Access at the Apollo Theatre
The Apollo is a 1901 building and there is no lift, so access is limited. Here is what there is.
There is no lift
No customer lift serves any level. Every part of the theatre except the Stalls is reached by stairs only.
The Stalls are step-free, by a platform stair lift at a separate accessible entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue. Report to the main entrance when you arrive and a member of staff will take you round to it.
The platform lift measures 100cm by 80cm and takes up to 300kg. Anything with parts outside those dimensions will not fit, so it is worth measuring before you travel. The Stalls are not suitable for scooter users.
Every level, in steps
| Where | Steps |
|---|---|
| Street to foyer | 1 up |
| Foyer to Stalls | 22 down, handrails both sides |
| Foyer to Dress Circle | 12 up |
| Stalls to Stalls bar | 11 further down |
| Street to Grand Circle | 41 up |
| Street to Balcony | 80 up |
If stairs are a question, the Dress Circle at 12 steps is the answer, not the Stalls. It is the shortest climb in the building.
Wheelchair spaces
Two spaces, at Stalls Q1 and Q22, made by removing those seats, with companion seating alongside. There are also two transfer spaces per performance, to any aisle seat. Staff will store a wheelchair during the performance.
Toilets
The fully adapted unisex toilet is at Stalls level, off the right-hand side of the Stalls as you face the stage, about 20 metres from the lift. Ramped access, no key needed, 70cm door opening, 137cm by 222cm inside, with a horizontal grab rail.
The door opens outwards and can be stiff to open.
Hearing
There is no induction loop at this theatre. Instead there is a Sennheiser radio-frequency hearing system, with headsets from the foyer on a first come, first served basis.
Assistance dogs
Welcome in the auditorium, and an end-of-row seat is the comfortable choice. The theatre will dog-sit for up to two dogs at a time if you would rather, and that is worth booking in advance. Water bowls are available.
Booking an access seat
Access seats are held back from general sale for every performance and are booked directly with the theatre's own access team rather than through us. There is an access rate of up to two seats at 50% off per person. The Access Card is accepted.
AccessAble have visited the building in person and produced a detailed access guide, which is the most thorough description of it available.
Access FAQs
Is there a lift at the Apollo Theatre?
No. There is no customer lift to any level. The Stalls are reached step-free by a platform stair lift at a separate entrance, and everything else is stairs.
Which level is easiest to reach at the Apollo?
The Dress Circle, at 12 steps up. The Stalls are 22 steps down, the Grand Circle 41 up and the Balcony 80 up.
Does the Apollo Theatre have an induction loop?
No. There is a Sennheiser radio-frequency hearing system instead, with headsets from the foyer.