Access

British Sign Language performances at The Watermill are often sign integrated. With sign performers joining the actors on stage, this means that BSL is embedded into the performance so audiences don’t have to pick between following the action or the language.

For some audience members, reading along with a performance makes the show easier to follow. In a closed captioned performance, the dialogue, sound effects and music on stage is provided to audience members as subtitles on a personal device.

When booking a performance where closed captioning is available, please add your devices to your booking online or let the box office know over the phone or in person.

Audio Description paints a picture of what is happening onstage. The audio describer uses the natural pauses in the action to deliver a live narration to the listener's personal headset. Please book your free headset through the Box Office. 

Anyone attending an Audio Described performance is invited to attend a free Touch Tour in the theatre before the performance begins. This is an opportunity to explore the production a bit more closely through set, costume, props and even an introduction from the actors. 

Everyone is welcome to attend a Relaxed Performance. 

At a relaxed performance we create an informal atmosphere with a few small adaptions in the auditorium. Bright lights and loud sound effects may be toned down or removed. Lights will remain on low in the auditorium so that you can come and go during the performance as you need, using our foyer to take a break if you like.
 

Familiarisation visits

If you have not yet visited the Watermill before, you are welcome to request a familiarisation visit. This is an opportunity to look around and get your bearings when the theatre is less busy. If you would like to arrange a visit please contact outreach@watermill.org.uk

We offer a free Essential Companion ticket if you have significant needs and cannot attend without assistance, beyond how a friend also watching the show could help. Our staff are not trained physically assist customers (including lifting manoeuvring from wheelchairs or assisting with stairs). but will do what they can to make your visit as easy and comfortable as possible.

Essential Companion tickets are available for all performances.  

To book online, please select ‘Essential Companion’ on the access services you are using on your online account before selecting this ticket type. The discount will automatically be applied to your basket. 

If you need more than one essential companion for your booking, please contact Box Office. 

If you would like to make the onstage sound a little louder, you're welcome to borrow a personal headset that works with or without a hearing aid. You can ask for a headset on the day from the Front of House team

Assistance dogs are very welcome. Talk to our Box Office team and they will be able to book seats with enough space for both of you.