Gillian Lynne Theatre Access Information

Gillian 1

Welcome to the Gillian Lynne Theatre Access information page.

Below you will find information on the Gillian Lynne Theatre and our facilities along with specific show information such as dedicated Assisted Performances and content warnings.

For details on how to book access tickets or for general LW Theatre Access information please visit our Access page by clicking here.

Gillian Lynne Theatre and Facilities

We are excited to welcome you to the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Below you will find information about the venue and our facilities that you may need for your visit.

The Theatre and Facilities information on this page is also downloadable in large print here.

Accessible Toilets

The Gillian Lynne Theatre has two accessible toilets. One is located in the Upper Foyer and the other is just outside the accessible entrance to the auditorium on Level 4. Access is via the lifts.

There are further standard toilets located in the Upper Foyer and on Level 4. Both of these sets of Gents and Ladies toilets have step-free access.

Bars and Kiosks

The Wintergarden Bar, Saloon Bar and VIP area all have step-free access via the lifts.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome in the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Our staff are always happy to look after your assistance dog for you whilst you enjoy your visit.

Medical Requirements

If you need to bring medication, food or drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. Please ask to speak to a manager when you arrive before going through our security searches. Please note, with the exception of first aid equipment we are not in possession of any medical equipment.

Evacuation Policy

Our access hosts are trained in how to assist customers with access requirements in case of an emergency. These staff members will be specifically allocated to assist any customers with access requirements in an emergency situation.

Special Effects

Strobe and flashing lights are regularly used during performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. For content warnings for shows at the theatre please click here.

For more information, please call our Stage Door on 020 7242 9802 and ask to speak to a manager.

Access to Seating and Viewing Areas

The Stalls auditorium is accessed via the lifts and the wheelchair platform, with access for two dedicated wheelchair spaces and one companion seat each, is located in Row P. Row S in the Stalls can also be used for customers wishing to transfer from a wheelchair into a theatre seat. Other aisle seats on the right hand side of the stalls and involve access via a limited number of steps.

Wheelchairs can be no wider than 73cms (28 Inches) and no longer than 123cm (48 inches) Larger heavy electric wheelchairs unfortunately will not be able to enter the venue as the auditorium is 3 stories up and requires use of the lift.

The maximum lift capacity is 630g (equivalent of 8 persons)

The Dress Circle level of the auditorium can only be accessed via routes including stairs:
Dress Circle – 114 steps from ground floor (24 steps using the lifts).

Our trained access hosts will be available to assist visually impaired customers upon arrival and throughout their visit if required.

Members of our Access Scheme will be able to book accessible seating online where seating plans will have these options clearly marked. For more information on our Access Scheme click here.

Access to Performance

An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available for deaf or hearing-impaired patrons. Headsets and hearing aid loops are available and should be requested from a member of Front of House staff upon arrival.

Please advise the operator of this requirement when booking your tickets to ensure you are seated in a suitable area of the auditorium.

In conjunction with the Producer of each show, the Gillian Lynne Theatre hosts periodic scheduled assisted performances, including Audio-described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and Relaxed performances.

Access Hosts

Our Access Hosts are available to assist customers with any specific requirements throughout their visit, so please speak to a member of staff upon arrival if you require assistance. Our staff are also on hand throughout your visit to assist with any purchases you may wish to make. If the bars or kiosks are not accessible to you, we can offer an in-seat service. There is a cloakroom available. Items can be checked in for £3 for clothing items and £5 for bags and suitcases.

Plan Your Visit to the Gillian Lynne Theatre

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Why not start planning your day to make sure your time with us at the Gillian Lynne Theatre is as smooth as possible?

More information for your visit

The Lehman Trilogy

The landmark National Theatre and Neal Street production of The Lehman Trilogy, directed by Academy Award®, Tony Award®, and Golden Globe winner Sam Mendes, returns to the Gillian Lynne Theatre for a strictly limited encore season this autumn. Hailed by The New York Times as ‘a genuinely epic production’, The Lehman Trilogyis a sweeping story of a family spanning generations and a company that changed the world.

CONTENT WARNING: The Lehman Trilogy
This production features instances of flashing lights and some video effects that may cause dizziness. There will be instances of total darkness (lasting 15 seconds) and gunshot sound effects. The production contains moments and themes that some people may find distressing. This includes the non-graphic depiction of a suicide and mentions of suicide. There is also infrequent mention of death, war and slavery. For further information please contact the Box Office.

