Ran by the community, for the community since 1952
Accessibility
Our main auditorium is accessed from street level with no stairs to negotiate.
We do have a few performances held in the upstairs performance area which will be advertised as in the Madge Bayes Hall.
Unfortunately, the upstairs performances do have stairs to climb and we do not yet currently have any lift.
Relaxed Performances
Some productions in the theatrical season may offer a 'Relaxed Performance.'
A relaxed performance in theatre is a specially adapted performance designed to be more inclusive and accessible to individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those on the autism spectrum, or people with learning disabilities, anxiety, or other conditions that might make a traditional performance challenging.
Key features of a Relaxed performance include:
- Reduced flashing lighting
- No strobe lighting
- Reduced sound volume
- Lack of sudden sound effects
- The upstairs bar is accessible throughout the performance to use as a break out area
- The house lights will remain on and dimmed
- Some productions will not sell all the seats and block out every other row for additional space
- Front of house team trained for relaxed performances
- Able to leave and rejoin the performance to suit you, without judgement
While some production elements have been adjusted, every effort is made to ensure that the performance remains as close as possible to the rest of the production run.
We also have ear defenders available should you forget yours and need to borrow some.
BSL Performances
Some productions in the theatrical season may offer a 'BSL Performance.'
A BSL performance in theatre refers to a performance that is made accessible for British Sign Language (BSL) users. In these performances, a BSL interpreter is present (normally between seats A19 and B20), translating the dialogue and action on stage into British Sign Language, ensuring that Deaf or hard-of-hearing audiences can fully engage with and understand the performance.
Key features of a BSL performance include:
- The interpreter stands on stage, typically near the action, and signs the dialogue, lyrics, and sometimes sound cues, allowing the audience to follow the performance.
- Since BSL is a visual language, the performance may have adjustments in terms of lighting, stage design, and movement to ensure the interpreter is clearly visible without distracting from the actors on stage.
These performances help to make theatre more inclusive for the Deaf community, offering a way to experience live theatre in a way that is accessible and enjoyable.
While some production elements have been adjusted, every effort is made to ensure that the performance remains as close as possible to the rest of the production run.
Seating
We are a small venue and have good views of the stage from every seat with close proximity. However, the seats that offer the best view are always in the centre block (Seats 8-19).
If you have any queries, please contact your ticket agent.
Carer Tickets
All ticket pricing and arrangements are managed by the group or society renting the theatre, and the theatre itself has no control over discount decisions.
However, please note that most groups hiring the theatre are unable to provide free carer tickets due to their own financial obligations. While carer tickets are typically offered at larger professional theatres, this is not always the case at Hyde Festival Theatre.
For any enquiries, please reach out directly to the hosting group or society.
Wheelchair Users
The theatre can accommodate up to 4 manual wheelchairs per performance (with a maximum of 2 electric wheelchairs).
These spaces are located in front of Seats B5-B7 and B20-B22. Please note that these are designated spaces, and no physical seats are provided in this area.
An accessible restroom is located at the rear of the auditorium, and there are no stairs to navigate when entering the main auditorium. The bar is on the first floor and is not wheelchair accessible. However, if you are attending a performance alone and require assistance, please let our front-of-house team know, and they would be happy to assist by visiting the bar on your behalf to purchase drinks or refreshments for you or assist you where possible.
Children & Babies
Each person, including babies on laps, requires a seat at Hyde Festival Theatre. This is due to our licence, which limits the audience to 230 people at any given time. To ensure we don't exceed this limit, you must purchase a seat for every individual attending a performance.
For instance, if a performance is sold out with 230 people and 5 babies are on laps, we would be in violation of our license and unable to proceed with the show. Therefore, babies must have their own ticket, so please purchase an additional seat with your booking and enjoy the extra space - if you are not permitted access to the theatre because you haven't got a ticket for your baby, you will need to contact your ticket agent, however it is unlikely you will be permitted to a refund.
Additionally, all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the theatre. Adults are required to sit next to their children, so please book your seats together.
We have a limited number of booster cushions available, please arrive early should you wish to borrow one.