our front of house team.