The Lowry is committed to making all aspects of your visit enjoyable, welcoming and physically accessible. In 2016 we were awarded silver standard by Attitude Is Everything, which recognises our on-going pledge to provide the best possible experience for deaf and disabled visitors.
Accessible performances are events which are made accessible for those who need additional support such as audio description, captioning, signed or relaxed.
Complimentary tickets for personal assistants are available to anyone registered on The Lowry’s Access Register. Once registered these can be booked over the phone or online.
Download this visual guide to familiarise yourself with our building or use our interactive video below.
Audio Description
View Audio Described Performances
What is an Audio Described Performance?
Designed to improve the experience for people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as listening to the dialogue on stage, the theatregoer can wear a headset and listen to a live description of the action on stage. The description only happens in between dialogue and supplements the voices of the performers in explaining the emotions and action of each scene.
There is usually a free touch tour approximately one hour prior to the performance. During a touch tour, a member of the visiting company will give you an introduction to the production and tell you about the visual elements of the production; you will also be able to explore the set and touch selected props and costumes.
Audio Described Performances are discounted and are delivered by Mind’s Eye or Caroline Burn, Talking Theatre
How do I use this service?
Simply ask one of our Information Assistants for a headset when you arrive. Alternatively, you can download Sennheiser’s MobileConnect app and use your own headphones and mobile device.
Download Sennheiser Mobile Connect Information
Download Sennheiser Assisted Hearing Headset Information
Download Sennheiser Assisted Hearing Pendant Information
What is an Audio Described Gallery Tour?
Once a season we host an Audio Described Gallery Tour of our latest exhibition. During the tour you will be guided through the exhibition and described the artworks on display.
They are free of charge and are delivered by Mind’s Eye.
How do I use this service?
Sign up to our access newsletter by emailing access@thelowry.com to find out about the next available tour. If you are coming to one of these tours please meet at the Galleries Desk at the top of the escalators on Level 2.
Captioned
What is a Captioned Performance?
These allow theatregoers with varying degrees of hearing to view the full text as it is spoken or sung, including sound effects and off-stage noises. These appear on a scrolling screen, positioned on or at the side of the stage.
Captioning can also be helpful to those who use English as a second language and for most audiences when interpreting difficult dialects within shows.
How do I use this service?
When booking, our Box Office staff will advise you of the best place to sit so that you have a clear view of the caption units.
BSL Interpreted/Delivered Events
View BSL Interpreted Performances
BSL Interpreted/Delivered Events are designed to improve the experience for people who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired.
What is a BSL Interpreted Performance?
It interprets the production live on stage. The interpreter is always clearly visible without compromising the actors on stage. During these performances, the interpreter will stand in a spotlight and communicate with the audience by signing throughout the show.
How do I use this service?
When booking, our Box Office staff will advise you of the best places to sit so that you have a clear view of the interpreter. These performances are discounted.
What is a BSL Delivered Gallery Tour?
Once a season we host a BSL delivered Gallery Tour of our latest exhibition. During the tour you will be guided through the exhibition and described the artworks. The tours are free of charge.
How do I use this service?
Sign up to our access newsletter by emailing access@thelowry.com to find out about the next available tour. If you are coming to one of these tours, please meet at the Galleries Desk at the top of the escalators on Level 2.
Relaxed
Open to everyone, but particularly appropriate for anyone who may find the usual theatre environment challenging, be that due to an Autism Spectrum Condition, a learning disability, or a fear of the dark, loud noises or confined spaces.
Relaxed performances provide a relaxed environment, with elements of the production adapted to reduce anxiety or stress. Lighting and sound levels are adjusted to soften their impact and there is a relaxed attitude to noise and leaving and re-entering the auditorium during the performance.
Designated ‘chill-out’ areas are provided outside the auditorium with activities for people to use if being in the auditorium becomes overwhelming for them.
Breastfeeding & Baby Friendly
View Baby Friendly Performances
Breastfeeding Policy
Breastfeeding is welcome at The Lowry and we have plenty of spaces available around the building.
Baby Friendly Performances
Open to everyone, but particularly appropriate for parents who still want to enjoy the usual theatre environment, but need to have their little ones in tow.
Baby Friendly Performances provide a relaxed attitude to noise and leaving and re-entering the auditorium during the performance. Babies are welcome.
Dementia Friendly
View Dementia Friendly Performances
Open to all but slightly adapted to be more appropriate for people living with dementia, with trained staff on hand to help with your visit.
As part of our Digital Strategy we are committed to ensuring that all our videos and trailers produced in house include captions or subtitles where possible. You can choose to switch these on and off depending on the platform or channel you are using such as YouTube or Facebook.