There are several eligible categories for accessibility support and concessionary rates where these are available.
Riverside Studios offers personal assistant tickets at no extra cost to deaf or disabled people who would not otherwise be able to attend without an assistant. This is an evidence-based system.
Companions or Personal Assistants are expected to help with way-finding, assisting the customer into and out of the venue and auditorium, buying and carrying food and drink, and undertaking all access requirements of the person they are assisting. They are not expected to leave the customer alone for long periods of time, be unable to meet the customer’s access requirements, or be inebriated at the event.
For all accessible seating requirements please contact our Box Office so we can ensure that you receive guidance on our venue facilities and are able to book the best seats for your requirements.
If you need early access into the performance space before the advertised door opening times, we will do all we possibly can to help, and will arrange for seating to be made available if required. We are not able to guarantee early admission to the auditorium itself, but will if possible and if not we will arrange for you to access the outer foyer area, or the VIP/Security entrance so that you can avoid any long queues.
We can also arrange for you to come and visit the venue when there is nothing on if you think it would be helpful to familiarise yourself with the building before you attend an event. Please contact us for advice.
We have a power-assisted front door with a push-button opener.
All our spaces are accessible at Ground Floor level by ramp or lift access, and the floor surface is carpeted, smooth and level.
There is a fully accessible bathroom located on every level.
There are lowered counters at our Box Office and Bar & Kitchen.
Patrons who are attending a performance with a companion can book a complimentary Personal Assistant ticket by calling our Box Office
There are accessible toilets on all floors.
There is a café area available on the ground floor next to the Box Office, which is open 7 days a week, as well as the main bar on the ground floor. These spaces are accessible throughout. The Cinema has its own bar, close to the doors into the venue, which is accessible via the lift.
Riverside Studios welcomes assistance dogs. They can either accompany you to your seat, or venue staff will willingly look after your dog while you enjoy the event. We can provide water bowls for your dog if required.
Riverside Studios welcomes audience members to connect to the Mobile Connect app for events in Studios One, Two and Three. With MobileConnect, performances are transmitted over Wi-Fi in real-time and in high quality to mobile devices and smartphones. To access a live stream, visitors simply need to download and install the free MobileConnect app (available for iOS and Android). On arrival, please speak to Venue Operations at Reception and they will get you logged onto the device-specific Wi-Fi.
In the cinema we use T-induction loops.
We use Dolby Fidelio in our Cinema Screens, a wireless audio system that delivers both Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired Narration. Please ask at Reception and they will assist. https://professional.dolby.com/product/dolby-accessibility-solutions-for-cinema/fidelio/
We are also equipped with a digital audio description system which operates in the Cinema film permitting.
We have little influence in the running of live events when it comes to sound levels. Artists generally travel with their own sound and lighting systems and their engineers control them throughout the event. We do monitor both sound quality and decibel output and we will advise production crews when necessary, although we will not be able to turn the volume down unless it is breaching legal limits. Ear plugs are available on request.
Please also be aware that some shows will contain strobe lighting or smoke effects. Signage will be available in the venue, on our website and promotional literature to advise customers of this. Please contact us before booking tickets if this is an issue for you, and we will contact the promoter on your behalf for further information.
We appreciate that sometimes people need a break in order to enjoy a show and having the option of a quiet space can be hugely beneficial to someone with autism, learning disabilities, anxiety or those who experience sensory overload.
Riverside Studios is a busy venue, however, some areas are quieter than others on show nights. If you are feeling uncomfortable or would like to be shown to a quiet space, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist you.
Trained First Aiders are available for all events and can be summoned by staff. There is also an area available at all events, which can also be used as a quiet space and location for any medical treatment.
In the event of an emergency there will be both an audible alarm in all areas, flashing lights in the main auditorium and strobe lights in the accessible toilets. Staff will ensure the safe exit of all people.
We welcome feedback on how we can improve our accessibility for all visitors. Please contact us to let us know what we can do to improve both this Access Statement and your experience of the venue in general. This can be done by emailing [javascript protected email address].
Download the Sennheiser MobileConnect app by scanning the QR codes.
These are also available at our Box Office.
Download more information on our Audio Description system and click the download links for the app.
Help us to use the power of creativity to bring people together.
Riverside Studios is run by the charity Riverside Trust, registered charity no. 287848
Please consider making a donation today.
