Access

Lowest price tickets are available for disabled customers for all performances. If you require the help of a carer or companion, their ticket will also be priced at the same rate.

Booking tickets

You can book tickets by:

• Calling our Box Office on 017687 74411
• In person at the Box Office
• Emailing access@theatrebythelake.com

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Find out all the information about accessibility to make your visit a great one.

Access

The theatre has flat access from the car park, a lift to all floors, wheelchair-accessible toilets on each floor and drop counters in the bars, café and Box Office.

Download our access map of both theatres, highlighting how many steps to each row and which areas are completely flat access.

• Main House
• Studio (Traverse format: used in Summer Season)
• Studio (End on format: used in Xmas / Spring Seasons)

Transfer seats

Please mention when booking if you require a wheelchair transfer.

We also have an in-house wheelchair available for transporting patrons from the car park to the auditorium, which may be borrowed by prior arrangement.

For the safety and comfort of all our audiences, we ask that any patron who transfers from a wheelchair into one of our theatre seats for a performance is able to walk from the door of the theatre to their seat, leaving their wheelchair in the foyer. This can be with some aid from a companion, or using a small walking aid (such as a walking stick or cane). This means we can ensure all patrons are able to evacuate safety in the event of an emergency.

Lifts

Theatre by the Lake has lift access to all levels of the building and are fully accessible to electric wheelchair users.

Parking

There are 14 designated disabled parking spaces located at the side of the theatre on the Lakeside Car Park (operated by Allerdale Borough Council). Blue badge holders can park anywhere on the car park for free for an unlimited period.

There is a drop off point directly outside Theatre by the Lake with flat access from the carp park to the theatre main entrance.

Assistance Dogs

Are welcome in all areas of our building and can be taken into our auditoriums, but please tell the Box Office when booking your seat that you are bringing your dog.

Hearing enhancement

Induction loop

Our Main House has an induction loop; this is suitable for use with both analogue and digital hearing aids. To ensure the best use of this service, please book your seats in Rows A-F in the Front Stalls (click here to view these seats) and make sure that your hearing aid has been adjusted to the T setting. For optimum sound quality the signal of this system is strongest in the middle of a row.

Hearing enhancement devices

If you have a hearing impairment and require seating outside of the Front Stalls in the Main House, or are watching a performance in the Studio, we would recommend the use of a hearing enhancement device.

Hearing enhancement devices work by either extending the loop system or by simply amplifying the volume. At Theatre by the Lake, hearing enhancement devices are available to borrow from the Box Office half an hour prior to the performance. There is no need to book ahead for this service as our Box Office staff will be able to assist on the night.

Please note: if booking a seat in the Studio during the Summer Season (when the Studio is in traverse format) hearing enhancement devices are only effective in Rows F-J.

If you require any further information about our access facilities or need assistance with your booking – please call our Box Office team on 017687 74411 or alternatively email: access@theatrebythelake.com

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We offer Audio Described, Captioned and Relaxed performances.

Audio Described Performances

Audio description is a live commentary giving details of all the visual aspects of a performance. The commentary is interspersed with the actors’ dialogue and is delivered via radio headsets, which are loaned free of charge from the Box Office.

Touch Tours

These allow you to get close to the set, costumes and props used in the play. During a tour, the audio describer will guide you through important props and character costumes used in the production. These tours are free but places must be booked in advance. To book please call 017687 74411.

Captioned Performances

Captioning is similar to television subtitles and gives people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing access to live performance. The actor’s words appear on an LED caption unit placed next to the stage or in the set, at the same time as they are spoken or sung. It is important when booking that you tell the Box Office so that they can allocate a seat for you where you can see the caption box.

Please book for these performances directly with our Box Office so that they can seat you where you can see the captioning unit.

Call 017687 74411 or email access@theatrebythelake.com

Relaxed Performances

These performances are designed for anyone who needs a more easy-going atmosphere – they are perfect for adults and children with autism spectrum disorders or physical and learning disabilities, as well as parents with young babies and carers.

Performances are adapted with loud sound effects and bright lights toned down to reduce anxiety and there is a more relaxed attitude to noise and movements during the show. Chill out spaces are also available outside of the theatre for those that need a break from the show.

We send out information packs in advance of the show and a ticket for the performance includes an optional Q&A session with the cast after the show as well as a backstage tour.

These performances are not available to book online. Please book with our Box Office so that we can tailor your experience to your needs.

Call 017687 74411 or email access@theatrebythelake.com

Familiarisation Visits

We offer special tours of the theatre to anyone who would benefit from seeing the auditorium and seating before their visit to the show. This is aimed at people who may find their visit stressful being in an unknown environment. These visits can be arranged by contacting Mary Elliott at mary.elliott@theatrebythelake.com or 017687 81103.

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