Accessibility

If you need to make text larger anywhere on this website: 

• On a computer: using your keyboard, press and hold the control key and press the + (plus) key to enlarge the text. You can press Control and the – (minus) key to make it smaller again. 

• On a touchscreen of any kind: touch the screen with two fingers and move them apart from each other to zoom in. 

Screenreader accessibility 

People with visual impairments can use our website with screenreader software. Our site is designed to be accessible for screenreader users. 

Keyboard accessibility 

Anyone who has difficulty using a mouse can navigate our site using their keyboard. 

Flexible layout 

This website is designed to work equally well on computers, phones, and tablets. This also makes it easier to zoom in and out as the site scales easily. 

We’ve tried to make our website more usable for everyone by: 
• Using headings, as large a font size as possible and high colour contrast to make content easier to read. 
• Having a consistent layout and structure for navigation so you can get where you need to go and travel easily between sections. 

If you have any problems or comments, please contact us and let us know. 

Helpful external links: 

• This is a link to AbilityNet’s toolkits for accessibility on the web 

All our venues are accessible to those with a wide range of needs and requirements. The Albany and Deptford Lounge are both step-free with lift access and accessible toilet facilities. You can find more detailed access and travel information on each venue’s page. 

We view ourselves as a relaxed venue – that means we welcome people who can’t always sit still and in silence throughout a performance. We can also provide extra time to get settled in our performance spaces and extra information in advance or on the day to support people to feel comfortable at our events.  

You can find out venue opening times on each venue page. For performances, we usually open the doors 30 minutes before the event starts. When you arrive at the venue for a performance, we will ask to scan your ticket, which you can choose to print out or show on a mobile device. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us to discuss them in advance by calling 020 8692 4446, emailing access@thealbany.org.uk, or ask to speak to a Venue and Events Manager on the day.  

We run a range of access enhanced performances, take a look at what’s coming up in Shows & Events – just click the Access Enhanced button to view performances which are Relaxed or include audio description, captioning or BSL interpretation. 

Audio Described performances

Audio description is a live verbal commentary providing information on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds. It describes action that is essential to the understanding of the story, as well as other visual information such as the style and design, sets, costumes, facial expressions and visual jokes. We will normally also run touch tours before these performances to allow audiences to explore the set. 

Captioned performances

At a captioned performance the words are displayed on a screen (or multiple screens), placed near the stage or in the set and can be seen at the same time as they are spoken or sung. 

BSL interpreted performances 

An interpreter will stand in a visible position and interpret the spoken and heard elements of a performance. 

Relaxed performances

Relaxed Performances have sensory adaptations such as raised lighting and lower sound levels. There will often be a Touch Tour before a Relaxed Performance. Touch Tours give families a chance to touch the set, props and costumes and familiarise themselves with the world of the show before the performance. This may be particularly useful to blind or visually impaired audience members, or those with sensory issues.

Personal Assistant tickets

We offer a companion or personal assistant ticket free of charge for people with disabilities or conditions who are booking a ticket and require a companion with them to be able to attend our events. We also often offer a concession rate for Disabled people. 

To book your free personal assistant ticket, please select this option in the online checkout process and we’ll be in touch to confirm. You’re also more than welcome to call us on 020 8692 4446, email us on access@thealbany.org.uk, or pop in and speak to a Venue & Events Manager. 

Seating

You can see a photo of the seats we use for most of our shows here. These seats have no arms, are flip seats but do not spring up, have a metal base and are 41cm wide. Seating for all our events is unreserved, however if you need to reserve a particular seat for access reasons (e.g. on an aisle or close to the stage) please email us on access@thealbany.org.uk and we will be happy to do this for you. 

Hearing Loops

The Albany has an infrared hearing system which uses headsets in the theatre. Deptford Lounge has loops available in all meeting rooms. Customers with hearing aids will need to switch the hearing aid to the ‘T’ position to use this facility. 

Customers with medical requirements

We welcome visitors who need to bring medicines, food or drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment. Let us know if you need access to a fridge or private space during your visit. 

Assistance Animals

Assistance animals can be brought into all our spaces (including during performances) or can be looked after by the staff team. 

Strobe Lighting

Wherever possible, we avoid using strobe lighting in our events and performances. On the rare occasion strobe lighting is used, this will be clearly advertised on the event webpage, in all pre-show communications and on signage in the venue.