Access and Facilities at the Duchess Theatre

There's no lift at the Duchess, so every level is reached by stairs. The wheelchair spaces are in the Stalls, which are normally reached by a stair climber, and that stair climber is out of service (checked 25 September 2026).

Access bookings go through the venue's own access team on the theatre's official site, not through us.

Getting down to the Stalls

The stair climber that normally takes wheelchair users down the 20 steps to the Stalls has been out of operation since a routine inspection. While it's out of use, the theatre can take you to and from the Stalls in its electric evacuation chair, but you need to be able to transfer into and out of it. If you'd planned to use the stair climber, talk to the venue's access team before you book, so they can say whether the evacuation chair will work for you.

When it's working, the stair climber is a Domino Zonzini. Its platform is 96.5cm wide and 87.5cm long, footrests aside, with a 400kg limit. Some wheelchair users may need to move into the theatre's manual wheelchair to use it safely.

Whichever you use, come in by the main entrance and arrive at least 45 minutes before the show, so there's time to get you settled.

Steps to each level

• Main entrance: one step up from the street, and a ramp can be put out
• Stalls: 20 steps down from the foyer
• Dress Circle: 11 steep steps up from the foyer, and not a level we'd suggest for anyone with limited mobility

The most accessible way in is the third set of double doors on the right, and there's a drop-off point directly outside on Catherine Street.

Wheelchair and transfer seating

The building's two wheelchair spaces are both in the Stalls, N1 and J14, each with a companion seat next to it. If you'd prefer a theatre seat, you can transfer to one on the aisle. Access seats, including end-of-aisle and central-row seats, and the reduced access rate, are booked through the venue's access team.

Accessible toilet

There's a unisex accessible toilet in the Stalls. Its door opens inwards.

Help with hearing

The theatre has a Sennheiser radio system, first come, first served. You can choose an in-ear receiver, or a neckloop that works with headphones or with hearing aids switched to T. It won't connect over Bluetooth, and there isn't an induction loop.

Bringing an assistance dog

Welcome, and an aisle seat gives your dog more room. Let the access team know in advance. If you'd rather your dog didn't sit through the show, the theatre can look after up to two dogs each performance, so ask when you book.

Signed, audio-described and captioned performances

The Play That Goes Wrong has these coming up:

• Captioned: Sunday 18 October 2026 at 3pm, Friday 5 February 2027 at 7:30pm and Sunday 19 September 2027 at 3pm
• British Sign Language interpreted: Friday 13 November 2026 at 7:30pm and Sunday 14 March 2027 at 3pm
• Audio-described: Sunday 18 April 2027 at 3pm

Bars

There are two bars: one in the foyer, with seating and no steps from the entrance, and one on the Stalls level. There's no bar in the Dress Circle. Staff can bring drinks, snacks and merchandise to your seat, which is also the way to get a drink without the stairs.

Toilets

• Stalls: Ladies and Gents, plus the accessible toilet
• Dress Circle: Ladies and Gents on the same level

Bags and coats

The cloakroom is small and meant for large bags and suitcases, for a small charge, and it's only open while the show is on. Bags are searched at the door. If you wear smart glasses, swap them for a standard pair: they aren't allowed in.