Accessibility

The Georgian Theatre Royal Access Statement

Our definition of Access

The Georgian Theatre recognises the barriers to accessing a Grade 1 listed building and the museum offer we provide. However, we believe that all people have a fundamental right to engage with, use and enjoy the Theatre.

We define access as something that is made possible when physical, cultural, social, financial and intellectual barriers are removed or reduced.

Governing body:
The Georgian Theatre (Richmond) Trust

Date on which this policy was approved by governing body:
16 January 2023

Policy review procedure:
We will review the access policy every three years to ensure it is in line with national guidelines and standards. We will incorporate actions that arise from this policy in our three-year Business Plan.

Date at which this policy was last reviewed: May 2025

Person who last reviewed the policy: Tony Wilcock (Production Manager)

Date at which this policy is due for review: May 2026

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY

The Georgian Theatre Royal aims to provide the widest possible access to its museum, collections and services to enable audiences from all sections of the community to enjoy use of the museum.

Our policy is to build accessibility into everything we do to develop and improve the service. Our
commitment is long term and our policy is to make continuous improvements as our resources permit.

Our commitment to accessibility extends to our staff, volunteers and work placements as well as visitors.

We are committed to ongoing training in access issues for staff and volunteers.

To eliminate barriers and ensure equality of access we will consider the following forms of
accessibility:
• Physical – to enable people with physical disabilities to reach and appreciate every part of the
museum service. To take in to account the needs of the elderly and of people caring for
young people.
• Sensory – to enable visitors with impaired vision or hearing to enjoy the museum’s building
and collections.
• Intellectual – we recognise that people have different learning styles and we will provide
interpretation in a range of learning styles. We also aim to ensure people with learning
difficulties can engage with and enjoy the museum and the collections.
• Cultural – to consider the needs of people for whom English is not a first language, or whose
knowledge of English history and culture may be limited.
• Financial – we will take in to account that ability to pay can be a barrier to access and offer
opportunities for those on lower incomes to access the service.
• Emotional and attitudinal access – we will ensure that the museum environment and staff
and volunteers are welcoming to visitors from all sections of the community.

MUSEUM BUILDING

We aim to provide equal access to The Georgian Theatre Royal and our facilities for all visitors. It
must be appreciated that as a Grade1 listed building some physical adaptations to the building are impossible or very difficult to undertake. Nevertheless, we are constantly working towards improving the facilities available to visitors with disabilities and will actively try to make our collections accessible.

ACCESS TO COLLECTIONS

We are committed to increasing public access to the collections and information and to increasingknowledge and understanding of the cultural heritage of The Georgian Theatre Royal.
We will provide varied means of access to the collections, including displays, handling sessions,
outreach sess ions, publications and events.

To increase access to the collections not on display we offer archive visits and web-based resources.

We will provide levels of information and interpretation to suit a range of audiences and abilities.

We will ensure that the presentation and labelling of displays respects a diversity of background.

ACCESS TO LEARNING

We will provide learning opportunities for different audiences and levels of ability and tailor our
programme to the needs of specific groups. We will identify and develop partnerships with a range of educational and community organisations to ensure that our activities continue to cater for the widest possible audiences.

ACCESS TO VISITOR SERVICES

Our trained tour guide volunteers will assist and welcome all visitors. They will provide tours of the Theatre and exhibition area to help people understand and enjoy the collections.

We will consider the comfort of our visitors by providing accessible toilets, access for pushchairs, alift, and seating on every floor level. We will develop clear and appropriate signage and navigation tools to suit a range of audiences.

ACCESS TO COMMUNICATION

We will promote our activities and events using accessible means of communication.

We will develop publicity material on request in alternative formats for a range of needs, including theneeds of people for whom English is not a first language.

We will provide a range of ways that people can communicate with us.

We will evaluate all our services and projects to ensure they meet the provision of this policy, and we will consult users and non-users on all new developments.

Access Plan 2025