Signed Performances
Signed performances allow you experience the show through British Sign Language (BSL). Where possible, your interpreter will appear in costume, up close with the actors, allowing for a more immersive experience.
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The MAC and our programme have been designed with accessibility in mind. We have lifts to all levels and our Front of House team is fully trained to provide additional assistance during your visit.
We welcome you (or your personal assistant) to sign up to our Access Register. Signing up means you won’t have to repeat your access needs every time you book. Your accompanying carer will also receive a complimentary ticket and we can email you about our upcoming accessible shows in advance.
If that sounds good, please sign up here.
We have designed the building with access and inclusion in mind and we welcome your feedback. Induction loops can be found at our Box Office Desk, Cafe Bar and in our Theatres. If you need any additional assistance preparing for a visit to our building, please contact our team: tickets@themaclivecom.
There are accessible toilets on each of the 6 floors of the MAC. Please note that our toilets do not contain hoist systems.
We have 6 dedicated wheelchair seats in our larger Downstairs Theatre – two on the balcony and four on the ground floor.
View the accessible seating areas in our Downstairs Theatre
Seating in our Upstairs Theatre is unreserved. If you have any access needs or will require assistance from our team during your visit, please contact the box office and we will assist with your booking.
For further information on exactly where accessible seating areas are located and to book, please contact our Box Office team: [email protected]
So that you don't have to do this each time you book a ticket, we recommend you join our Access Register.
During the season, the MAC regularly programmes a range of accessible performances where some minor adaptations are made to ensure the show is enjoyed by all. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a list of all shows with accessible performances this season.
Signed performances allow you experience the show through British Sign Language (BSL). Where possible, your interpreter will appear in costume, up close with the actors, allowing for a more immersive experience.
Captioning is similar to television subtitles - the actors' words appear on an LED screen positioned above the stage at the same time as they are spoken or sung.
Audio described performances are designed to welcome people who are blind or partially sighted. They give a live commentary of the visual aspects of a production, along with the actors' dialogue. Pick up a radio headset from Box Office when you arrive to hear the audio description throughout the show. Additionally, there are Induction Loops in both the Downstairs and Upstairs Theatres, available during all performances.
MAC Relaxed Shows are specifically designed to
welcome people with a learning disability, Down’s Syndrome, Autism
Spectrum Condition or sensory and communication disorders.
There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes made to the light and sound effects. An easy way to understand the atmosphere is perhaps, 'the opposite of the quiet carriage on the train'.
If you'd like to chat with someone a little more about relaxed shows, simply contact our Box Office: [email protected].
Before you visit, you may want to download our 'Welcome to the MAC' access pack. This downloadable document will help you familiarise yourself with the MAC and what to look forward to during your visit.
