Accessibility at the Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House is committed to ensuring that its world-class performances are accessible to everyone. Recognising that attending a live performance can present unique challenges for individuals with disabilities or specific access requirements, the institution has developed a comprehensive Access Scheme designed to remove barriers and provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for all patrons.

What is the Access Scheme?

The Royal Opera House Access Scheme is a membership program created to provide tailored support for audience members who require specific seating or facilities to attend performances. By registering for the scheme, patrons gain access to essential information and services that ensure their visit is as comfortable and seamless as possible.

Members of the scheme are provided with a dedicated point of contact for booking tickets, ensuring that they can discuss their specific needssuch as wheelchair access, transfer seating, or assistance for those with visual or hearing impairmentswith staff who are trained to assist.

Facilities and Services

The Royal Opera House has invested significantly in the physical accessibility of its historic building. This includes level access points, spacious elevators, and fully accessible toilet facilities located throughout the venue. For those who require specific seating configurations, the house offers a variety of options, including dedicated wheelchair positions and armrest-removable seats to assist with transfers.

Beyond physical seating, the venue prioritises sensory accessibility. They offer assistive listening systems, such as induction loops and infrared headsets, throughout the main auditorium. For visitors who are blind or partially sighted, the Royal Opera House frequently schedules audio-described performances, where a live commentator provides context and visual detail during gaps in the dialogue or music.

Inclusive Programming

Accessibility at the Royal Opera House extends beyond the physical structure to the performances themselves. Throughout the season, the house curates a range of inclusive events. This includes:

• Audio-Described Performances: Tailored for blind and partially sighted patrons, allowing a richer understanding of stage action and set design.
• Chilled Performances: Designed for audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those with autism, sensory or communication needs, or learning disabilities. These performances involve small adjustments to sound and lighting, and the freedom for audience members to move around the auditorium if they wish.
• Sign Language Interpreted Performances: Ensuring that Deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons can enjoy productions through integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.

How to Join the Access Scheme

Registration for the Access Scheme is straightforward and free of charge. Patrons can sign up via the Royal Opera House website or by contacting the Box Office directly. Once registered, the system automatically recognises the patrons requirements whenever they log in to book tickets, allowing for a smooth and private experience.

The Royal Opera House encourages all prospective guests to reach out to the Access team ahead of their visit if they have any questions or concerns. The staff are dedicated to working closely with patrons to find the best possible solutions, ensuring that the magic of ballet and opera can be experienced by everyone, regardless of their individual needs.

By fostering an inclusive culture, the Royal Opera House continues to set a standard for arts organisations, proving that accessibility is not just a regulatory requirement, but a fundamental part of providing an exceptional experience to every guest.