Accessibility

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The Pilbeam Theatre is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and accessible experience for all patrons. If you have access requirements or questions, please contact us before booking, or speak with one of our friendly Box Office staff or Friends of the Theatre volunteers during your visit. We’re here to help.

Booking Accessible Seating

Wheelchair‑accessible and companion seating is available in designated locations within the auditorium. To discuss suitable seating options or to book accessible seating, please contact the Box Office on 4927 4111.

Important note: Our staff are unable to assist with transferring patrons from wheelchairs to seats or provide personal care or attendant services. We recommend attending with a support person if this assistance is required.

Limited Mobility & Stairs

For patrons who prefer to avoid stairs or have limited mobility, we recommend calling the Box Office on 4927 4111 for advice on which seats offer easier access for your needs.

Companion Cards

The Pilbeam Theatre proudly accepts Companion Cards.  Companion Card holders receive a second “companion’ ticket at no charge. This complimentary companion ticket is available with the purchase of an adult ticket for patrons who require assistance to attend.

A companion is any person who accompanies a cardholder and provides attendant care and support.  The cardholder’s chosen companion may be a paid or unpaid assistant or carer, family member, friend or partner.

How to book:

  • Book in person at the Theatre Box Office, or
  • Call the Box Office on 4927 4111

Please present a valid Companion Card when first booking with the Pilbeam Theatre. Your card will then be saved on your ticketing file for future purchases. 

Assistance Animals

Registered assistance and service animals are welcome at the Pilbeam Theatre. Please advise Box Office staff at the time of booking if you will be attending with an assistance animal, so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Hearing Loop

A Hearing Loop system is installed in the auditorium to support patrons who use hearing aids or cochlear implants. When your hearing device is switched to the ‘T’ (telecoil) setting, the system delivers sound directly to your device, helping to reduce background noise and improve sound clarity.

As Hearing Loop is only available in some seats, please call our Box Office team on 4927 4111 to ensure availability.

Venue Access

The Pilbeam Theatre is wheelchair accessible with all public areas accessible without stairs. Step‑free access is available via Quay Lane and the Cambridge Street entrance. A lift is available from the Bar area down to the Box Office foyer. 

Passenger Drop‑Off

Accessible passenger drop‑off is available in the loading zone at the Cambridge Street entrance.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilet facilities are located near Door 2.

Parking

Accessible parking is available close to the Theatre:

  • Three accessible parking spaces are located in the car park behind the Theatre (accessible via Bolsover Street and Cambridge Street through Quay Lane)
  • Two additional accessible parking spaces are located on Cambridge Street

We recommend allowing extra time before performances, particularly for evening and sold‑out events.

Sensory Considerations

We understand that sensory environments can impact people in different ways. Where possible, sensory information will be included in individual event listings, including notices about:

  • Bright or flashing lighting
  • Loud or sudden sound effects
  • Smoke, haze, or fog effects
  • Other sensory elements that may affect comfort

The above information is not always supplied by the venue hirer so if you have questions about sensory impacts for a specific performance, please contact our Box Office team on 4927 4111 before booking.

Performance Timing & Intervals

Audience Call Bells

Audience call bells are used to help patrons know when it is time to take their seats.

You will hear a call approximately 30 minutes prior to show start times when doors to the auditorium are open.

You will also hear a five-minute call and two-minute call reminding you to take your seat before the show commences.

For shows with an interval you will also hear a five-minute call and two-minute call reminding you to take your seat.

During Intervals

If a performance includes an interval:

  • Patrons are welcome to purchase refreshments from the Bar and Candy Bar
  • Toilet facilities are available during the interval

You will hear a five-minute call and two-minute call reminding you to take your seat before the show recommences.

If you require extra time to enter or exit the auditorium, please speak with a staff member or Friends of the Theatre volunteers for assistance.

Need Assistance During Your Visit?

If you need help at any time during your visit, please speak with:

  • A Friends of the Theatre volunteer or
  • A Box Office staff member

If you experience any accessibility issues, please let us know as soon as possible so we can address them promptly and improve your experience.