Guide to Access Events

Audio Description events are designed to improve the experience of visually impaired and blind audiences.

As well as listening to the dialogue on stage or screen the customer can wear a headset and listen to a description of the action.

In the Theatre, the audio description is delivered live via headset live and is coordinated by the production company. Where possible, we aim to provide a Touch Tour for audience members using this service to enter the space prior to the performance and engage in a tactile exploration of items such as set, props and costume. Where possible, audiences may also meet with the actors to become familiar with their voices.

In the Cinema, audio description is delivered pre-recorded via a headset and provided by the film distributor. The description is provided during any gaps in dialogue or sound effects.

In the Gallery, audio description tours are delivered live in person once per exhibition. Our Creative Producer for Visual Arts will guide you through the space sharing insight into the artists and a qualified practitioner will provide a description of the space and artwork throughout. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and, where possible, touch some of the items.

Audio Description in Theatre 1 is best received from the first 5 rows of the stalls (due to the radio frequency of the headsets and the scale of the space). The HOME team can help reserve you an appropriate seat for the best signal.

To reserve an AD headset, attend a Touch tour or to ensure the best seat for this service please email [email protected] or phone 0161 200 1500 (12pm-8pm daily).

Captioned events are designed to improve the experience of audiences with varying degrees of hearing such as d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. We also recognise the value of this service to the learning disabled or neurodivergent community and those for whom English is a second language. For more information on Induction Loop services please visit the Hearing Aid Induction Loop section of Access Info.

As well as watching the action on stage or screen, the customer can view the dialogue as it is spoken in text format. This includes a written description of sounds or audible components of the experience such as music.

In the Theatre, the captions are live and is displayed on an LED screen to the side of the action or a tablet/smartphone device. This is coordinated by the production company.

In the Cinema, the captions are embedded into the screening and provided by the film distributor.

In the Gallery, where possible, we aim to embed captions into any video content displayed in our Gallery space.

Caption services in Theatre 1 are best viewed from the first 5 rows of the stalls in a central position (due to the size of the screens and the scale of the space). The HOME team can help reserve you an appropriate seat for the best sight line.

To book the best seat for this service please email [email protected] or phone 0161 200 1500 (12pm-8pm daily).

British Sign Language Interpreted events are designed to improve the experience of Deaf audiences who use BSL.

In the Theatre, the BSL interpreter is often stood to the side of the stage and translates the dialogue live. In some instances, BSL may be integrated into the performance or BSL may be the primary language of a performance. We believe that the use of integrated British Sign Language can enhance the experience for everyone, and we are working to bring more work of this nature to our audiences.

In the Cinema, we rarely have BSL interpreted screenings. But we do offer BSL interpreted pre-film Introduction, post film discussion or Q&A sessions. This is paired with a captioned screening of the film. We understand that this is not a substitute for work that is presented in/with BSL and recognise that BSL is its own language. This is determined by the film distributors and we are working to bring more BSL content to the screen.

In the Gallery, we offer British Sign Language tours. This is not an interpretation service but a tour lead by an architect and art guide in BSL with no spoken English.

BSL interpretation in Theatre 1 is best viewed from the first 5 rows of the stalls stage right or left (staging of BSL interpreter may vary for each production). The HOME team can help reserve you an appropriate seat for the best sight line.

To book the best seat for this service please email [email protected] or phone 0161 200 1500 (12pm-8pm daily).

Relaxed Events are designed to improve the experience of Neurodiverse, Autistic and Learning-Disabled audiences. These events are also suitable for people with sensory conditions, Dementia, or disabilities.

The typical set up for our relaxed events (across art form) includes:

• Lights on low
• Volume turned down a little
• An introduction for a member of staff/ volunteer/ visiting practitioner
• You can move in and out of the space freely

Where possible, we aim to provide a separate chill-out space for relaxed events.

In the Theatre, relaxed performances take place across a range of productions. Some companies may add additional measures such as “trigger menus” to highlight any content warnings.

In the Cinema, there is a brief 2-minute video that outlines the expectations and there will be no adverts before the film.

In the Gallery, we are working to build a relaxed offer and welcome feedback on things you would like to see in this space.

Baby Friendly events are designed to improve the experience of parents, careers and relatives of children under 1 year of age.

For parents, careers and relatives of child over 1 year of age, we recommend looking through our programme for other age-appropriate family events.

In the Theatre, we do not have a routine baby-friendly theatre offer but, where possible, aim to provide this service for suitable productions. Tickets are priced at our regular matinee ticket prices, with no charge for baby. Prams/strollers can be stored in the theatre corridor.

In the Cinema, screenings take place on a regular basis and tickets are priced at our regular matinee ticket prices, with no charge for baby. The cinema will be set up in the same ways as our relaxed screenings for your comfort. All films for Baby Friendly screenings will be certificates U / PG / 12A. Prams/strollers can be stored in the cinema foyer.

In the Gallery, the space is fully accessible for standard-sized prams and babies are always welcome.

In the Venue, the cafe bar team are able to provide highchairs and hot water for bottles on request. Baby changing facilities are available.