The Octagon Theatre

Access For All

Everyone is welcome at The Octagon and we will do whatever we can to ensure you have an enjoyable visit. Staff are available to help, so please ask us if you need any assistance. To ensure any special requirements you have are met, we ask that all patrons who use a wheelchair, are registered disabled or have specific seating or access requests contact the Box Office direct. For this reason wheelchair spaces and disabled concessions are not available through online booking.

If you have any general enquiries, please contact the Box Office on 01935 422884.

Please also see our Visual Guides which are available to download at the bottom of this page. These guides have been produced so that those with access needs, including schools and colleges, know what to expect when visiting The Octagon Theatre.

Accessing The Octagon Theatre

There is a steep slope to the front doors of the Octagon Theatre from Petters Way car park. The path to the theatre has a total of 5 steps approximately 30 metres from the car park and in places is dimly lit. To avoid the steps we recommend taking the path past the textiles shop opposite the theatre. There is a drop off point outside the doors to the Theatre or alternatively you can book our accessible parking spaces. Please see the other services section of this page for full details and to find out how to book these spaces.

There is a level entrance to the main foyer / Box Office at The Octagon Theatre. The entrance to The Octagon has a small lip (no higher than 10mm) into the main doorway. Please be aware that as you navigate the venue there may be slight slopes where the floor is uneven in places.

The Octagon is split over two levels, the lift is located to the left of the main foyer as you enter the building or you may choose to take the steps to first floor where our bars and restaurant are located. There are 21 stairs in total. The stairwell itself curves upwards to the first floor, is wide with handrails on both sides. Should you need assistance please let us know prior or when your arrive and our Front of House team will be happy to support.

Seating at The Octagon Theatre

If you have tickets in row A - G then we suggest using the ground floor entrance to the auditorium. If you have tickets in rows H – T then we recommend using two entrances to the auditorium on the first floor.

We have two sections specifically designated for wheelchair users. Row A in the middle section of the auditorium which can be accessed via the ground floor and also Row T which can be accessed from the first floor. 

If you have specific seating requirements, please contact our Box Office who can advise on the best available seating option for you. Should you need assistance accessing your seat or help with ordering pre-show or interval refreshments please let us know when you arrive and our Front of House team will be happy to support.

Essential Companion Scheme

The Octagon Theatre recognises that some customers with disabilities may require the services of a helper or friend to enjoy the facilities offered at the venue. This person - the friend or helper - is designated as an ‘Essential Companion’. We are happy to offer free/reduced price seats to ‘Essential Companions’ to enable a disabled person to visit The Octagon Theatre and all its facilities.

The scheme is not open to, or intended for, those who simply require assistance with transportation to The Octagon Theatre. An ‘Essential Companion’ is somebody who is able to help the individual with a disability to use and enjoy the services of The Octagon Theatre, as well as ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

As The Octagon Theatre is a publicly funded organisation, we require either the person with a disability or their appointed representative to complete an Essential Companion Scheme form and provide photo ID and proof of entitlement. You can find a downloadable version of this form at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, you can complete our ECS form online using the button below and submitting the necessary documentation at the same time. 

If you are an organisation rather than an individual please contact the Box Office on 01935 422884 or octagontheatre@southsomerset.gov.uk for an Organisation ECS Form.

We have two branches of ECS Membership...

FREE TICKET FOR ESSENTIAL COMPANION:
Available to those in receipt of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (care or mobility component), the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, the enhanced rate of the Personal Independence Payment (daily living or mobility component), the Armed Forces Independence Payment or for those who hold a Certificate of Visual Impairment or are registered blind.

50% PRICE REDUCTION ON ADULT TOP PRICE TICKET FOR ESSENTIAL COMPANION:
Available to those in receipt of the middle rate the care component of Disability Living Allowance, the lower rate of Attendance Allowance or the standard rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment.

We regret that if you, or the relevant member of your party, are receiving any other form of benefit than those listed you do not qualify for this scheme and so will not be eligible for complimentary/reduced price tickets.

If you have difficulty completing the membership form or would like more information, please contact the Box Office. A member of our team will be pleased to assist you.

The Octagon is also pleased to offer the following services:

• A choice of spaces for wheelchair users in the Auditorium - if you require assistance before or after the show, or during the interval, please ask a member of staff.
• A delivery service for drinks - these can be brought to your seat in either the Auditorium or the Café/Bar if preferred.
• Disabled Parking: We offer six reserved parking spaces for Blue Badge Holders that are available to book when booking your tickets. This allocation includes the two disabled parking bays. These spaces can be booked, in person, over the phone, via email or letter but are not available to book online. Should you require assistance when dropping off passengers at the theatre and wish for someone to wait with your companion whilst parking we are happy to assist. (Please note, this service is not available for our Literary Festival Events due to multiple events happening within the building at the same time)
• Level access to Foyer, Toilets, Auditorium and Johnson Studio as well as a lift to the Bar, Cafe/Bar and First Floor.
• An infra-red hearing system in the Auditorium. Sennheiser Infra Red enhanced hearing headsets are available to amplify sound for patrons who are hard of hearing. They can be worn with or without a hearing aid.

Please contact the Box Office on 01935 422884 for further information on the above and for advice on seat selection.