Accessible Events

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Blackpool Grand is committed to making all aspects of your visit enjoyable, welcoming and physically accessible. Accessible events are available on selected performances throughout the year.

We aim to provide the best possible experience for disabled and impaired visitors.

Working with show producers, our accessible performances are made accessible for those who need additional support (audio description, captioning, and signed).

Complimentary tickets for Personal Assistants are available to anyone registered on the Blackpool Grand Access Register.

Once registered these can be booked over the phone or online. We do allow more than one personal assistant if relevant documentation is provided (to the theatre’s acceptance); however, in this instance, tickets must be booked directly with the Box Office.

Want to look around Blackpool Grand? Take a tour through it on our 3D VR (Virtual Reality) tour.

Audio Described Performances

Accessible Events – What is an Audio Described Performance? Designed to improve the experience for people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as listening to the dialogue on stage, the theatregoer can wear a headset and listen to a live description of the action on stage. The description only happens in between dialogue and supplements the voices of the performers in explaining the emotions and action of each scene.

On occasion, a free Touch Tour approximately one hour prior to the performance will be available. During a Touch Tour, a member of the visiting company will give you an introduction to the production and tell you about the visual elements of the production; you will also be able to explore the set and touch selected props and costumes.

Headsets are available from the Front of House team (simply present your voucher). A limited number of headsets are available, we advise pre-booking when making your ticket reservation.

Captioned Performances

Accessible Events – What is a Captioned Performance? These allow theatregoers with varying degrees of hearing to view the full text as it is spoken or sung, including sound effects and off-stage noises. These appear on a scrolling screen, positioned on or at the side of the stage. Captioning can also be helpful to those with English as a second language and for most audiences when interpreting difficult dialects within shows. We also find that this can help with slight hearing impairments.

How do I use this service? When booking, our Box Office staff will advise you of the best place to sit so that you have a clear view of the caption units. If you are booking online and signed up to the Grand

Access Register you will see the area to best book.

British Sign Language (BSL)

Interpreted/Delivered Events are designed to improve the experience for people who are deaf or hearing impaired.

What is a BSL Interpreted Performance? It interprets the production live on stage. The interpreter is always clearly visible without compromising the actors on stage. During these performances, the interpreter will stand clearly and communicate with the audience by signing throughout the show.

How do I use this service? When booking, our Box Office staff will advise you of the best places to sit so that you have a clear view of the interpreter.

Relaxed / Chilled Performances

Accessible Events – What is a Relaxed/Chilled Performance? A relaxed or chilled performance takes a more casual approach to noise and movement in the auditorium, but the performance itself is unchanged.

This performance is ideal for people who feel more at ease knowing they can go in and out of the auditorium during the show, which includes people with dementia. This performance is for everybody and babes in arms are welcome (not walking or requiring their own seat).

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs may be taken into all three venues – Main House, Space or Studio – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of staff during the performance.

Accessible Tours

Our guided tours offer the inside story of Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, taking you on a fascinating journey through its unique history, incredible architecture and impressive performances and cast. All tour routes cover a moderate distance and do involve stairs. Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is in the early stages of a Capital Project that will greatly improve the accessibility of the building and allow us to offer Accessible Tours in the future. Take a tour through our 3D VR (Virtual Reality).

Online and Large Print

As part of our Digital Strategy, we are committed to ensuring from 2020 that our videos and trailers produced in house include captions or subtitles where possible. You can choose to switch these on and off depending on the platform or channel you are using such as YouTube or Facebook.

In our Brochures section, we will always have Large Print and Audio Versions available.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is welcome at Blackpool Grand and we have plenty of spaces available around the building, simply let us know if you’d like to go somewhere private.

First Aid

Our Front of House team is positioned throughout the building should you require assistance. First Aid trained staff will be on hand to assist.

Evacuation For Visitors with Disabilities

In the event of an emergency evacuation, our Front of House team will direct you to the nearest exit out of the building.

Access Register

If you want to hear about our accessible events sign up to the Access Register to receive a quarterly newsletter.

Image credit: ill-abilities International Dance Crew.