Accessibility

At Southend Theatres we pride ourselves on being welcoming and accessible to all visitors. We endeavour to support all our patrons to access and enjoy events in each of our venues. We are always looking for ways to improve our facilities and train our staff to offer excellent customer service to all. Below you can find information to help you plan your visit.

Access Team

We have a small team of staff who help shape and drive the access offer at the Cliffs Pavilion and The Palace Theatre. They are tasked with ensuring that barriers to inclusion and access are minimised.

Through ongoing staff training and working with local organisations such as Southend In Sight, we aim to be at the forefront of access in the region.

Some staff have recently received training in:

• British Sign Language (Introductory Course)

• Sight Loss Awareness

• Sight Guide Training

• Communicating effectively with those living with dementia

• Mental Health Awareness

• Neurodiversity Awareness

Access Facilities

• Flat Floor access

• Automatic sliding doors

• Accessible Toilets

• A lift at the Cliffs Pavilion

• A lift at the Palace Theatre serving the Dixon Studio

• Infra-red hearing loop system

• Accommodation for wheelchair users within the main stalls seating

• Box Office has lowered access at the Cliffs Pavilion

• Assistance dogs are welcome

• Designated parking at the Cliffs Pavilion – the car parks at the Cliffs Pavilion and at Shorefield Road are owned and operated by Southend City Council. Please see here for more information about city car parks: Car parks – Southend-on-Sea City Council

• Please note: there is no dropped kerb outside the Palace Theatre.

Changing Places Facility

Our Changing Places facility is located on the lower ground floor of the Cliffs Pavilion. Access to this facility is for customers who possess a RADAR key and facilities include:

• Height-adjustable sink and toilet.

• Changing bed with a shower.

• Seated/standing shower.

• Privacy screen.

More information about Changing Places Facilities.

Booking Access Tickets

Access tickets, including tickets for essential companions, wheelchair users and customers with mobility or accessibility requirements, should be booked directly with our Box Office. The Box Office can be contacted via this link

Our Customer Contact Centre can also assist and can be called on 0343 310 0030 between 9am - 5pm Mon - Sat.

Access Specific Performances

We offer a variety of performances tailored to specific needs. Below is a list of the shows currently available:

BSL Interpreted Performances

BSL interpreted performances are live shows where a qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter is present on stage, interpreting spoken dialogue, songs, and other auditory elements for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. This allows deaf individuals to engage fully with the performance, experiencing the same emotional and narrative content as hearing audience members. There is no inconvenience for other audience members.

Contact the Box Office to book seats in front of the interpreter.

Signed Performances

Signed performances are designed for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired, featuring trained interpreters who provide sign language translations during the performance. These performances allow interpreters to be on stage, interpreting the script and language used by the performers.

Contact the Box Office to book seats in front of the signer.

Anything Goes Little Theatre Company 28.05.2026 7.30pm & 30.05.2026 2.30pm

This is an Amateur Production

Captioned Performances

In these performances, the spoken words are projected on a screen, making them accessible to all audience members. There is no change to the show content.

Please contact the Box Office for seats with the best view of caption boxes.

Relaxed Performances

A Relaxed Performance is perfect for those who would like to see a show in a less formal atmosphere. The adapted environment and our attentive and trained staff provide a magical experience for all, including audiences with an autism spectrum condition, dementia and those with special educational needs.

There are currently no Relaxed Performances scheduled

Wheelchair Seating

Cliffs Pavilion

There are dedicated wheelchair user spaces on the left-hand side of the auditorium. This is the side nearest to the accessible toilets.

Maritime Room

Depending on the nature of the event, the Maritime Room can accommodate up to four wheelchair users. Please advise at the time of booking if you require a space for a wheelchair user.

Palace Theatre

There are two dedicated wheelchair user spaces on the left-hand side of the auditorium, and one next to the sound desk in the back row of the rear stalls.

The Dixon Studio

A platform lift gives access to the Dixon Studio, where we can accommodate two wheelchair users and their companion. If you have any other access requirements, please arrive at the venue 30-60 minutes before the performance and make yourself known to the Duty Manager.

Please note: It is possible at some performances at all our venues that audience members may stand in seated areas. If you have any concerns about this, please contact a member staff.

Hearing Loops

Infrared systems comprise of a radiator, which transmits an audio signal in the form of invisible light, and receivers that convert the light back into audio. Infrared systems are used to distribute audio throughout a room whether it be for audio assistance, audio description or simultaneous interpretation.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs are welcome in all our spaces. If you would like to bring your Assistance Dog to a show with us, please let the Box Office know when booking. Assistance dogs are expected to be trained and insured.

Photosensitivity & Respiratory Conditions

For performances containing strobe lighting, flashing lights, pyrotechnics, haze/smoke, and/or loud bangs/explosions, a notice will be displayed in all public areas, as well as on the doors of the relevant space. Ushers and House Managers will also be aware of this content. If this is likely to be a concern for you or members of your party, please consult with a duty manager upon arrival.

Visual Story

Our visual stories are intended to help visitors to the venues prepare for a new experience and make the most of their time with us. The stories have been created for audience members attending a relaxed performance, but they are suitable for anyone who would benefit from a clear and accessible introduction to our spaces.

Download our visual story:

Cliffs Pavilion - Visual Story - Cliffs Pavilion

Palace Theatre Visual Story - Palace Theatre

Our staff are always on hand to help. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have or for their assistance.