Information for Visitors with Access Requirements
Oxford’s theatres are committed to welcoming audiences of every ability, with a wide range of access provision including wheelchair-accessible seating, hearing enhancement systems, audio-described and captioned performances, touch tours, and assistance for blind, partially sighted, D/deaf, and hard of hearing visitors. This page brings together access information for the New Theatre Oxford and our other featured venues, with direct links to each theatre’s full access guide.
Book Tickets Plan Your Visit
Booking with Confidence
Each venue listed below offers a friendly, knowledgeable Box Office team who can help you find the most suitable seats, arrange any assistance you need, and advise on assisted performances. Where possible, we recommend contacting the venue directly when booking, so that staff can ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Many of Oxford’s theatres also offer discounted tickets and a complimentary companion seat for patrons with a disability. Eligibility and exact provision varies between venues — full details are available on each venue’s access page.
New Theatre Oxford
The New Theatre Oxford, operated by ATG, is the city’s largest stage and home to major touring productions, West End musicals, comedy, and live music. Below is a summary of the access provision currently in place at the venue.
Getting Around the Venue
Lift
All sections of the theatre must be reached by steps, although a customer and wheelchair-accessible lift is available to take access patrons down to the Stalls. Alternatively, there is a small flight of steps leading down to the Stalls. The venue is not accessible for scooter users.
Step-Free Access and Wheelchairs
There is level access to the Box Office and main foyer on George Street. Doors can be operated automatically by a push button. There are four wheelchair positions located at the rear of the Stalls, with room for one companion to sit alongside. This area can be accessed by the wheelchair lift. Wheelchairs that are not needed during the show will be stored safely by Front of House staff.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are located in the main foyer and front right-hand Stalls.
Enjoying the Show
Seat Dimensions
The space between the armrests is 44cm (17 inches). The armrests are static. The only free-standing seats without armrests are in the Boxes in the Dress Circle and the Platforms in the Upper Circle (these are all restricted view seats).
Services for Blind, Partially Sighted or Visually Impaired Audiences
Information about the venue’s audio description, touch tours, and other visual services can be found on the ATG Visual Impairment Services page. Seats in the Stalls are recommended for customers who require a closer view of the stage. For audio-described shows, you can sit in any area in the auditorium. Touch Tours may also be available alongside audio-described performances; this will be advertised on the web or brochure page for each individual show.
Services for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences
Information about the venue’s hearing enhancement systems, signed performances, and other hearing services can be found on the ATG Hearing Impairment Services page. The venue uses the Mobile Connect system only.
Resources & Help
Useful Links
For additional resources such as Symbol Resources or links to the venue’s Euan’s Guide page, please see the ATG Additional Resources section.
Further Information and Questions
Details of company-wide access services are available in the ATG Access Section. For any other questions, please refer to the ATG Accessibility FAQs.
For full and up-to-date access information, please visit the official New Theatre Oxford access page.
Oxford Playhouse
Address: 11–12 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW
Box Office: 01865 305305
Getting Around the Venue
There are no steps leading up to the entrance of the Playhouse, with level access to the foyer, Box Office, and Stalls. The Foyer Bar and Kiosk are both wheelchair accessible, with lowered counters at the Box Office and Bar. Unfortunately, the Playhouse has not been able to install a lift due to the constraints of the historic building, so access to the First Floor, Café Bar, Hospitality Room, and Top Room is by stairs only.
Wheelchair Spaces
The Stalls floor is carpeted with no steps. Wheelchair spaces are available at the ends of rows E and L, with two further spaces in the centre of row T (either side of the sound desk), which can accommodate larger chairs. Please contact the Box Office in advance to book a wheelchair space and companion seat.
Accessible Toilets
An adapted toilet is located on the entrance level of the Playhouse, with baby changing facilities. It is reached via level access through the foyer using Auditorium Door A.
Assisted Performances
The Playhouse offers a regular programme of audio-described, captioned, BSL-interpreted, and relaxed performances throughout the year. Touch tours are also available before selected audio-described performances. Discounted tickets (typically £15) are offered to patrons registered with a visual or hearing impairment, and to those covered by the Equality Act 2010. Companions can also book at the discounted rate.
For full access information, visit the Oxford Playhouse access page.
