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Royal Shakespeare Company

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BB

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About this venue

We create theatre at its best, made in Stratford-upon-Avon and shared around the world. We perform Shakespeare’s plays, as well as works by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and plays by today’s writers. We want as many people as possible to be able to access theatre at its best, so we bring our work to the widest possible audience.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

Opening Times

  • The venue is open 10:00-23:00 / show end time, Monday to Saturday and 10:00-17:00 Sundays.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Stratford-upon-Avon.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 240cm x 1600cm (7ft 10in x 52ft 6in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located in Waterside.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest public car parks are Bridgeway Surface and Bridgeway Multi-Storey located in Bridgeway.
    • There is also the Recreation Ground car park located across the river in Swans Nest.

Parking (Blue Badge Holders)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 400cm x 530cm (13ft 1in x 17ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 67m (73yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 130m (142yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The car park has 2 designated electrical charging bays.
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • This car park is provided by the RSC to serve also the Swan Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 280cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading to the entrance.
    • There is/are 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are in the centre.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Counter (Shop)

  • The counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Counter (Box Office / Ticket Office)

  • The counter is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the counter is high (110cm+).
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • As you enter the main entrance the shop and the box office area is straight ahead of you.
    • Further along gives you access to the Swan Theatre and bar.
    • To the left as you enter there are the lifts, cloakroom and cafe area.
    • Announcements are made via a tannoy system.

Eating and Drinking (Riverside Cafe)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the left as you enter.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Scott Foyer Bar

  • The Scott Foyer Bar is located to the left as you enter.
  • This bar is only used when the venue is fully booked for performances.

Theatre (Stalls - Ground Floor)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in L23-K23, K31-K33, K45-K47 and K50-K54.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to the patron.
  • This venue does provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • To view thehttps://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/royal-shakespeare-theatre website for more information on accessible seating please click here (new tab).
  • Comments View
    • The distances to the accessible toilet vary from the different accessible seating areas.
    • The distance to the accessible toilet from seating L23-K23 is 26m.
    • The distance to the accessible toilet from seating K44-K47 is 29m.
    • The distance to the accessible toilet from seating K50-K54 is 31m.

Other Floors (The Tower)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are floors 4, 5, 6 and 7.
  • Comments View
    • The stairs are restricted from the third floor onwards.
    • Floors 4, 5, 6 and 7 are used as a fire escape for the rooftop view.

Lift (The Tower)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 8.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 134cm x 174cm (4ft 5in x 5ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Other Floors (Circle)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Lift (Foyer)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 134cm x 174cm (4ft 5in x 5ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Theatre (Circle - First Floor)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located B48-B50 and B38-B36.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to the patron.
  • Comments View
    • The distances to the accessible toilet vary from the seating area on the first floor.
    • The distance to the accessible toilet from seating B48-B50 is 37m.
    • The distance to the accessible toilet from seating B38-B36 is 29m.

Level Change (Theatre Seating - Circle First Floor)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the seating area.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Eating and Drinking (Circle Bar / Upper Circle Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on the first and second floors.
  • The bar does not serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the foyer lift entance.
  • The standard height for tables is 71cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • Comments View
    • The Circle Bar is located on the first floor and the Upper Circle Bar is located on the second floor.

Tower Visit - 8th Floor

  • The tower visit is a ticket only booking, made through the ticket office.
  • This is an escorted tour.
  • Access to the 8th floor is via the tower lift.
  • There is an enclosed timber deck area overlooking the town and the River Avon.
  • There is ample of room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left when you enter opposite the lifts.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 276cm (4ft 11in x 9ft 1in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are clinical waste, sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the foyer lift entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 274cm (5ft x 8ft 12in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, waste paper pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (Second Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the foyer lift entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the second floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 273cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 11in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter opposite the lift.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter opposite the lift.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the female standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • There are standard toilets located on the first and second floors with the same layout.
    • The female toilets on the first floor are 8m from the foyer lift entrance and the baby change within the toilets is 78cm high.
    • The male toilets on the first floor are 6m from the foyer lift entrance.
    • The female toilets on the second floor are 8m from the foyer lift entrance and the baby change table within them is 89cm high.
    • The male toilets on the second floor are 6m from the foyer lift entrance.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • Comments View
    • The venue provides BSL Interpreted, Audio-described, Captioned, and Chilled and Relaxed performances for many of it's productions.
    • Please ask at the Box Office for details.