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The Byre Theatre
About the Byre / Accessibility

The Byre Theatre is accessible throughout for patrons, actors and staff with special access requirements, or with visual or hearing impairments.
 

At the Byre, we aim to ensure that people with disabilities or special needs of any kind are made welcome and able to use and enjoy our theatre easily.

 

Audio Description


The Byre’s team of seven trained audio describers provide a valuable service for blind or partially sighted patrons. Anyone wishing this service can check dates for audio described performances on this website, with the Box Office staff or in the theatre brochure. It helps to request this service when booking.
 

We recommend you arrive at the Box office around 20 minutes before the show begins. A describer will be there to assist you.

Using a small receiver and earpiece, patrons can listen to an introduction, which describes set, props, characters, costumes and any special effects. The introduction begins around 10 minutes before the start of the show. During the acts, describers use gaps in the dialogue to keep clients in touch with the action on stage. This is never intrusive or subjective.

As members of the Audio Description Association (Scotland), the describers are monitored and audited by the association to ensure high standards are maintained.

For the Audio Described performances this season at the Byre, click here.
 

Wheelchair Access

Both public entrances to the Byre have step free approaches, and electronic doors which open as you reach them. On level 1, the cafe, restaurant and bar are easily accessible with toilets designed for use by disabled people. There is a large lift which can comfortably accommodate a wheelchair at the same time as other passengers. The lift has Braille signage outside and within, and a voice announcer. On level 2 the Box Office has a counter designed to be comfortably reached by a wheelchair.

The A.B. Paterson Theatre has two entrances, one on level 1 and the other on level 2. The entrance on level 1 is ideally suited to people with limited mobility, who can be dropped of by car at the Abbey Street entrance, and reach a seat in the auditorium with the minimum of difficulty. For wheelchair users the back row, accessed from level 2 has been designed with removable seats, so that patrons attending with a wheelchair user can sit beside them, rather than being directed to seats elsewhere. As the main auditorium is only 10 rows deep, a seat in the back row is still at the heart of the audience experience. The main auditorium can accommodate 8 wheelchairs.

The Lawrence Levy Theatre on level 4 is accessible by lift, and disabled toilets are also available on this level. 
 
For maximum comfort during your visit to the Byre, please inform Box Office whilst booking if you are a wheelchair user.

Large Print Brochure & Audio CD

A large print brochure & audio CD are available.

For the current brochure please download here.

For the audio cd please call our Box Office on 01334 475000
 

BSL Interpreted Signed Performances

Byre Theatre productions & co-productions will also have at least one signed performance for the production. Our experienced Signer positions herself un-obtrusively to the side of the stage so that people with hearing impairments can view the stage action and read the sign language easily to enjoy the performance.

 

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are welcome in the Byre Theatre. Please inform our Box Office that you shall be accompanied by a guide dog for your visit at the time of booking your ticket so we can suggest the best seating for the comfort of yourself and your guide dog.
 

Wheelchair Access
The Byre Theatre of St Andrews
Abbey St, St Andrews, Fife
KY16 9LA

t: 01334 475000
f: 01334 475370
e: enquiries@byretheatre.com