Accessible Performances

Here you will find all our dates of audio-described, captioned or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances.

We offer concessions for people with access requirements. These vary from show to show. It is always best to book through our Access phone line 0121 689 1060 when booking accessible performances. You can also speak to our access advisors via email on hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com

Audio Described Performances
Audio-description in theatre is a live verbal commentary on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds. The description gives only the essential information that a visually impaired patron might miss. Upcoming audio-described performances are listed here.

Touch Tours
For most audio-described performance we do, we have a Touch Tour that precedes the show. Touch Tours must be booked in advance through Ticket Sales.  Times for the Touch Tours will be confirmed on booking. Our Touch Tours allow visually impaired patrons the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the set, props and costumes.

Tour Guide system
In the Main Auditorium (Stalls only) and the Patrick studio we use a Sennheiser Wireless RF Tour Guide system for enhancing volume for each user or to provide Audio Description on the selected performances above.
We have 3 different personal receivers available:

• HDE 2020-D-I earphones.
• EK 2020-D-II digital bodypack receiver to use with own headphones via a mini jack.
• EZT 3012 Induction neck loop with a EK 2020-D-II digital bodypack receiver for those with a hearing aid with a ‘T’ option

This system provides the show audio for every performance and the audio description/show audio & audio description mixed, for the selected performances above.

If you’d like a receiver for the Tour Guide system, just ask at our Access Assistance Point in the main entrance foyer.

Captioned Performances
Captioning is similar to television subtitling and gives deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people access to live performances. The actors’ words appear on a display unit at the same time as they are spoken or sung. Speaker names, sound effects and off stage noises are also shown. Please note: when booking please ask for seats suitable for seeing the captions. It is best to book seats for Captioned Performances via Ticket Sales rather than online.

BSL British Sign Language Interpreted Performances
Sign-language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression and body language. Within Britain the most common form of Sign Language is called British Sign Language (BSL). Seats are assigned close to the signer.

Assistance Dogs
If you have an assistance dog, please advise Box Office at the time of booking and they can then allocate the most appropriate seating for you or make adequate provision to care for your dog during the performance.