Guide to accessibility at West End theatres

Learn more about the accessible performances, seating options, facilities, and audio devices available before arranging your trip to see a London show.

The West End welcomes everyone to the incredible plays, musicals, and family shows on offer in London’s famous theatreland. That includes audience members who have access requirements.

Most West End venues have dedicated access teams to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and there is plenty of information available ahead of time – as you can see in our guide below!

That includes which venues have wheelchair access and what kind, and how you can find out about dedicated accessibility performances, such as BSL-signed or relaxed performances.

Book West End tickets on London Theatre.

Are West End theatres accessible?

Accessibility in West End theatres is an ongoing project. We have seen enormous improvements in recent years in ensuring that venues are accessible to all ticket-buyers, but it is difficult in some cases as the West End features many historic buildings. Some are listed, which means that there are rules around the kinds of changes that the owners can make, and some are also limited by space.

This means that while most do have access features like accessible toilets, ramp entrances and lifts, some of the latter are not compatible with certain types of wheelchairs, so it is definitely worth checking before you book.

All West End theatres have dedicated access pages on their websites, and most also have access teams or an access phone line that you can ring to get all the latest information and advice.

Some theatres also have schemes you can join to make frequent booking easier – for example, the LW Theatres Access Scheme. If you join, you will receive information on upcoming assisted performances, pre-visit emails with handy information, and get access to the online access booking system.

What types of accessible seats are there?

There is accessible seating available at most West End theatres. That includes:

Wheelchair transfer seats: These seats are usually situated in a part of the auditorium with level access, such as the stalls. Customers can transfer from a wheelchair into a nearby seat, often located on the aisle for easy access.

Wheelchair park spaces: For audience members who would prefer to remain in a wheelchair instead of transferring into a seat, some theatres can provide spaces in a suitable place, for example at the end of a row or by removing some seats.

Companion seats: Some theatres provide companion seats to accompany audience members with disabilities, situated next to a seat or space for a patron using a wheelchair or similar.

Do West End shows have subtitles or audio descriptions?

Most West End shows do not usually have subtitles displayed or audio descriptions read during the performance. However, audience members can request them – for example, LW Theatres and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres partner with app GalaPro, which provides subtitles, audio description, and closed captioning in real time on a device.

Many productions have several dedicated accessible performances scheduled during their run. These include relaxed performances, audio described, BSL signed, and captioned. You can find all the latest dates of those shows on the theatre or show website.

Are accessibility devices at West End theatres free?

Yes, most accessibility devices at West End theatres are available free of charge. For example, you can download the GalaPro app onto your own device for free.

Sometimes such devices are available on a first come first served basis, such as the headsets for the Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system at Nimax theatres.

How do I buy tickets for accessible seats in the West End?

You can buy tickets for all West End seat types on London Theatre. Our team is currently working on updating our seating charts so that you can see which of those seats are accessible. In the meantime, do contact the venue directly to get that information before making your purchase.

Do West End shows have accessible performances?

Yes, many West End shows now host special accessible performances on select dates. These include BSL signed, captioned, and audio described performances, as well as relaxed or friendly performances. Some include a Touch Tour ahead of time, allowing patrons to go up on stage and touch parts of the set and props.

If you visit the show or theatre website for your preferred production, you will find a list of upcoming accessible performances that are available to book, and you can then return to London Theatre to complete your purchase for the right date.

Here are a few of the upcoming accessible performances in the West End:

• The Gruffalo: 6 September 2024 at 2pm with a Touch Tour at 1pm (relaxed)
• Next to Normal: 14 September 2024 at 2:30pm (audio described)
• Hello, Dolly!: 12 September 2024 at 7:30pm (BSL signed)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: 21 September 2024 (BSL signed)
• Juno and the Paycock: 9 November 2024 (captioned)
• SIX: 19 October 2024 at 4pm (captioned)
• Matilda: 23 November 2024 at 2:30pm (captioned)
• Hadestown: 30 November 2024 at 2:30pm (audio described)
• My Neighbour Totoro: 27 September 2025 (relaxed)

What accessibility resources are available at West End theatres?

If you visit the venue page for any West End theatre, you’ll find a dedicated access page with all the information you need about visiting the theatre, booking tickets for their current shows, and contact details for the access team.

If you need any further details about accessibility or assistance when you arrive at the theatre, contact the venue to discuss it.

You can also find plenty of that information in our venue rundown below.

Adelphi Theatre accessibility

The Adelphi Theatre is on the Strand.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls, and stalls seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available for deaf and hearing-impaired audience members. You can collect headsets and hearing aid loops from the cloakroom in the main foyer.

