We are constantly working to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, both on our building and in the work on stage. This page explains all of the facilities available at the Brookside Theatre and should help you plan your visit. We welcome any comments and suggestions about the accessibility of the Brookside Theatre and our programme. Please send an email to access@brooksidetheatre.co.uk. ARRIVING AT THE THEATRE The theatre is located a 4 minute walk from Romford station which is an accessible station. For more information on accessibility on the TFL network click here . Nearest parking is Slaney Road car park which is located next to the theatre with direct access to the theatre. Drop offs can be made on Eastern Road where there is level access to the entrance of the theatre. For all parking requirements, including blue badge spaces and coaches please click   here . There is no parking available at the theatre for patrons. PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY / NO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS There is level access into the foyer but regrettably due to the age and layout of this historic building, there is no wheelchair access in to the auditorium. The staircase from the foyer to the auditorium has four steps with a handrail. The auditorium has raked seating with eight low steps (no handrail) which patrons walk down to get to the front of the auditorium via a central aisle. Row M has extra leg room and is located nearest the entrance to the auditorium for patrons with accessibility needs. TOILETS The theatre has one set of male toilets and one set of female toilets located in the foyer on level access. We regret that the theatre does not currently provide accessible toilet facilities. We are actively fundraising to remedy this situation. FACILITIES FOR DEAF AND HEARING IMPAIRED PEOPLE CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES Captioning is a way of converting the spoken word into visible text that provides d/Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people with access to live performances along with their family and friends. Our captioned performances are also aimed at those whose first language is not English. Information about dates and times of Captioned performances are listed on individual production pages on our website. BSL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES BSL interpreted performances are for the benefit of those who use sign language. A Trained British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will stand to one side of the stage and interpret the script used by the performers at the same time as it is being performed. information about dates and times of BSL interpreted performances are listed on individual production pages on our website. HEARING DOGS Assistance dogs are welcome in all spaces of the Brookside Theatre. Please let us know when booking so that we can arrange an aisle seat for you and tell you about any loud noises or special effects that might affect your dog’s comfort. Alternatively, you can leave your dog in the care of our hospitality team. In the case of an emergency, if it is safe to do so, we will try to reunite a dog with its owner prior to evacuating the building. If this is not possible, volunteers will bring your dog to the appropriate assembly point. FACILITIES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES Audio Description is a live commentary by trained describers, interspersed with the actors’ dialogue. There is also a ‘programme notes’ description, starting 15 minutes before the production, which helps to capture the atmosphere, costumes, characters and action before and during the course of a performance. Information about dates and times of Audio Described performances are listed on individual production pages on our website. TOUCH TOURS We aim to offer a touch tour for every audio-described production, usually before an audio-described matinee. It’s a chance to visit the set, feel the props, and enhance your enjoyment of the show. The tour is free and lasts about half an hour. Please let us know if you’re coming to the tour on your own and we’ll arrange for a member of staff to accompany you. Guide dogs are also welcome on set, subject to an advance assessment to ensure a safe environment. Alternatively, we can arrange for your guide dog to be looked after. If you wish to attend a touch tour, please email access@brooksidetheatre.com . HEARING ENHANCEMENTS We have an induction loop in our Auditorium, at the Kiosk and Box Office. To use this, please adjust your hearing aid to the T setting. GUIDE DOGS Assistance dogs are welcome in all spaces of the Brookside Theatre. Please let us know when booking so that we can arrange an aisle seat for you and tell you about any loud noises or special effects that might affect your dog’s comfort. Alternatively, you can leave your dog in the care of our front of house team. In the case of an emergency, if it is safe to do so, we will try to reunite a dog with its owner prior to evacuating the building. If this is not possible, volunteers will bring your dog to the appropriate assembly point. EARLY ACCESS If you need some extra time to familiarise yourself or get settled in the auditorium, please do get in touch as we may be able to provide early access into the theatre for those who like to avoid a sometimes crowded and rushed entrance. This is dependent on the production and will need to be assessed on an individual basis, so please do get in touch via email access@brooksidetheatre.co.uk or call us on 01708 755775 RELAXED PERFORMANCES Relaxed performances are perfect 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 or people living with dementia and their carers. Performances are adapted with loud sound effects and bright lights toned down and there is a more relaxed attitude to noise and movements during the show. Chill out spaces are available outside of the Auditorium for those that need a break from the show. Tickets for Relaxed Performances are at a reduced rate to patrons and free for babes in arms. Information about dates and times of Relaxed performances are listed on individual production pages on our website. DEMENTIA FRIENDLY The Brookside Theatre is proud to be a dementia friendly organisation. We aim to make your visit as wonderful as we possibly can to ensure everyone can enjoy live theatre. ANXIETY I f you have anxiety about attending the Brookside Theatre, please get in touch and we’ll let you have the contact details of the Front of House Duty Manager in case you need any special support when visiting us. WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY FONT CONTROL Some users might find screen text easier to read by increasing the size at which text is displayed. Our font is scaleable, and its size is determined by the settings of your browser. Microsoft Internet Explorer : Find    out    how    to    use    Access options in IE Firefox : Find out about the Accessibility options in Firefox Safari : go to the View menu, select Text Size and then either Increase (Ctrl + +), Decrease (Ctrl + -) or Normal (Ctrl + 0). Chrome : Find     out     about     the     Accessibility     features     for Chrome