Chequer Mead offers level access to the front entrance via a ramp situated to the left of the building. The main part of our venue is only one level with access to disabled facilities. Regretfully our first-floor circle seats are only accessible via stairs.
Chequer Mead does not have its own car park for patrons however there are 2 council operated car parks opposite. There are 2 free disabled parking spaces in the ‘Chequer Mead Car Park’ directly opposite and 6 free disabled spaces in the ‘Vicarage Car Park.’
Access to the stalls is level with row H, making it suitable for those with limited mobility or who may need easy access to the exit during a performance. All other stalls seating is tiered with shallow steps beginning at row G with steps on each row down to the front.
Regretfully our first-floor circle is only accessible via stairs.
For Patrons using a wheelchair we have specific areas for optimum wheelchair access in our auditorium, therefore we ask that wheelchair users’ book in advance to enable us to allocate these seats as they are unfortunately limited. Our wheelchair seats are removable, providing patrons the option to transfer or remain in their wheelchairs.
Blind or partially sighted patrons are welcome to sit anywhere in our theatre; however, we do recommend patrons whose vision impairments may make it difficult to exit the building in the case of an emergency should be accompanied by a companion.
For deaf or hard of hearing patrons unfortunately we are currently in the process of replacing our hearing loop with a more up to date system.
For in-house productions we offer a relaxed performance, designed to reduce anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere. These performances are available to everyone but predominantly are for people on the autistic spectrum, learning disabilities and other sensory and communication difficulties.
We also offer sensory bags at our box office that contain ear defenders and fidget toys to help calm the nervous system. These are available at request.
We are more than happy to help locate a quiet space if necessary, however this is subject to availability.
We have just launched our theatre buddies scheme. If you need a friendly face at the theatre or would like some support during your visit, please let us know. Get in touch with our box office via email [email protected] or give us a call 01342 302000 prior to your visit. For more information click here.
Chequer Mead Theatre offers an Essential Companion Scheme for those who would not be able to attend the theatre without an essential carer/companion. This is handled by Nimbus.
For more information click here.
We kindly remind all applicants that a carer/companion ticket is intended for individuals whose access needs are so significant that they would be unable to attend the theatre without essential support. This must be due to disability-related needs, significant and in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family or friends already accompanying you. With the purpose to ensure that no one is excluded simply because they must also cover the cost of a companion’s ticket.
For children, we do not question that your child may need a certain amount of support, but we are unlikely to award free carer tickets when they would already be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other family member, even if this means that your child needs more support or supervision than another child of similar age. At events where you would be attending with your child as part of the family group you will be charged as a fee-paying parent just like all other family groups enjoying an event.
Details will be held on Chequer Mead Theatre’s database so we can facilitate future bookings. Paper and electronic documentation will be destroyed and personal information treated as confidential. The theatre reserves the right to review the availability of tickets within the scheme, to review a member’s eligibility and to revoke that membership following review.