The Burton Taylor Studio
Address: Gloucester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BN
Bookings via: Oxford Playhouse Box Office, 01865 305305
The Burton Taylor Studio is a small, intimate space situated on the second floor of its building, accessed via two flights of stairs. There is no accessible toilet in the building. The Playhouse provides a wheelchair stair climber to enable access to the bar and theatre space, suitable for some manual wheelchairs (it may not be suitable for many powered chairs). The stair climber is operated by a member of staff and must be booked at least three days in advance.
The auditorium offers floor-level seating around the side of the tiered seats, where chairs can be moved to provide space for a wheelchair. There is an infrared hearing support system, with neckloop and earbud receivers available on request.
For full access information, visit the Oxford Playhouse access page.
The Old Fire Station
Address: 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ
Box Office: 01865 263990
Getting Around the Venue
The Old Fire Station has two step-free entrances — one at 40 George Street via the foyer, and another via the shop on Gloucester Green. The George Street entrance is recommended for performances, as the Gloucester Green entrance is not always open. All spaces in the building are wheelchair accessible via lift, with the exception of the Theatre balcony and the Loft, which is reached by six steps with no lift.
Wheelchair Spaces
For seated performances in the Theatre or Studio, a wheelchair space will be reserved for you. For standing gigs, please contact the Box Office in advance to discuss your requirements.
Accessible Toilets
An accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, reached via the platform lift. Other toilets are in the basement and accessible by lift.
Assisted Performances
The Theatre is equipped with a hearing assistance system. Disabled patrons are eligible for one free companion ticket with their booking — to arrange this, please contact the Box Office directly. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the venue, and the team will warn visitors in advance of any performance containing strobe lighting.
For full access information, visit the Old Fire Station access page.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Address: South Parade, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JN
Box Office: 01865 319450
Getting Around the Venue
There is level access from the pavement into the foyer, gallery, and theatre, with a ramped pavement nearby for visitors who require it. A staircase and a lift give access to all levels of the building. The Box Office, gallery, foyer, dance studio, and theatre stalls and lower gallery are on the ground floor. A lowered counter is available at the bar.
Wheelchair Spaces
Specific wheelchair-accessible seating areas are reserved in the auditorium and can be booked by calling the Box Office or emailing contact@thenorthwall.com. Front of House staff are happy to store wheelchairs safely in the foyer for patrons who wish to transfer to a seat. Seating configurations vary from show to show — please contact the Box Office for the latest layout.
Accessible Toilets
An accessible toilet is located in the foyer on the ground floor.
Assisted Performances
The North Wall offers a programme of assisted performances throughout the year, with details published in its Access Diary. The theatre is equipped with an infrared hearing system. Patrons with a disability who require a companion or personal assistant are entitled to a free companion ticket. Assistance dogs are welcome.
For full access information, visit the North Wall access page.
Types of Assisted Performances
You may see the following terms used across Oxford’s theatre programmes — here’s a brief guide to what each means.
Audio-Described Performances
Live verbal commentary is delivered through headsets, describing visual elements of the production — including action, costumes, and scenery — for blind and partially sighted audience members.
Touch Tours
Often offered before audio-described performances, touch tours give blind and partially sighted theatregoers the opportunity to explore the set, props, and costumes, and to familiarise themselves with the actors’ voices.
Captioned Performances
The dialogue and any sound effects are displayed on a screen alongside the stage in real time, supporting D/deaf and hard of hearing audiences.
BSL-Interpreted Performances
A British Sign Language interpreter signs the performance from a clearly visible position, usually to one side of the stage.
Relaxed Performances
Designed for audiences who would benefit from a less formal theatre environment — including those with autism, sensory or learning disabilities, or anyone who prefers a more flexible setting. Sound and lighting effects may be softened, and audience members can enter and leave freely throughout the show.
Booking Advice
For the most accurate, up-to-date access information — including any temporary changes, recent improvements, or specific assistance you may need — we always recommend contacting the venue’s Box Office directly when booking. Each theatre’s friendly team will be delighted to help you find the right seats and arrange any assistance you require.
Ready to Book?
Browse our regularly updated programme to find your next theatre visit, and use the venue links above to book directly with each theatre.