Ambassadors Theatre accessibility

The Ambassadors Theatre is on West Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls using a platform lift (dimensions 85cm x 120cm, maximum weight load 400kg). There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the stalls bar area.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls, and stalls seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Apollo Victoria Theatre accessibility

The Apollo Victoria Theatre is on West Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the royal circle level using a platform lift (dimensions 72cm x 93cm, maximum weight load 300kg). There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the dress circle, and circle seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Apollo Theatre accessibility

The Apollo Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls using a platform stair lift (dimensions 100cm x 80cm, maximum weight load 300kg). There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the stalls level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. Headsets and receivers are available on a first come first served basis.

Cambridge Theatre accessibility

Cambridge Theatre is on Earlham Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access to the main foyer, but no lift. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the stalls level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls, and stalls seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available for deaf and hearing-impaired audience members. You can collect headsets and hearing aid loops from the stalls kiosk.

Duke of York's Theatre accessibility

The Duke of York's Theatre is on St Martin’s Lane.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access on street level. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the dress circle, with an accompanying companion seat, and circle seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Duchess Theatre accessibility

The Duchess Theatre is on Catherine Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls via a Domino Zonzini platform Stair Climber (accommodates wheelchairs up to 87.5cm in length, 96.5cm in width, maximum combined weight 400kg, patrons are asked to arrive at the theatre 45 minutes before the start of the performance). There are staircases with handrails to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the stalls level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. Headsets and receivers are available on a first come first served basis.

Fortune Theatre accessibility

The Fortune Theatre is on Russell Street.

Theatre accessibility: The venue usually has a wheelchair stair lift: it is currently out of order, but should be fixed by November 2024. It has step-free access to the main foyer. There are staircases with handrails to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet next to Box A.

Accessible seating: The theatre cannot currently accommodate wheelchairs in the auditorium, due to the broken lift, but there are wheelchair transfer seats available in the dress circle.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Garrick Theatre accessibility

The Garrick Theatre is on Charing Cross Road.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access in the dress circle, which is at street level. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers a wheelchair space and companion seating in the dress circle.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. Headsets and receivers are available on a first come first served basis.

Gielgud Theatre accessibility

The Gielgud Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access on the stalls level and a ramp is available. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair spaces and the option to transfer into a seat on the stalls level, plus companion seating.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Gillian Lynne Theatre accessibility

The Gillian Lynne Theatre is on Drury Lane.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access to the stalls via the lifts and wheelchair platform. There are staircases to access the other levels. There are accessible toilets in the upper foyer and via the accessible entrance to the auditorium on Level 4.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces and companion seats in the stalls, and stalls seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available for deaf and hearing-impaired audience members. You can collect headsets and hearing aid loops from front-of-house staff.

Harold Pinter Theatre accessibility

The Harold Pinter Theatre is on Panton Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access on street level. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the dress circle, with an accompanying companion seat, and circle seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

His Majesty’s Theatre accessibility

His Majesty’s Theatre is on Haymarket.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access to the stalls via Charles II Street. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the stalls level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces and companion seats in the stalls, and stalls seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available for deaf and hearing-impaired audience members. You can collect headsets and hearing aid loops from front of house staff.

London Palladium accessibility

The London Palladium is on Argyll Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access via a lift, and a level access ramp to the left of the main entrance, plus further lifts and ramps inside to the stalls level. There are staircases to access the other levels. There are accessible toilets in the Val Parnell Bar and at the back of the stalls.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls, and stalls seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available for deaf and hearing-impaired audience members. You can collect headsets and hearing aid loops from the cloakroom.

Lyceum Theatre accessibility

The Lyceum Theatre is on Wellington Street.

Theatre accessibility: There are lifts available to all levels of the theatre via the entrance on Exeter Street, however there are then staircases to access seating on all levels apart from the stalls. There is a wheelchair accessible entrance on Wellington Street via the double exit door. There are accessible toilets on stalls level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers six wheelchair park spaces in the stalls.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Lyric Theatre accessibility

The Lyric Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access in the dress circle boxes, which are at street level. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair spaces in the dress circle boxes.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. Headsets and receivers are available on a first come first served basis.

Noël Coward Theatre accessibility

The Noël Coward Theatre is on St Martin’s Lane.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access via the main entrance and a ramp is available. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet near the foyer by the royal circle boxes.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair spaces and the option to transfer into a seat on the royal circle level, plus companion seating.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Novello Theatre accessibility

The Novello Theatre is on Aldwych.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access via a lift to the dress circle level (maximum dimensions 79cm by 120cm, maximum weight 300kg). There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the dress circle level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair spaces and the option to transfer into a seat on the circle level, plus companion seating.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Palace Theatre accessibility

The Palace Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls via a side door. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the stalls level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair user spaces in the stalls, and aisle seats are suitable for those wishing to transfer from their wheelchairs.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. Headsets and receivers are available on a first come first served basis.

