Victoria Theatre in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, is a large theatre that opened in 1901.
The Victoria Theatre is unlike any other theatre in the region. Built in 1901 as a concert hall, the Victoria Theatre is steeped in history and still retains many of its original features. Built on a cantilever system with no obstructive pillars and raked seating on every level, the Victoria Theatre’s auditorium has the size and magnificence for a sensational theatre experience for everyone.
Today the theatre is used for a wide range of events and prides itself on an exciting and varied programme. With a choice of 1,512 seats over 3 levels or 1,875 for a standing gig, this flexible space can accommodate intimate plays and children’s shows, as well as raise the roof with the latest bands and live music.
Accessibility
The Victoria Theatre continually strives to improve accessibility. As part of the many services the Theatre offers there is a minicom line to the box office, level access to the stalls and stalls bar, specially adapted toilets, wheelchair spaces in the auditorium and just recently we have introduced an infra-red system. This innovative system allows the hearing impaired to individually control the sound of the performance from wherever they are sitting.
Wheelchair access
Following recent improvements to the stalls seating area, we now offer easier access and better viewing locations for wheelchair users. So you can be assured of a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we have level access to the stalls from Commercial Street and provide two accessible toilets on the stalls level.
We are pleased to offer a new e-mail service that provides wheelchair users with advance notification of shows going on sale. Please ask our Box Office Team for more details.
Access can now be offered to the Green Room Bar, Q and other areas of the venue by means of a stair climber.
Hearing Impaired
The Victoria Theatre has an induction loop for hearing aid users in the auditorium and Box Office.
Additionally the Victoria Theatre now offers an infra-red audio system allowing customers in the Stalls and The Circle and to adjust individually the volume of the performance.
Visual Impairments
We now offer versions of our seasonal brochure in large print. Please contact the box office to request copies to be sent to you.
Guide dogs are welcome and we will be pleased to provide a bowl of water on request.
Complimentary tickets
We are pleased to offer a complimentary ticket to essential carers of people with additional needs. Please contact the Box Office for details.
Assisted Performances
For our annual pantomime, we offer assisted performances which include:
Side of Stage Interpreted Performance
A SoS interpreted performance aims to improve access to the pantomime for hearing impaired people who use British Sign Language (BSL). The interpreter stands down stage left and interprets as much of the performance as they are able to the audience.
Integrated Performance
An Integrated Performance is for hearing impaired people who use British Sign Language (BSL) where 2 interpreters are used. Rather than standing on the side of the stage both interpreters are rehearsed into and take a full part in the performance by shadowing the main actors on stage.
Relaxed Performance
A relaxed performance is tailored to ensure that individuals and families who may not usually attend the theatre and is designed to meet the specific needs of people who may, for example:
Have specific access requirements e.g. large mobility equipment which might impair sight lines or require additional support or space to manoeuvre around the auditorium
Have attention or concentration issues and/or autism etc. and whom may need to move around in or leave the auditorium repeatedly during the performance
Struggle with specific lighting effects, loud noises and music
Vocalise involuntarily during performances.
Touch Tour Performance
A Touch Tour takes place prior to the main performance and is aimed at improving access to the performance for people with a visual impairment. A touch tour involves a number of visually impaired customers meeting some of the production company and cast before they attend a performance. During the meeting customers will be offered an opportunity to touch and feel the costumes, wigs, props and other aspects of the production and to have these elements of the performance described to them. There is also a chance for customers to hear the voices of some of the key characters and listen to the story of the pantomime if they are not already familiar with it.
