Accessibility bookings

If you need step-free access, wheelchair spaces, transfer seating, companion seats, or any other access support, you deserve a booking process that's clear and stress-free. Our guide below should give you some helpful steps to take in order to make your trip to the theatre go as smoothly as possible.

Because accessible seating is managed differently by each theatre, the quickest and most reliable way to secure accessible seats is usually to book through the venue's access team (or their official ticketing partner). They control the dedicated access to specific seats and areas, and can confirm the right seating options for your needs.

That said, we're still here to help. If you want seat advice, show guidance, or help comparing venues and ticket options, ring our Box Office on 020 7193 9050 and we'll talk it through.

How accessible bookings work in London theatres

In most London theatres, accessible seats are handled separately from the main seat plan. That's why you can't always see wheelchair spaces, transfer seats or companion seats when you book online, even when the show is on sale.

The venue's access team is usually the best route because they can:

tell you the simplest step-free way in, and which entrance to use
make sure you're in the right type of space (wheelchair, transfer, aisle, companion)
warn you about anything that might affect comfort or sightlines (for example, railings or side views)
add notes to your booking if you need support on the day

It's simply the safest way to make sure the seats and access arrangements match what you need, before you pay for anything.

Accessible performances (captioned, BSL, audio described, relaxed)

Many shows also offer accessible performances that are designed to support different access needs, not just seating. Depending on the production, this can include captioned performances, BSL interpreted dates, audio described performances, and relaxed performances. Where we've been able to confirm them, we'll list these on the relevant show page, and we keep updating as venues release new dates.

If you're looking for a specific type of accessible performance, it's worth checking the show page first, and if you can't see what you need, ring us on 020 7193 9050 and we'll help you work out the best next step.

The simplest way to book accessible seats

Some of our top tips for booking accessible seats include:

Choose your show and date
It seems obvious, but have a first and second choice of date if you can. Flexibility usually helps.
Contact the theatre's access team
Most venues have a dedicated access phone number and email address on their website. Some use an online access form.
Explain what you need
You don't need to overthink it. Just share the practical detail.
Confirm the full ticket details before paying
Ask them to confirm the exact seat locations, route into the auditorium, and any key restrictions.

If you'd like, ring us on 020 7193 9050 first and we'll help you identify the best area to aim for, plus anything to watch out for at that venue.

What to tell the access team

Having this ready usually speeds things up:

The show name and performance date/time
Wheelchair space needed, or transfer seat required
Whether a companion seat is required
Step-free access needs (to the seat, toilets, bar areas, etc.)
Any mobility considerations (stairs, steep steps, legroom)
Hearing support (for example, hearing loop) or captioned/performance needs
Any assistance you'd like from front of house (for example, early entry)

If you're not sure what to ask for, call us and we'll translate it into the right questions for that theatre.

How we can help (even if you book direct)

We're happy to help with:

Honest seat advice for your show and venue (what to prioritise, what to avoid)
Comparing venues if you're deciding between a few shows
Practical tips like the easiest arrival route and the best entrance to use
General tickets if you don't need an accessible allocation, or if you're booking extra seats for your group

Call 020 7193 9050 and tell us the show and your access needs. We'll keep it simple.

Companion seats, discounts, and proof

Every theatre handles companion tickets a little differently. Depending on the venue, you might find:

a free companion seat for some access bookings
a reduced-price companion ticket
a simple registration scheme, or a request for a bit of supporting info

Because the rules aren't consistent across London, the access team for that theatre is the best place to confirm exactly what's available for your performance.

Accessible toilets, lifts, and step-free routes

This is where the detail really matters, and it can vary massively from one venue to the next, even in the same part of the West End.

If step-free access is essential, ask the theatre to confirm:

the step-free route from the street entrance to your seats
whether a lift is needed (and if so, where it is and when it runs)
where the nearest accessible toilet is in relation to your seats

It's a quick call or email, and it avoids nasty surprises on the day.

If you're not booking an accessible seat but still need fewer stairs

If you don't need a wheelchair space or an access allocation, but you do want to keep steps to a minimum, we can help.

Tell us the show and the theatre, and we'll point you towards seating that's typically easier to get to, such as:

rows with fewer stairs on the way in
areas with a simpler route back out at the interval
seats with a bit more breathing room (and fewer tight squeezes)

Ring the Hit The Theatre Box Office on 020 7193 9050 and we'll talk you through a couple of good options.

Helpful links on Hit The Theatre

Help & FAQs
More about booking
Theatre venue pages (always check the specific theatre, as access details vary)