Accessibility

The Halls are committed to ensuring that we are accessible to everyone (within the limitations of our building). This guide will help you to get to our facility as well as getting around the different spaces. Being housed in a 15th century monastery complex means there are some difficulties in accessing some spaces. If you need any assistance at all prior to your visit, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do all we can to assist you on your visit.

Venue Description

The Halls are a multi-venue events facility housed in a former friary. The buildings were bought by the city from Henry VIII in 1538 as a place for assemblies. The age and construction of the building means that making adaptions for accessibility is difficult, but most areas are now accessible either as level access or with assistance.

St Andrews

The main access to St Andrews is level from outside and you enter into the main auditorium. The toilets are located on the north side of the building and are level access. When accessing the bar from the hall there is a step which requires a mobile ramp. Please ask a member of staff and we will put the ramp out for you. If you are accessing Blackfriars’ from St Andrews, you will also need to use the same ramp.

Seating in St Andrews

Due to the uniqueness of The Halls, we cannot guarantee unrestricted view seating in the North and South aisles – this is because of the large stone columns supporting the roof. Therefore, if you buy a seat for any show in these sections, we cannot be responsible if your view is obstructed. We do inform ticket agencies and other promoters of this issue.

Blackfriars

Blackfriars is accessed from our foyer bar. Access to the foyer bar is level access from outside, however the entrance to Blackfriars’ Hall is raised. There is a small access lift available adjacent to the steps to allow access. When accessing the toilets in the foyer, you will need to use this lift to access them.

The Crypt

The Crypt has limited access as it is the lowest part of the building. Access is down a set of 13 steps. A lift is available from St Andrews which takes you into The Cloisters, from which you can access The Crypt. Level access is also available from St George’s Street, but you will need to speak to us in advance so that we can unlock the door for you.

The Cloisters

The Cloisters are accessible from St Andrews either down a set of steps, or by using the assistance lift. Access to here is also possible from St George’s Street by prior arrangement.

Erpingham/Paston Rooms and Green Room

These rooms are on the first floor and are only accessible by stairs. Unfortunately no lift is available for these rooms.

Bookable Access Facilities

We do not operate a box office facility and tickets to all of our shows are sold directly by the organisers of the events. If you have any questions relating to assistant tickets you will need to speak to the ticket issuer directly. For wheelchair users or those with mobility issues when booking tickets for one of our reserved seating shows, do not book tickets in the ‘West Gallery’ as this is not accessible. Always try to book an end seat in our stalls or aisle seats as our seating is removable and we can take out a seat if required for your wheelchair.

Find Us

For details of how to get to us, whatever your mode of transport, please see our Find Us page

Arrival Guide

Please check the opening/doors time of the particular event you are coming to as these vary for all events. Upon arrival if you need assistance please let a member of staff know and they will be able to assist you. If you would like somebody to meet with you upon your arrival, please contact us in advance so that we can arrange this for you.

Toilets

We have an accessible toilet in St Andrew’s Hall and in our Foyer Bar. The St Andrew’s Hall toilet is level access when entering from St Andrew’s Hall. The Foyer Bar toilet is also level access but if you are accessing from Blackfriars’ Hall you will need to use the access lift from Blackfriars’ Hall. If you are using The Crypt you will need to use the access lift in The Cloisters to access the St Andrew’s Hall toilet.

Both toilets are accessed with a radar key to give exclusive use for those who need it. If you do not have a radar key, please let a member of staff know and we can open the toilets for you. For peace of mind both toilets have emergency alarms.

Customers with Medical Requirements

We welcome all into our venue and if you need to bring any medical equipment, food or drink to help you manage your condition, that is not a problem. If you would like to discuss your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us in advance of your visit or speak to us upon your arrival.

Access to Performance

Hearing loops are available in both St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Hall

Assistance Dogs

We welcome all registered assistance dogs into the venue. Please try and contact us prior to your attendance so that we can make the necessary arrangements for you

Strobe Lighting

Strobe lighting, smoke machines and other theatrical effects may be used during shows. Please contact us in advance if you have any problems with these types of effects