It is important to us all at Norwich Puppet Theatre that your experience is enjoyable and accessible.
Here is some general information about the venue and our events, but if you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to contact us on 01603 629921 or email [email protected]
Facilities
Toilets
In addition to our male and female toilets, we have two accessible/gender neutral toilets, one off the main foyer and one next to the Octagon Studio.
Baby Changing & Pushchair Parking
There is a baby changing table and nappy disposal point in the accessible toilet near the Octagon Studio.
We have an area in our foyer for pushchairs, although space is limited. Pushchairs cannot be taken into the performance or workshop spaces.
Our Seats
Our seating is raked to provide a good view for everyone. The seats have armrests and backrests.
The front row is bench style with no armrests. There are no steps to get to the front row.
Our seating is unreserved. If you need to sit in the front row please book an accessible ticket.
Seat dimensions: Our seats are 46cm wide x 46cm deep. The back rest is 52cm high from the seat. Armrests are 41cm apart and 61cm height from the ground. The Front Row Benches are 44cm deep.
Food and Drink
We have a small shop at the Theatre where customers can purchase hot and cold drinks, sweets, snacks, and Ronaldo ice cream. During evening events and hires this functions as a bar.
Shopping
There is a gift shop at the Theatre, selling finger and glove puppets, shadow puppetry kits, and more.
Cloakroom
Currently the cloakroom is unavailable as it is being relocated. If you have any large bags or other items with you, we can put them behind our shop out of the way whilst you enjoy the show or workshop.
Accessibility
Take a look around our theatre with our virtual tour. A great way to get familiar with the space before an in-person visit.
You can make the image full screen by clicking on the square in the corner of the image. Navigate around the space by clicking and dragging or using the arrows.
Please be aware that since the tour was made, there have been some slight changes to how the foyer bar area looks.
Wheelchair Access
The venue has level access throughout and we can accommodate wheelchairs in both the Main Theatre and Octagon Studio.
Please note that we are a converted Medieval Church so there is some unevenness in the floor surfaces. One doorway is too narrow to accommodate a wheelchair, but alternative routes are available.
You can book accessible seating by phone and online.
Visual Stories
Our Visual Story can help familiarise visitors with the venue before you arrive. It shows what to expect upon arrival, where things are, and what they look like.
Please be aware that since this Visual Story was made, there have been some changes to how the foyer bar area looks. We hope to update the pack soon.
If a Visual Story is available for a specific performance, it will appear on the event page.
Audio Description/ Touch Tours
If a performance has integrated or additional audio description, or if touch tours are available before a show, this will be included in the show information.
Hearing Loop
The Main Theatre has a hearing induction loop installed.
Signed/ Captioned Performances
If a performance has live BSL translation, captions or integrated sign-language, this information will be included in the show description.
Relaxed Events
Open to everyone, ‘relaxed’ events provide an accessible, supportive, and relaxed environment. Especially suited to those with Autism, sensory and communication disorders, and anyone else who might benefit from a more relaxed environment.
We can also arrange a familiarisation visit to the Theatre prior to the event and have Visual Stories available (link above). If you have any questions about our relaxed events or would like to book, please call or email the Theatre.
Performances
During relaxed performances the lights in the auditorium will remain on and there will be no sudden light changes or loud sound effects. Audience members will be free to make noise and to move around. We will have a space outside the auditorium with things to play with for anyone who needs it.
Workshops
Relaxed workshops have a smaller group size than our standard family workshops. We also provide a simpler make (although this can always be adapted accompanying persons to make something more complex if they would like to). These workshops are for families to come and be creative together, with openness and flexibility around your needs. Noise and disruption is expected and accepted! Let us know if you are bringing mobility buggies or whether there is anything else you think we should be aware of prior to the event. We will also have a ‘break-out’ space available outside the workshop space.
Carers Policy
Performances
Carer rate tickets are for anyone offering additional support to another audience member. For our standard shows, carer rate tickets are £8 and they are available to book online. We can also provide one free carer ticket per booking, with the purchase of an adult ticket. These are only for use by people who, without their carer, would be unable to attend the performance. Free tickets have to be booked by phone.
Workshops
We strongly recommend that children who need additional support attend one of our family workshop sessions, rather than our child-only sessions. We can provide a carer rate ticket with the purchase of any adult ticket. Carers may only attend child-only sessions at the workshop leader’s discretion.
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