Phoenix Theatre accessibility

The Phoenix Theatre is on Charing Cross Road.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the dress circle via a lift from Charing Cross Road. There are accessible toilets just inside the main entrance, and at the back of the dress circle.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the dress circle, plus companion seating, as well as seats for wheelchair user transfer or patrons who require stair-free access.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Piccadilly Theatre accessibility

The Piccadilly Theatre is on Denman Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls level via a lift from the Sherwood Street entrance. There are staircases with handrails to the other levels. There are accessible toilets just inside the main entrance, and at the back of the dress circle.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls, and some royal circle seats are suitable for those wishing to transfer from their wheelchairs.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Playhouse Theatre accessibility

The Playhouse Theatre is on Northumberland Avenue.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access to the stalls only. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers one wheelchair park space, one companion seat, and one transferring wheelchair space, all in the stalls.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Prince Edward Theatre accessibility

The Prince Edward Theatre is on Old Compton Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access via the theatre’s exit door on Greek Street and a ramp is available. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet on the foyer on street level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers one wheelchair space and a companion seat in the dress circle box. There is also wheelchair transfer seating available in the dress circle.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Prince of Wales Theatre accessibility

The Prince of Wales Theatre is on Coventry Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access at the rear of the stalls via the step-free street level entrance. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the Delfont Bar.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair spaces and wheelchair transfer seats in the stalls.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Savoy Theatre accessibility

The Savoy Theatre is on the Strand.

Theatre accessibility: There is step-free access to the dress circle via Carting Lane, however there is no lift in the theatre. There are staircases to the other levels. There is an accessible toilets on the dress circle level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the dress circle, and some circle seats are suitable for those wishing to transfer from their wheelchairs, however it does involve negotiating two steps.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser InfraRed system, however the venue is currently in the process of upgrading it.

Sondheim Theatre accessibility

The Sondheim Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access via the side door on Wardour Street. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet in the main foyer.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair spaces and wheelchair transfer seats in the dress circle and the Schönberg Loge, along with companion seats.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane accessibility

Theatre Royal Drury Lane is on Catherine Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is a passenger lift available to all four levels, and step-free access is available via the Russell Street entrance. There are staircases to access the other levels. There are accessible toilets on three levels: stalls, royal circle, and grand circle.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces in the stalls, and stalls seats can be used for wheelchair transfer.

Accessibility devices: An Infra-Red audio enhancement system is available for deaf and hearing-impaired audience members. You can collect headsets and hearing aid loops from the front of house staff.

Trafalgar Theatre accessibility

The Trafalgar Theatre is on Whitehall.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls via a lift, however the venue is only able to accommodate small wheelchairs (up to 65cm width or 110cm length, maximum 225kg weight). There are staircases to the other levels. There is an accessible toilets on the dress circle level.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair park spaces and companion seating in the stalls.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. You can use a venue device to help you connect to it via WiFi or download the Mobile Connect app to your own device.

Vaudeville Theatre accessibility

The Vaudeville Theatre is on the Strand.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access to the stalls via a Domino Zonzini platform Stair Climber (accommodates wheelchairs up to 87.5cm in length, 96.5cm in width, maximum combined weight 400kg, patrons are asked to arrive at the theatre 45 minutes before the start of the performance). There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet available by arrangement with neighbouring venues the Strand Palace Hotel and the Adelphi Theatre.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair user spaces in the stalls with companion seats adjacent.

Accessibility devices: The theatre is fitted with a Sennheiser radio frequency assisted hearing system. Headsets and receivers are available on a first come first served basis.

Victoria Palace Theatre

The Victoria Palace Theatre is on Victoria Street.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access via the Allington Street entrance and step-free access to the stalls level. There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet at the back of the stalls and in Pavlova’s Bar.

Accessible seating: The theatre offers wheelchair spaces and wheelchair transfer seats in the stalls boxes, along with companion seats.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Wyndham’s Theatre

Wyndham’s Theatre is on Charing Cross Road.

Theatre accessibility: There is wheelchair user access available only into Box A of the stalls via a wheelchair lift (maximum 46 x 31 inches, maximum 500kg weight). There are staircases to access the other levels. There is an accessible toilet at the back of the stalls.

Accessible seating: The theatre can set aside seating for wheelchairs if you get in touch before booking.

Accessibility devices: There are hearing enhancement aids available at the theatre.

Photo credit: Six. (Photo by Pamela Raith)