Here at the Theatre, we have a range of services and facilities available to make the arts more accessible to everyone.
Your Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House is dedicated to continued investment in the accessibility of the venue, the Theatre endeavours to put accessibility at the forefront of everything that we do.
We are committed to continually improving the standard of access throughout the building and in our practise, the Theatre regularly engages its Disability Advisory group to gather feedback and would love to hear from audience members who use the access services to better serve you.
Services & Facilities
Captioned Performances
Shows that are captioned feature the actors' spoken word converted into text on screens during the performance. The screens will also display on-stage sound effects and offstage noises. These performances assist individuals who are hearing impaired and those who do not have English as a first language.
Signed Performances
Signed performances have a trained interpreter standing on stage, interpreting the script and language used by the performers for individuals who are deaf and use sign as their first language. Please note all signed performances are in BSL (British Sign Language).
Relaxed Performances
A relaxed performance provides a welcoming, inclusive environment with adjusted sensory elements, helpful for people who require a more relaxed environment at the theatre. Typically, this includes adults or children with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication disorders.
Audio Described Performances
Audio-described performances provide a live narration that describes the visual elements of the production, enabling visually impaired audiences to access and enjoy the show. The audio description is listened to through a headset that can be obtained from box office.
Hidden Disability Signage
The Grand Opera House appreciates that not all disabilities are visible and displays signage outside all accessible bathrooms to ensure all customers are treated equally in their right to access facilities.
Loop System
Use of both hard-wired or infrared loops (via the use of a neck loop) is available in the auditorium for customers who use a hearing aid. The infra-red loop is also suitable for those customers who are deafened or hard of hearing. Read more about Hearing Loops below.
Ear Defenders
Ear Defenders are available and can be collected from Box Office or a member of the front of house team at all performances.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome to go into the auditorium with you, however some performances have special effects e.g. gun shots, smoke, haze. We do have seating available that can accommodate assistance dogs. Please ask for more details when booking tickets.
Touch Tours
Available in advance of selected audio-described performances. Touch Tours allow visually impaired audience members the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the set, props and costumes. Touch Tours must be booked in advance. Please contact Box Office for more details on dates/times/availability.
Accessible Performances
The Grand Opera House programme regularly features a range of accessible performances including signed, captioned, audio described and relaxed formats. Find out about upcoming accessible performances below.
In February 2025, the Theatre was delighted to receive the Award for Outstanding Contribution at Belfast City Council’s inaugural Inclusive Tourism Awards. The winners were voted for by the general public between November and January.
This award recognises the Grand Opera House’s commitment to ensuring the Theatre is accessible for everyone, providing a range of signed, captioned and audio described performances, sound enhancement equipment and accessible seating areas throughout the Theatre.
Multi-format Brochure
We offer multiple alternative formats of our twice-yearly Season Brochure, to ensure customers can access the information in a format that suits their needs. Below you will find links to access the brochure in the following formats:
“Multiple Sclerosis may have affected my life, but the Grand Opera House hasn't stopped me from enjoying life.”
“The Grand Opera House is so accessible and now I consider it as my second home.”
“I know I can rely on a high standard of service and to me, most importantly, a smile and a word of welcome.”
More Information & Helpful Guides
Booking Accessible Seating
There are three ways to book accessible seating with the Grand Opera House:
Call in person to the box office counter located in the Theatre’s foyer
Contact the Sales team by telephone: 028 9024 1919 or email: boxoffice@goh.co.uk
Book Online, visit: www.goh.co.uk*
*If you, or a member of your party regularly requires wheelchair seating, please contact the box office and let us know to update your record with us. By doing so – you will be eligible to select and purchase wheelchair positions via our website.
There is also a handy online guide to using our online booking system which you can access below.
If you are coming to the Grand Opera House and would like to know what to expect ahead of your visit, you can read our social story which will give you an understanding of the Theatre’s layout and things you might encounter on your visit.
The Grand Opera House welcomes customers who require the use of either the hard-wired or the infrared loop via the use of a neck loop, to enhance their experience at the Theatre.
To make the most of these facilities, customers should switch their hearing aid to the T position.
It is important to ensure that the telecoil (loop) on your hearing aid has been activated. A telecoil is not always automatically switched on, but can be activated on request by your audiologist. Please be advised that some hearing aids may not have a telecoil - your audiologist can advise you of this.
Infra-red headsets are also available for those who are deafened or hard of hearing. This will enhance the volume of the performance on stage.
Get in Touch
Get in touch today for more information on accessibility at the Theatre or to give us feedback on your experience.
