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The Lowry building - Foyer

Visitor Access

 

Through the programme of accessible performances such as audio description, captioning, signed or relaxed performances and events we hope to meet the requirements of those who need additional support.

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.

Download this visual guide to familiarise yourself with our building.

Visual Guide

 

Get in touch if you would like to find out more about what we offer or have any specific questions about Access at The Lowry.

email access@thelowry.com
or
call 0161 876 2183

Join our Access Register

Sign up

 

Individuals who are signed up to the Access Register will be able to:

Book a Essential Companion ticket for theatre shows at no charge.

Book wheelchair seats, Captioned, BSL, Audio Described and Relaxed performances online.

Find the right assisted performance for you

Audio Described

Captioned Performance

BSL Interpreted

Relaxed Performances

Dementia Friendly

Touch Tour

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

View Captioned Performances

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

View Relaxed Performances

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.

Touch tour

Audio Described Performances

 

What is a Touch Tour? 

A touch tour is usually held before an Audio Described performance of a theatre production to provide context about the show and to allow visually impaired members of the audience to familiarise themselves with the design of the space, costumes and props ahead of the show itself.

What happens during a Touch Tour?  

Audience members get the chance to walk on the stage before the theatre opens and can touch and feel props, costumes and physical pieces of the set. You also have the chance to explore the story, pairing it with the descriptive information received before the show.

Audio-describers, the venue team, stage management, wardrobe staff and the cast may be present to answer any questions and share descriptions or interpretations of the space.

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.