Scheduled Assisted Performances

GalaPro is available at the Gillian Lynne Theatre for all performances of The Lehman Trilogy

Audio Described Performance

The Lehman Trilogy | Saturday 30 November at 1pm

The Lehman Trilogy | Friday 3 January at 7pm

Captioned Performance

 The Lehman Trilogy | Monday 28 October at 7pm

The Lehman Trilogy | Saturday 7 December at 1pm

BSL Signed Performance

The Lehman Trilogy | Saturday 16 November at 1pm

My Neighbour Totoro

Hailed as “a tender and remarkably beautiful show” (Financial Times), My Neighbour Totoro is an enchanting coming-of-age story exploring the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei.

CONTENT WARNING: My Neighbour Totoro
The show features puppets, some large scale that will interact in audience space. The show contains themes of an ill parent in hospital. It also features live music and sound effects that will be loud at times.

ABOUT MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO ASSISTED  PERFORMANCES

Audio described performances

Audio described performances include a live commentary giving details of all the visual aspects of a production. The commentary is interspersed with the actors’ dialogue. Before the play begins you can hear an introduction to the production which gives details of the set, costumes and characters. The commentary is delivered via radio headsets, available from the cloakroom desk in the theatre foyer before the performance.

British Sign Language performances

We offer performances with integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation where the interpreter is directed as part of the action onstage. You will see the interpreter interacting with the actors onstage and they will be in costume.

Captioned performances

Captioning is live subtitling for theatre. The character names and what they are saying are displayed on large screens next to the stage. The subtitles run at the same time that the lines are said, along with sound effects.

Relaxed performances

A relaxed performance is where the ambience of the auditorium and theatre ‘rules’ are relaxed. The performance may also be adapted to support people’s needs; for instance, loud noises and music might be turned down. These performances are ideal for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
For more information on assisted performances offered by the Royal Shakespeare Company, see our Assisted Performances page.

Chilled Performances

A 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 including people with dementia. This performance is for everybody and babes in arms are welcome (not walking or requiring their own seat).

Other My Neighbour Totoro Access Resources

AUDIO INTRODUCTION 

BSL SYNOPSIS 

SONIC STORY 

VISUAL STORY 

GalaPro

We’ve partnered with GalaPro – a revolutionary app for accessibility, to enjoy the show with subtitles, audio description and closed captioning.

FIND OUT MORE

FAQs

Please could you supply sound, light and content warnings?

Standing at the Sky’s Edge contains adult themes and strong language, including some scenes depicting physical violence, alcohol abuse and death. There are flashing lights, haze and loud sound effects. For more detailed information please click here.

Concerts & Events: We always endeavour to provide clear and accurate signage when any of our shows or concerts contain any strobe, lighting, sound or haze effects. For show specific information on performances in our Concerts & Events seasons please visit the individual show page.

What do I do when I arrive at the theatre if I have access requirements? 

Please make yourself known to any member of staff you will be taken to a dedicated Access Host who will be waiting to help.

Are there accessible toilets and what size are they?

There are 2 accessible toilets in the venue. One at the bar foyer level and another near the entrance to the accessible wheelchair platform. Both are similar large size. They are always open and will only be locked if someone is using them. They are always open and will only be locked if someone is using them.

Does the merchandise stand have step free access?

There is no step free access to the merchandise stand but front of house staff will be happy to show you whatever you need and bring it to you to look at and take payment from the bar foyer level.

Do the bars have step free access?

Yes via the lift. The Welcome Host will be able to get anything you need from the bar and charge you in your seat with a mobile card or cash device.

If there are any ramps and if so, how steep are they?

There are no ramps.

What sizes of wheelchair do you accommodate?

Wheelchairs can be no wider than 73cms (28 Inches) and no longer than 123cm (48 inches) Larger heavy electric wheelchairs unfortunately will not be able to enter the venue as the auditorium is 3 stories up and requires use of the lift.

The maximum lift capacity is 630g (equivalent of 8 persons)

Where are wheelchair spaces, transferable and non-transferable?

Row P15-21 is a wheelchair platform for non transferable wheelchairs and accommodates 2 wheelchairs and companions. S20 is a transferable wheelchair seat and step free access.

Members of our Access Scheme will be able to book accessible seating online where seating plans will have these options clearly marked.

LW Theatres Access Scheme

The LW Access Scheme is designed for those who need additional assistance to services within our theatres.

More Information