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.
 

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.

The A.B Paterson Auditorium is equipped with a two channel infra red system, allowing visually impaired patrons to enjoy Audio Described performances via a discreet headset and for hearing aid users or patrons with hearing difficulties to enjoy amplified sound directly from the stage.

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.
 

Large print brochures & audio season brochure are also available.

For the current brochure please download here.

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

The main auditorium is equipped with a two channel infra red system. This allows visually impaired patrons to enjoy audio described performances, and aurally impaired patrons will benefit from amplified sound directly from the stage, thus eliminating the distraction of noise around them. Patrons wishing to use the Audio Described equipment are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance for the introduction.
 

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.
 

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.

For the Signed performances this season at the Byre, click here.