Venue Information

Approx. capacity: 482

The Duchess Theatre located on Catherine Street in London's West End. The theatre is owned and operated by Nimax Theatres and has 482 seats. The Duchess is one of the youngest and smallest West End theatres. The building was originally promoted by Arthur Gibbons and designed by architect Ewen Barr to overcome objections about ancient lights which had prevented previous building on the small site. The interior decoration as it is today was introduced in 1934 under the supervision of Mary Wyndham Lewis, wife of J B Priestley.

Transport

Parking

NCP in Drury Lane. Taxi rank at Covent Garden Piazza end of Russell Street www.parkingforbluebadges.com (Comprehensive parking and interactive bus information for Blue Badge disabled drivers travelling around London)

Accessibility

Number of Steps

FOYER - 6 steps up (handrails on both sides) STALLS - 21 steps down (handrails on both sides) DRESS CIRCLE - 12 (5+7) steps up, very steep aisle steps to all rows

Step-free information

There is no step free access into the theatre for people with limited mobility - 21 steps down to the Stalls. Wheelchair access is available into the stalls using a Stair Climber. The Stair Climber can accommodate wheelchairs up to 66cm (26 inches) wide and 89cm deep (35 in) including footrest. Wheel chair users are safely secured to the Stair Climber. When in motion the stair climber reclines on a flat surface so that when travelling down the 20 (set of 4, 6 and then 10 stairs) stairs to the auditorium the wheelchair user travels upright. Patrons requiring the use of the stair climber are asked to arrive at the theatre 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the performance.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair access is available into the stalls using a Stair Climber. The Stair Climber can accommodate wheelchairs up to 66cm (26 inches) wide and 89cm deep (35 in) including footrest. Wheel chair users are safely secured to the Stair Climber. When in motion the stair climber reclines on a flat surface so that when travelling down the 20 (set of 4, 6 and then 10 stairs) stairs to the auditorium, the wheelchair user travels upright. If you would like to discuss the wheelchair access, please call the Nimax access booking line on 0844 482 9677 or the theatre stage door on 0207 632 9601. Toilet Facilities There is an accessible toilet in the Stalls.

Hearing Systems

The theatre uses the Sennheiser infra-red headset system and 12 headsets are available from the front of house staff in main foyer. These headsets are for people who are hard of hearing but please note there is no induction loop system in the auditorium. There is an induction loop at the Box Office to assist hearing aid users when booking tickets. For further information regarding hearing systems, please call the theatre stage door on 0207 632 9600.

Guide Dogs

The theatre management are happy to look after your Guide/Hearing dog during the performance. Please approach a member of the front of house team when you arrive at the theatre and they will make the necessary arrangements.

Autistic Spectrum Info

The theatre would be grateful for any additional information regarding your needs prior to going to the theatre, especially anything regarding sensory issues or matters relating to Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Please feel welcome to call the theatre management on 0207 632 9600 so they can offer you more assistance throughout your visit.