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We would like everyone to enjoy all the services and facilities on offer and to further this commitment, have adopted the Essential Companion Scheme. For the purposes of this policy, a person with "disability" is understood, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.


The Playhouse Theatre operates The Essential Companion Scheme for those who need somebody to be present to assist them to readily access the theatre and its services. It has been designed for people with physical/sensory or cognitive disabilities. It is a practical display of The Playhouse's commitment to providing equal access and the best possible service. This is open to both individuals and organisations however an application form (see below) should be completed for each person concerned.


The Essential Companion should familiarise themselves with the layout of The Playhouse Theatre and the location of services. A floor plan is available at the entrance /reception area and directly outside each of the floors as you exit the lifts. The Playhouse is fully accessible for wheel chair users. They should liaise with staff if the person with a disability requires assistance, and take instructions should there be a need to evacuate the building. The Essential Companion is required to attend to the needs of the person with a disability whilst on the premises. Staff are always readily on hand and are identifiable from our staff uniform of black shirt/blouses/ trousers with The Playhouse lanyards and name badges.


Our Essential Companion scheme allows members a free ticket so that they can bring a companion with them at no additional cost. To join, the person with the disability, or their appointed representative must complete and sign the application form, and return it to The Playhouse Theatre. Contact details on the form should be those of the person with a disability, not of the Essential Companion.


The scheme is not open to, or intended, for those who simply require a companion/friend to assist them with transportation to and from the venue.
The information that you provide us with will help to ensure that we provide the best service for you. There is a space on the form for you to tell us about your particular needs. For example are you sensitive to sound(s), lighting, is your mobility equipment of an unusual size or shape, is it motorised or do you require an oxygen mask and cylinder? This information enables us to make reasonable adjustments. All information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 and will only be used for the purposes set out in this document.


The Playhouse Theatre cannot provide unlimited access for its shows and events and therefore the allocation of places will be determined by the ‘capacity' for each event and provided on a first come first served basis. 

ESSENTIAL COMPANION SCHEME
If you have any queries/difficulties completing this form please contact our Box Office directly and we will be happy to assist you. Contact us by telephone on 028 71268027, by email to boxoffice@derryplayhouse.co.uk or call into our building on 5-7 Artillery Street, Derry/Londonderry. BT48 6RG.


Individual Membership Application Form can be downloaded here (PDF) or here (Microsoft Word).
 
INSIDE THE PLAYHOUSE
We want everyone to enjoy their time at The Playhouse. If you need help or advice in planning your visit, please call our Box Office on 028 71268027 or email boxoffice@derryplayhouse.co.uk.
Our cobbled entrance is located at 5-7 Artillery Street, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6RG. It has a slight gradient with hand rails fitted to both sides and all stairwells are also fitted with rails. Signage is displayed at the entrance and throughout the building guiding visitors to each area and toilets. A floor plan of our building is also displayed on the walls.
The main entrance has double glass automatic doors. There is good access throughout the building with 2 lifts providing wheelchair access to all floors and a separate designated wheelchair lift enabling access to our plaza/ gallery space.
The Box Office has a low- level section. Assistance Dogs are welcome. Some seating is provided in the Plaza and Box Office. A sensory bag including ear defenders is available upon request from the Box Office. The Box Office is open 10am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 10.00am - 2.00pm on Saturday. Box Office is also open one hour before the commencement of evening and Sunday performances.Times may vary to reflect The Playhouse's event schedule.
The Playhouse allows individuals who have additional needs early entrance 30 minutes prior to event start times and if required reserved seating signs on seats. Pre-visit(s) to our building can also be pre-arranged to familiarise individuals with the space by contacting the Box Office Tel: 028 71268027. You can also book through this website.


There are adapted toilets on each level all with emergency call systems installed to provide reassurance to all our customers. There are also 10 call points located throughout the building for added reassurance and safety. Good lighting levels exist throughout our building which can be adjusted. Hand dryers as a source of noise are indicated clearly in toilets. These can however be turned off in advance of user visits.


The Bar and Quiet Room are located on level 2 using the lift opposite reception or level 3 when using the large lift in the Plaza. Floor plans are displayed outside the lifts to guide visitors. The Bar price list has visual representations of stock on sale to aid selection.


The Theatre can be accessed using the lift opposite reception pressing level 2 (lower level) and level 3 (upper level). The Theatre can also be accessed using the large lift in the Plaza by pressing level 3 (lower level) and level 4 (upper level). For captioned, audio described, relaxed, ISL and BSL signed performances please check our brochure for further details. Brochures are available on-line, by contacting the Box Office on Tel: 028 71268027 or email:boxoffice@derryplayhouse.co.uk. Concession(s) and companion ticket(s) apply to some performances. Please contact our Box Office for further details.
 
The Admin/Offices can be accessed by using the lift opposite reception pressing level 3. They can also be accessed using the large lift in the Plaza by pressing level 5.
The Dance Studio, Actors Studio and Art Room are accessed by using the lift opposite reception pressing level 4. These areas can also be accessed using the large lift in the plaza by pressing level 6.
A full map of the Playhouse, including directions to our Quiet Room, is available here.
 
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
We have an Emergency system with visual and audible indicators fitted throughout the building. The exits are clearly identified and the meeting point following evacuation is directly opposite the building on Artillery Street.
If you need help or advice in planning your visit, please call our Box Office on 028 71268027.