Access and Facilities at the Empress Museum
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Row A of every bank is step-free. After that it is two steps per row, and there is no handrail on the stairs to the seating.
Access bookings and any questions about them are handled by the venue's own access team rather than by us.
Steps to your seat
The venue publishes the step count row by row, so you can work out exactly what you are committing to before you book:
- Row A: step-free
- Row C: 4 steps
- Row F: 10 steps
- Row L: 20 steps
Every row in between is two more than the one in front. If you need a hand getting to your seat, ask the venue's team before you go.
Wheelchair spaces
There is step-free and wheelchair access for both transferring and non-transferring visitors. The wheelchair spaces are in row A, each with a companion seat beside it or in the row behind:
- Yellow: A11 and A12
- Blue: A9 and A10
- Empress: A1, which carries VIP pricing
Purple has no wheelchair space. Accessible toilets are provided.
Access rates
Access rates are available, but they run through a registration scheme with Nimbus Disability and the Access Card rather than the Box Office, and you need a registration number to qualify. Applications can take a week or two at busy times, so start early.
Hearing support and accessible performances
An induction loop is available on request. Captioned and BSL performances aren't on the schedule at the moment, so ask the venue's access team about relaxed and other accessible performances rather than working from a listing.
Assistance dogs and other support
Trained and registered assistance dogs are welcome if you let the venue know beforehand. Ear defenders can be requested on the night, subject to availability.
The performers interact with the audience all evening, and if you would rather they didn't, ask front of house for a sticker and they will give you space.
Content warnings
Strobe lighting and fire effects, smoke and haze, sudden loud noises, low lighting and short blackouts.
Food and drink
The Empress Diner serves American-style food, and there are beers, wines, champagne, cocktails and mocktails at the bars. Check 25 applies, so bring photo ID. Nothing bought elsewhere comes in, except where it's needed for medical reasons and arranged in advance.
Bags and what you can bring
Bags are inspected on the way in and the venue would definitely rather you came without one; a handbag is fine. The prohibited list is longer than a theatre's and includes plastic water bottles, along with all the standard things that are not allowed into a venue. Phones are fine, but cameras with a flash and selfie sticks are not.
What to wear
There is no dress code. Fancy dress is encouraged. Top hats are welcome at the door (though staff may ask you to take one off once the show begins!). The venue is fully air conditioned.
Access FAQs
How many steps are there to my seat?
Two per row, and they add up exactly. Row A is step-free. Row B is two steps, row C four, row D six, and so on to row L at twenty. There is no handrail on the stairs to the seating.
Is the Empress Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The wheelchair spaces are in row A of the Yellow, Blue and Empress banks, and row A of every bank is step-free. Book them through the venue's own access team.