Accessibility

The Lyceum exists for everyone to enjoy, and as such, we aim to be as accessible as possible at all times. On this page we have details of our various accessibility services and facilities. Information on all productions and the theatre is available in audio format, in large print and in Braille. For further Access queries contact Jacqui Nagib on 0131 248 4818 or email jnagib@lyceum.org.uk for more information.

If an audience member with a disability requires an assistant to accompany them to the theatre, that ticket will be free of charge. Please inform the Box Office when booking on 0131 248 4848.

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES THIS SEASON

• Click here to buy tickets for Accessible performances at The Lyceum
   

WHAT ARE ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES?

Details of when these accessible performances take place are in the listings for each of our productions.

 

 

• Audio-described Performances
  Situated in the rear Upper Circle is the control booth where two describers can verbalise the onstage action for people with visual impairments. At the same time as being able to hear the commentary the user can also hear the live play dialogue. The commentary will usually start ten minutes before the performance to enable the user to receive casting information, and scene setting etc. For each of the shows in The Lyceum season, we have two audio-described performances. If you are visually impaired, simply book one of the two audio-described performances, pick up a headset from the shop on the way in, and our professional team will describe the action to you. These performances are also fully suitable for the sighted.
  
  More information about Audio Description

 

 

• Touch Tours
  There are two touch tours for the visually impaired for each production in the season. Starting in the Howard Bar the tours then move on to the stage where one of the audio describers will take you on a tour of the set. Trained Lyceum staff are available to assist. No ticket is required, just come along at the alloted time (see brochure or website for times) and gather in the foyer where a member of staff will greet you.

 

 

• British Sign Language Interpreted Performances
  For British Sign Language users, we have a BSL Interpreted performance for every show in the season. Let Box Office know when booking your ticket and we will find the best available seats for you to see the professional interpreter. The interpreter does not distract from the view

 

 

• Captioned Performances
  For people with impaired hearing. In captioning, the words appear on a screen at the same time as they are sung or spoken. Captions also include sound effects and offstage noises. Caption units are located in Grand Circle Boxes A and D. The best view of these is from the Grand Circle.
  We have a Captioned performance for every show in the season

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• Relaxed Performances
  Relaxed performances are open to everyone, but the environment has been specifically adapted for families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities, people living with dementia and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

  How is the show adapted?
  There is a relaxed attitude to noise from the audience, the lights in the auditorium remain on low throughout the show, sudden loud noises and effects in the production are softened and audience members are free to leave and re-enter the auditorium at any point.  We also have additional staff on hand to assist with seating and access around the Theatre, wheelchair capacity is increased  and there will be a Chill Out Room, where a space is made available for audience members who need a bit of quiet time before and during the performance.

  The relaxed performance is open to everyone but patrons with a learning or physical disability, autistic spectrum condition or sensory or communication disorder are especially welcome 

 

ACCESS FACILITIES
 

Arriving at The Lyceum

Designated blue badge parking spaces directly opposite the theatre. The main doors are heavy but staff should be on hand in the foyer of the building to assist on perforamnce days.
There is street level access to The Lyceum foyer and Zucca café and restaurant (restaurant section accessed via Lyceum foyer and lift to first floor)

The Foyer and bars

We have lifts to all levels including the downstairs Howard Bar (with street level emergency exits), and have a permanent Front of House wheelchair for audience use. The main lift has also been upgraded with a new voice synthesiser and infra-red activated doors. For those with hearing impairments we have an induction loop at the box-office. There is an accessible toilet on the foyer level opposite the lift and, nearby, a telephone at low level with induction loop.

Infra-red and radio headsets are available at the foyer shop for hearing enhancement and for use during the audio-described performances. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome in the theatre and can accompany their owner into the auditorium or the Front of House staff are happy to look after them during the performance.

The Auditorium

Within the auditorium, is a raised area in the Stalls known as the Stalls Boxes. With space for up to 27 people either in wheelchairs or in one of our removable armchairs, the Stalls Boxes, provide an excellent view of the stage, and are a short distance from the lift from the foyer. (Please note that interval drinks can be pre-ordered at the bar prior to the performance. It may be possible to bring interval drinks to the Stalls Boxes. Please ask a member of the Front of House team). 

In addition to the Stalls Boxes area we also have a number of seats further forward in the Stalls, which are on the aisle and have removable armrests to facilitate 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 here.

In the auditorium we have underlit row letters in the floor, tactile row markers and embroidered seat number panels on each chair which are more clearly visible and also tactile. Booster cushions and footstools are also available for your comfort.

On all levels of the theatre we have induction loops permanently on, and an infra-red system for audio-described performances and enhanced hearing. Both systems are compatible with our headsets, enabling sound from the stage (as well as audience noise, such as clapping) to be heard by users. Each headset has a volume switch enabling total control. Headsets may be borrowed, free of charge, from the shop in our foyer.

Please ask any member of the front of house team for assistance with the above services and facilities. For further details, please click here to download our latest access brochure.

USEFUL ACCESS LINKS

 

• Artlink
  Offers a personal assistant service to help people with disability to enjoy the arts. For more information contact them directly at artlinkedinburgh.co.uk or 0131 229 3555.
• Access Scottish Theatre
  If you would like performance listings for Audio Description, BSL and Captioning at theatres across Scotland, please visit their website
• Euan's Guide
  For independent user reviews of arts venue access fascitlities across Scotland, including The Lyceum visit their website