Visiting with accessibility needs

We are committed to making your visit to The Hawth an accessible and enjoyable experience. A complete guide to our access facilities and our latest Access Newsletter can be found below:

Disabled access

The Hawth car park, situated immediately outside the venue has assigned disabled parking, as well as free parking for cars and coaches. There is level access to the theatre, and adapted toilet facilities on two floors.

In addition, there is a Changing Places toilet on the ground floor for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, severely limited mobility or need the assistance of carers.

We have a reserved area capable of accommodating five wheelchair users and their companions in the theatre and five spaces in the studio. A wheelchair is also available to use free of charge (please call in advance to book). The Hawth has a lift to all floors.

Deaf and hard of hearing patrons

The Hawth offers British Sign Language interpreted and captioned performances throughout the year. Details of forthcoming performances can be found in the Access Newsletter above.

For customers attending a Captioned performance, seats 8-13 and 23-28 in rows H-L offer a clear view of the stage and caption screens.

We welcome TextRelay calls, see www.relayuk.bt.com for more details.

Visually impaired patrons

The Hawth’s Audio Description team of volunteers offers an audio description service during selected shows, describing the action on stage through headsets that can be reserved at Box Office. 

If you are interested in this service please call 01293 553636 or email hawthmarketing@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

The Hawth brochure is available in Braille, email, large print and audio CD versions

Copies are available on request from 01293 859954 or hawthmarketing@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

At a glance

Step-free access
Accessible toilets
Hearing assistance systems
Wheelchair spaces
Assistance dogs welcome
Accessible parking
Dedicated support available

Relaxed performances

Specifically designed performances adapted to reduce anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere. These performances are suitable for everyone but particularly for people with autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities and other sensory and communication difficulties.

Hidden disabilities

As an accessible venue we also recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which is a simple tool for applicable patrons to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.  If needed, please make a Hawth team member aware and we will be happy to accommodate.  We can also loan patrons a Sunflower lanyard for their visit to make it clear to all our staff.

Family access

The Hawth offers a wide range of family shows in the Theatre and Studio throughout the year, to entertain children of all ages and their families. To help make your visit to The Hawth as easy and enjoyable as possible we offer the following family facilities:

  • Parent and baby room situated on the ground floor
  • Booster seats - available on a first-come , first-served basis
  • Family ticket discount available on many shows
  • Baby change facilities
  • Free parking

Accessibility features

Wheelchair access

Step-free routes throughout public areas and wheelchair spaces.

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilet facilities available within the venue.

Hearing assistance

Hearing loop systems available during performances.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the venue.

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Join our access scheme

The Hawth Access Membership scheme is free to join and helps us to be aware of your access requirements and how we can assist you when attending the theatre. In some cases, where we cannot make a reasonable adjustment, this allows a companion ticket to be purchased at a reduced price as well as providing us with information which will help us to understand our customers’ specific needs.

Please complete the questionnaire below to tell us about yourself and how we can make your visit to The Hawth more enjoyable. Completed forms can be emailed to hawthboxoffice@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk or posted to Box Office, The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6YZ