We want to make your visit to Oxford Playhouse and the Burton Taylor Studio as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We offer a range of access facilities.
To find out more, please see our access information below, call our friendly Box Office team on 01865 305305 or contact our Access Coordinator.
Accessible Parking
There are a number of disabled parking spaces on Beaumont Street and St Giles. Please see the Blue Badge parking map for more details.
The nearest car park to Oxford Playhouse is the underground car park in Gloucester Green. Please note, this car park is only accessible by steps, and there are no Blue Badge parking spaces. Additionally, there is a height restriction, so if you are travelling by minibus, check here.
Accessing Oxford Playhouse
Accessible Toilets
There is an adapted toilet located on the entrance level of The Playhouse with baby changing facilities.
The toilet can be accessed via the level entry through the Foyer using Auditorium Door A. There are no steps to access the toilet.
Wheelchair Accessibility & Spaces
The Box Office, Foyer Bar and Kiosk are all wheelchair accessible via the Foyer with lowered sections at the Box Office and Foyer Bar.
Wheelchair spaces are available in the Auditorium in the following locations:
- Stalls: end of row E
- Stalls: end of row L
- Stalls: near centre of row T
A wheelchair space does not contain a seat, so you will remain in your wheelchair throughout the performance. Please contact the Box Office to book your wheelchair space and a companion seat (if applicable) in advance.
Level Entry
There are no steps leading up to the entrance of the Playhouse, the Richard Gladstone Room and the Auditorium seating in the Stalls. The floor is carpeted in the Auditorium.
Unfortunately, we currently do not have step-free access to the Circle Bar, seating in The Circle, The Lucy Group Patrons Room or The Top Room. We have been unable to install a lift due to the restrictions of our building.
Auditorium Seating
All seats in the Stalls and Circle have arms. The width between these arms is approximately 17 inches (43-44cm).
Stairs Around Oxford Playhouse
Main Toilets & Cloakroom
The main toilets are accessed by the set of stairs located next to the Box Office, 12 steps down to the basement level. These stairs have a set of handrails on one side.
These toilets are gendered with stalls and urinals. Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet on the ground floor.
The cloakroom is also located on the basement level.
There is another set of stairs with 13 steps at the other end of the corridor to access the Foyer Bar. These steps have no handrail.
Circle Seating
The Circle is accessed on the first floor from the Foyer.
There is one flight of stairs with 3 steps to a small landing with a short handrail, followed by 12 more steps with handrails on both sides to a small landing, and 8 steps with handrails on both sides.
Circle Seating can be accessed by two additional steps, with a handrail on one side.
Due to tiered seating in the Circle, there are multiple steps with no handrail.
Circle Bar & Circle Bar Toilets
The Circle Bar is located on the first floor.
There are two gender-neutral toilets on the first floor, located through the Circle Bar with 2 shallow steps in the corridor with no handrail.
The Lucy Group Patrons Room
The Lucy Group Patrons Room is located on the first floor through the Circle Bar with 1 shallow step in the corridor with no handrail.
The Top Room
The Top Room is located on the second floor and can be accessed from the Circle Bar.
From the Circle Bar, there are 2 steps to a small landing with a handrail on one side, a further 10 steps to a small landing and a final 10 steps to reach the top. There are handrails on both sides.
Accessing the Burton Taylor Studio
We welcome audience members to arrive up to 30 minutes before performances at The Studio.
Our Burton Taylor Studio is only accessible via two flights of stairs with handrails. If you require a stair climber, please let the Box Office know when booking.
Stairs Around the Burton Taylor Studio
Entrance
There is one step up to the entrance of the Burton Taylor Studio.
Buggies can be left folded down in the main entrance of the Ground Floor.
First Floor & Toilets
There is one flight of stairs to the first floor with 2 steps to a small landing, 7 steps to a small landing with a short handrail, followed by 6 more steps with handrails on both sides.
Toilets with baby changing facilities are located on the first floor.
Foyer and Bar
The Foyer and Bar are located on the first floor with seating available.
Top Floor
There is one flight of stairs to the first floor with 8 steps with a handrail on both sides to a small landing, followed by 7 more steps with handrails on both sides to the entrance of The Studio.
The Studio
Depending on the performance, tiered seating may be in place. There are multiple steps with no handrail.
A Duty Manager can help you find somewhere to sit in the Studio for easy access.
Guide Dogs & Other Assistance Animals
Guide dogs and other Assistance Animals are welcome. Please advise the Box Office upon booking of any particular requirements necessary to accommodate your animal.
It is always worth checking with staff before you go in to a performance if there is anything unusual about the play which might affect your assistance animal.
Hearing Loop & Ear Defenders
If you find it challenging to hear the dialogue for performances, we have infrared headphones available to increase the dialogue level for you, as well as a loop necklace that can boost the sound level straight to your hearing aid. Unfortunately, we do not currently have a system that works with Bluetooth hearing aids.
Ear defenders are also available for anybody who might struggle with loud noises. These help reduce the sound level, allowing you to still enjoy the performance. Please ask a member of the Front of House team or a Box Office Assistant who will be able to provide this equipment and support you.
Storage
If you need to store a pushchair or wheelchair, please ask a member of our Front of House staff and they will assist you and ensure you have access to this during the interval and at the end of the performance.
Companion Tickets
On the vast majority of shows, we offer discounted tickets, generally priced at £15 (dependent on the show) to patrons who are registered with a visual or hearing impairment and also to patrons who have a disability, as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
A companion can also buy a ticket at this discounted price in advance.
