Access

Wheelchair Access

• The ground floor of the Opera House is accessible to wheelchair users, with level access to the Stalls
• We offer three wheelchair spaces in the Stalls
• The level access entrance is located on Water Street, left of the main doors, featuring a buzzer to alert our team, who will be happy to assist you
• The level access entrance measures 72cm at its narrowest point

Stalls Bar

• The Stalls bar is accessed via a small step, but a ramp is available to make this accessible for Wheelchairs. Please ask one of our friendly volunteers for assistance

Upper Levels

• The Dress Circle, Upper Circle, and Gallery are not wheelchair accessible and are reached via multiple flights of stairs
• Unfortunately, there is no lift in the building
• If stairs may present a challenge, we recommend booking seats in the Stalls only

Mobility Scooters

• Please note that the building is not accessible to motorised scooters

Box Office Access

• The main foyer and Box Office counter are not wheelchair accessible
• For assistance, please use the side entrance on Water Street, where our team will be happy to help

Toilets  

There is a level access accessible toilet on the ground floor of the Opera House. Please ask a member of staff and they will be more than happy to show you how to get there

Entrance

Level access is available via the St John’s Road entrance.

Bleachers

The front row of the Bleachers offers level access. There are two wheelchair spaces available in this area.

Stalls

Please note that the Stalls do not have level access due to raked seating. Access to Stalls seating involves a series of shallow steps.

Balcony

The Balcony can be reached via stairs or a lift, however the seating area itself is not level; access to the front row requires several shallow steps.

Toilets  

There are two accessible toilets in the Pavilion Arts Centre: one opposite the Box Office in the foyer and one on the Pavilion Gardens ground floor which includes a Changing Place. The toilets are accessed via a Radar Key. Please ask a member of staff. 

You can book most tickets online, by phone on 01298 72190, or in person with our Box Office team. 

We proudly support and encourage customers to sign up to the Access Card, helping to reduce barriers for disabled customers. You can apply at accesscard.online (£15 for 3 years).  

Discounts

Equal Access discounts and discounts for Companions (where Essential Companion criteria is not met) are available for selected performances.  

Wheelchair Users

If you need a wheelchair space or a ticket for your essential companion, please book by phone or in person so we can make sure everything is arranged for your visit.  

If you plan to transfer from a wheelchair to a theatre seat, just let our Box Office team know—they’ll be happy to recommend the best seating options for your comfort.  

Essential Companion Tickets

We offer a free Essential Companion ticket to those with an Access Card (+1 symbol) or those receiving the higher rate of PIP, DLA, or AA. These tickets are subject to availability and must be booked under the account of the person you're accompanying.

If you are not eligible for a free Essential Companion ticket, companion discounts are available on selected performances. 

We’re proud to offer a range of accessible events, including Audio Described, BSL Interpreted, Captioned, and Relaxed Performances.  

Audio Described performances are helpful to customers who are blind or visually impaired. They include live or recorded narration through a headset. Headsets and hearing support devices are available to book online or via the Box Office.

Touch tours are also available ahead of our audio described performances which provides an opportunity to experience the set, props and costumes used in the play.  

BSL Interpreted performances feature a British Sign Language interpreter on stage. Contact the Box Office for the best seating options.  

Captioned performances are particularly helpful to D/deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers and customers whose first language is not English. Just like TV subtitles, captions display the dialogue on stage in real time, along with sound effects, off-stage noises, and character names. To get the best view of the caption screen, please let our Box Office team know when booking.  

Relaxed Performances are designed for anyone who may benefit from a gentler theatre experience, including neurodivergent audiences and those with dementia. These shows feature softer lighting and sound, and a chill-out space is available. Visual stories are also provided to help you prepare for your visit.  

Browse upcoming accessible performances or contact our Box Office for more details.  

 Assistance dogsare welcome at both Buxton Opera House and the Pavilion Arts Centre. Your dog can stay with you during the performance, or our team can look after them if you prefer. Let the Box Office know when booking so we can make the right arrangements for you and your companion.  

For our D/deaf, deafened and hard of hearing audience members Passive infra-red (PIR) systems are available in both the Opera House and the Arts Centre. This works through a special headset rather than your hearing aid and is available to collect from the Box Office. 

A hearing loop device that connects to your hearing aid when the T setting is selected and is also available from the both the Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre Box Office, subject to availability. 

Please note: A £10 cash deposit is collected and will be refunded on return of the equipment.

We want to make your visit as smooth as possible. There are 2 accessible parking spaces right outside Buxton Opera House on The Square (Water Street), and you’re also welcome to drop off near the forecourt.  

Just a short walk away, the Pavilion Gardens Car Park (off Burlington Road) has 8 accessible spaces. This car park is about 320m from the Opera House and 160m from the Pavilion Arts Centre, with level access between the car park and both our venues.   

You’ll also find additional accessible bays at:  

• Sylvan Car Park (4 spaces)  
• The Springs Shopping Centre (26 spaces)  
• Market Place Car Park (5 spaces outside the Town Hall)  
• The Slopes (15 spaces)  
• Cattle Market Car Park (6 spaces)