Solihull Arts Complex

ACCESS FOR ALL 

Information on access to the CORE theatre for people with disabilities

Arriving at the Venue

Approaching by car, aim for the Touchwood car park immediately adjacent to the venue on Homer Road. Once inside follow signs for The Core (or Solihull Arts Complex) into the Orange zone. There are marked extra width spaces near lift & escalators up to ground floor of Touchwood. Also in this area you will find the Shopmobility counter (Tel: 0121 709 6980). Motorised scooters/wheelchairs can be made available for use to reach the venue by arrangement. Exit Touchwood by the glass doors into Theatre Square where the CORE is less than 100yd walk.  The CORE is Solihull's multi-purpose flagship building which houses the CORE THEATRE, STUDIO, COURTYARD GALLERY, ENCORE eatery and OVATIONS bar and other venue facilities (formerly known as Solihull Arts Complex.

For those arriving by taxi or being given a lift Touchwood no longer operates a '15 minutes grace' period so that your driver can drop you near the lift and then exit immediately without charge.  We recommend your nearest free drop-off point is at Manor Walk, near the Council house (opp. St Alphege Church) - see below. Touchwood operates a helpline number (0121 709 6900) for daytime enquiries.  Once cars have entered Touchwood they will be required to pay the minimum fee in order to exit.  There is an evening flat rate of £1.50 but you must arrive after 6pm to quality.

For those arriving by large minibus or coach, the nearest drop-off point is in Manor Square adjacent to the Council House, approach via New Road. From Manor Square, cross Touchwood towards the Theatre Square exit. This approach is indoor and all on one level. Alternatively, coaches can briefly drop-off at the rear of the building in Homer Road, however this involves a short uphill walk up the side of the building into Theatre square. If you still have access difficulties please contact Operations Manager on 0121 704 6754 to discuss.
 

Theatre

A 336 seater auditorium with 17 removable front row seats to accommodate around 10 wheelchairs and up to 5 freestanding carer/helper seats.  All seats were fitted brand new in Summer 2015 when our theatre was refurbished.

The auditorium has raked seating with two aisles.  There are no handrails down the aisles but we have fitted ‘grab rails’ at each end of seat rows to assist and support audiences whilst using the stairs.

Rows A-G are best approached from ground floor entrance - H-P are accessed via a staircase of 24 steps or lift. Access is provided via the CORE passenger lift (suitable for wheelchairs) which is a glass lift located in the foyer on the right hand side of the main doors. This takes you up to the OVATIONS bar on the first floor which is in easy walking distance of the Theatre entrance on the upper level making the back of the Theatre accessible to all (except wheelchair users who cannot transfer).

Backstage Access for Performers

The theatre is fully equipped with three wheelchair lifts allowing access onto the stage and backstage and spacious toilet/shower facilities in ground floor dressing rooms. Please contact the Technical Manager on 0121 704 6754 if you have any queries regarding taking part in a stage performance.

Studio

The Studio is a multi-use performance area located on the ground floor just off the foyer and ENCORE eatery. Access is flat with double-width entry doors.

Courtyard Gallery

The Courtyard gallery is fully ground floor and accessible from the main CORE foyer area.
 

Assistance Dogs

Trained assistance dogs are very welcome to accompany visitors to the venue. When booking tickets please discuss your intention to bring a dog and request a front seat for the space and comfort of your dog. If required, water can be made available for your dog - please make a request to a Volunteer Steward, Duty Manager or ENCORE Bar Staff who will be happy to oblige.

If you wish to attend a drama production with a trained hearing dog, please seek advice regarding content of the show i.e. doorbells, telephones or other 'trigger' sounds which may influence your dogs behaviour. Box Office staff will make enquiries on your behalf to the performers concerned.
 

Strobe Lighting

When a performance contains strobe lighting signs will be displayed near both entrance doors. If you have any concerns about the timing and duration of the strobing please speak to either a volunteer ticket steward or Duty Manager who will obtain accurate details on your behalf.

Upon arrival, if you feel unable to attend on the grounds of the information provided, we will happily refund the cost of your ticket, prior to the commencement of the show so please don't take your seat if you have any concerns or issues that we have been unable to assist with. Please consult the Duty Manager with any concerns.
 

Relaxed Performance

There is normally a special Relaxed Performance of pantomime aimed specifically for those with special sensory needs i.e i,e, Autism spectrum or dementia.  This is not on sale online so please contact Box Office to find out more details or see the special webpage for this particular show on the website show listings.

Wheelchair Access and Mobility Problems

Front row seats are at ground level and are reserved for those with mobility or access needs until the rest of the auditorium is approaching sell-out. Please call Box Office with your ticket requirements and make known any concerns or needs you may have at the point of booking. Staff will advise and assist you to obtain the best possible seating to ensure your visit is both accessible and enjoyable.

We recently amended our carers' seat policy following consultation with an external Disability Consultant in order to ensure that a wide section of those with additional needs are catered for. Please click here to find out more about Carer tickets.

Toilets

There are wheelchair accessible toilet facilities on ground floor (Left of ENCORE cafe bar) and first floor (near OVATIONS bar area). Both toilets contain well designed modern facilities.  There are baby changing facilities on the ground floor and also in the Children's Library.  

Within the building there is a new 'Changing Places' facility for those who need it, located on the ground floor, please see signage in the main foyer.
 

Large Print Brochure Copy

A black and white large A3 sized version of the brochure can be provided upon request to above.
 

Here to help

If you have concerns regarding access to our facilities please call Box Office to discuss your requirements. We cannot change our location, nor the roads and buildings around the venue, but it is our aim that once inside our venue is open and accessible to all. If you have any comments, compliments or complaints, we would like to hear them. If we don't know - we can't help!
 

Contact Details

If you require further assistance please email thecoretheatre@solihull.gov.uk