Your visit
Access seats can now be booked online! Scroll to the bottom to find out how!
The theatre building is accessible, with access to all levels via the lift, and easily accessible toilets available on the ground and second floors.
Wheelchair spaces are available in the Stalls.
If you’re accompanying a guest with disabilities you can get a free companion ticket for nearly all our shows.
An infra-red sound amplification system works in certain areas of the auditorium. Headsets for amplifying sound are available which you can collect from the Box Office before the performance.
If you have a guide or a hearing dog you’re welcome to keep them with you.
Click the button below to download an easy-read guide on what to expect when you visit the theatre.
- What to expect when you visit the theatre (WORD DOC)Download
- What to expect when you visit the theatre (PDF)Download
Relaxed performances
Our relaxed performances are for anyone who may benefit from a more relaxed environment when coming to the theatre.
During the performance, the auditorium lights are kept on and audience members are free to move around, make noise and enter and exit as they wish. Loud and sudden noises are turned down or taken out and bright lights are softened.
There is a chillout space available with sensory toys, cushions and ear defenders. This can be used before, during and after the performance.
Before the performance, audience members are sent a visual guide which gives more information about the story and characters. We also offer familiarisation tours before the relaxed performance which is an opportunity to see the front of house spaces, auditorium and where you will sit during the performance at a quieter time.
Download our guide below to learn more about relaxed performances.
- What to expect at a relaxed performanceDownload
Audio described performances and touch tours
During an audio described performance, a live, verbal commentary is provided to Blind or partially sighted audience members via an infrared in-ear headset system. The commentary explains and describes the visual aspects of the performance such as the set, costumes and gestures.
VocalEyes provide the audio description for our audio described performances.
A touch tour will usually accompany these performances, 1 hour prior to the start of the show. Touch tours are invaluable for blind or partially sighted patrons, as you can go onto the stage and touch parts of the set, scenery and costumes.
Captioned performances
During captioned performances, the actor’s words appear on a screen as they are spoken. At Watford Palace Theatre, the screens are often placed in our boxes to enable as many people as possible to see them without restricting the view of the stage.
Captioned performances are beneficial for audience members who are d/Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing. They can also support audience members with English as a second language, as well as supporting general understanding and concentration.
Captioning for these performances are provided by Stagetext.
Please contact our Box Office team to find out which seats are best suited for seeing the captions.
How to book access seats
- Log-in to your account (or create one if you are a new customer)
- Enter your email address and password, and click ‘LOGIN‘
- Click ‘Other preferences‘
- Tick all of the requirements that apply to you, and click ‘SAVE‘
- If you’re booking a wheelchair space:
- Please ensure you have ticked ‘I require the use of a wheelchair space‘ in the Access Requirements section of your account (shown above)
- Navigate to the show you are interested in and click the ‘Book Now‘ button
- You should now have the option to book a wheelchair space, by clicking on the wheelchair icon
- Wheelchair users can book a free companion ticket adjacent to their wheelchair space. To take advantage of these seats, please ensure you have ticked ‘I require a companion to attend performances‘ in the Access Requirements section of your account. You will then be able to book seats marked with a ‘C’ icon. When added to your basket, these tickets will automatically be discounted to zero. The discount applies to one companion ticket, and you may be asked to present proof of eligibility at the venue (for example, a Blue Badge, or similar)
- If you require a companion ticket:
- Please ensure you have ticked ‘I require a companion to attend performances‘ in the Access Requirements section of your account (shown above)
- Navigate to the show you are interested in and click the ‘Book Now‘ button
- Select the ‘Access User Companion’ ticket type
- Companion tickets are free, so long as the other ticket type you have selected is ‘Access User’. When the companion ticket is added to your basket the price for the companion ticket will automatically be discounted to zero. The discount applies to one companion ticket, and you may be asked to present proof of eligibility at the venue
- For companions accompanying a guest in a wheelchair, please refer to the section above
- If you require the use of captions:
- Please ensure you have ticked ‘I require the use of captions‘ in the Access Requirements section of your account (shown above)
- Navigate to the show you are interested in and click the ‘Book Now‘ button. Please note that only certain performances are captioned; this will be indicated on the blue booking block for each show, per the example below:
- You should now have the option to book a ‘Stage Text’ ticket, and the price will be automatically discounted
- If you require the use of audio description:
- Please ensure you have ticked ‘I require the use of Audio Description‘ in the Access Requirements section of your account (shown above)
- Navigate to the show you are interested in and click the ‘Book Now‘ button. Please note that only certain performances are captioned; this will be indicated on the blue booking block for each show, per the example below:
- You should now have the option to book a ‘Stage Text’ ticket, and the price will be automatically discounted.
