Access

We always want to make our shows and events as accessible as possible. We’ve put together this guide covering access provisions for Fresh Ink.

If you have any further access questions or need to make us aware of a requirement or request, contact our senior producer, Sarah Penney: sarah@middlechildtheatre.co.uk

  • We are trialing basic (non-live) captioning for the first time at all play readings and keynote speeches at Stage@TheDock over the weekend.

    Audience members who benefit from following the performance in written form will be seated near the screen in the first few rows.

    Please make a note in the access requirement box when booking tickets, as well as let staff on the door know you require screen visibility.

  • Essential companion tickets are available for those who require one. There is a free, no-questions-asked, additional ticket available for any disabled audience member attending a paid event who requires an essential companion.

    To book online, please order 2x standard tickets, then apply the essential companion code FRESHEC on the Event Summary ‘Basket’ page. This will then convert 1x standard ticket into a free one.

  • There will be minimal stage lighting used to light performers in the marquee on Stage@TheDock, with no strobe effects.

  • Whilst there are no specific ‘relaxed performances’ of the sharings, rehearsed readings (script-in-hand performances) are relaxed by design, with actors reading from scripts and no set, music or costume.

    Audience members can leave the spaces if they need to, at any time. This applies to all events across the festival.

  • All events in Stage@TheDock will see participants and performers use microphones.

    All talks at Pier Street will be delivered through a microphone.

    An induction loop for hearing aids will also be available for events at Stage@TheDock.

  • Festival toilets are available at both Bert’s and Nibble, by Stage@TheDock.

    Bert’s includes an accessible toilet with a shower, open:

    • Saturday, 11.00am-8.30pm

    • Sunday, 11.00am-7.30pm

    Nibble includes an accessible toilet with ramp access and baby changing facilities. Fresh Ink visitors will have access to the toilets at Nibble outside of the below opening times:

    • Saturday, 9.00am-4.00pm

    • Sunday, 9.00am-4.00pm

    Please see a Fresh Ink volunteer or staff member if Nibble is closed to gain access.

    An accessible toilet is available at Pier Street from 9.30am-7.30pm each day.

  • Stage@TheDock: Wheelchair access down to the marquee is available via a lift and we will have staff and volunteers available to direct you if required.

    Pier Street: The pop-up space has level, ground floor access throughout. Audiences will be able to use an accessible toilet here.