Access

We want everyone who comes to Hackney Empire to have an unforgettable experience from the first time you come through our doors until the 100th time you visit!

Become an Access Member:

Joining our Access Membership scheme means that we can fully support you for every visit and can let you know about upcoming performances you might be interested in. It will also allow you to book your Personal Assistant tickets online, with your membership linked to your account. You can also book by phone and in person.

To become an Access Member please download the form below and email it once completed to [email protected]. Once we receive your form, we’ll follow up with you by email if we need any further information. If you need any assistance filling out this form, please contact the Box Office on the email above or by calling 020 8985 2424.

picture is taken from the front of the stalls showcasing the red seats in the stalls and the levels above with the house lights on.

Tell me more about your theatre:

Stalls & Dress Circle:
The entrance to the Stalls & Dress Circle is located at the front of the theatre on Mare Street.

Stalls:
There are seven wheelchair spaces located at the back of the Stalls. There is step-free access to all seats in the front Stalls.

Dress Circle:
There are 25 steps up to the Dress Circle. There is level access via the lift to Boxes J and K in the Dress Circle. All other seats and boxes are accessed by three or more steps.

Upper Circle & Gallery:
The entrances to the Upper Circle & Gallery are located at the side of the theatre on Wilton Way. There are currently no wheelchair accessible seats in the Upper Circle or Gallery.

Upper Circle:
The Upper Circle is located on the second floor of the theatre. There are 52 steps from ground floor to the Upper Circle. All seats are accessed by one or more steps. There are handrails on the walls of the theatre, but no handrail in the central aisle.

Gallery:
The Gallery is located on the third floor of the theatre. There are 87 steps from ground floor to the Gallery. All seats are accessed by one or more steps. There are handrails on the walls of the theatre and in the central aisles. Our Gallery has bench seating and is not recommended for under 14s or anyone who requires back or arm support during the show. Seating is unallocated, so feel free to sit where you want to.

Download the visual stories for each level to help prepare for your visit

Key information:

Where are the step-free entrances?

We have a step-free entrance that goes straight into our Stalls on Mare Street, and another step-free entrance at the side of the building on Wilton Way that takes you straight to the lift.

Using our lift

We have a lift to all levels of the theatre for you to use. Just ask one of our Front of House Team when you arrive and they can take you to the lift and up to the level you’re sitting on.

What are the dimensions of your seats?

Stalls:
Seat height: 38cm
Back height: 75cm
Armrest to armrest seat width: 44cm
Edge of seat to back of seat in row in front: 20cm

Dress Circle:
Seat height: 40cm
Back height: 84cm
Armrest to armrest seat width: c. 44cm
Edge of seat to back of seat in row in front: 30cm

Upper Circle:
Seat height: 54cm
Back height: 85cm
Armrest to armrest seat width: 43cm
Edge of seat to back of seat in row in front: minimum 13cm

Gallery:
In the Gallery we have unreserved bench seating. Please note that this might not be suitable if you require back or arm support during the show.

Assistance dogs

If you would like to bring an assistance dog, please talk to our Box Office when you're booking. Dogs may be taken to aisle seats or looked after by a member of our Front of House Team if you'd prefer. If you'd like your dog to be looked after during your visit, please let us know in advance by emailing [email protected]. Thank you

Where are the accessible toilets?

There is at least one accessible toilet on every level of our theatre. Look out for the accessible toilet symbol or ask a member of our Front of House Team to direct you.

Brochures

We have Braille and Large Print copies of our latest brochure available at our Box Office. You can pick one up during your visit or any time that we're open. You can also access our digital and audio brochure via the news & stories page on our website.

Accessible performances

Throughout the year we have a range of BSL Interpreted, Captioned, Relaxed and Dementia Friendly performances.

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome people who require a more relaxed environment, including people with a Alzheimer’s, Autism, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes made to the light and sound effects.

For more information about our upcoming accessible performances, please contact our Box Office on 020 8985 2424 or email [email protected].

Assistive Listening System

Our auditorium is fitted with the Sennheiser Mobile Connect assistive listening system for the benefit of those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This system provides a live stream of the performance via a free app that you can download on your personal mobile device. Please note you are required to provide your own set of headphones or mobile device compatible personal hearing loop. We recommend that if you are using our assistive listening system for the first time, you arrive with enough time to get online with our WiFi network and ensure you are setup in time for the show.

Find out more about using the system below or if you require additional support ahead of your visit, please contact our Box Office on 020 8985 2424 or email [email protected].