The Byre Theatre

We aim to offer a warm welcome to everyone who comes to The Byre. Here are a few of the ways we do that for you, your family and friends:

Help for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people
The ABP Auditorium and LL Studio offer a hearing loop system. Please let us know if you need this facility before you book, and we will have a hearing loop pack ready for you. Our systems are also compatible with the ‘T’ setting hearing aid.

Please note that our foyers and social spaces do not offer a hearing loop system. However, events taking place in these spaces are amplified where possible.

British Sign Language Interpretation is available for some performances and screenings. When available, this will be indicated on the website and you can also ask by email at byreboxoffice@st-andrews.ac.uk or call the box office on 01334 475 000 during opening hours.

Let Box Office know when booking your ticket and we will find the best available seats for you to see the professional interpreter.

Captioned Performances are available for some performances and screenings.

When available, this will be indicated on the website and you can also ask by email at byreboxoffice@st-andrews.ac.uk or call the box office on 01334 475 000 during opening hours.

In captioning, the words appear on a screen at the same time as they are sung or spoken and include descriptions of sound effects and offstage noises.

Help for blind and visually impaired people
Alternative formats for visually impaired people. We are working towards making our information as accessible as possible. If you would like a large print PDF of any of our printed information, please email us at byreboxoffice@st-andrews.ac.uk or call the box office on 01334 475 000 during opening hours.

Audio-description is available for some performances and screenings. When available, this will be indicated on the website and you can also ask by email at byreboxoffice@st-andrews.ac.uk or call the box office on 01334 475 000 during opening hours.

The A. B. Paterson Auditorium is equipped with a two-channel infrared system, allowing you to enjoy audio described performances via a discreet headset (this is also useful for hearing aid users or people with hearing difficulties, as it can amplify sound directly from the stage). Using a small receiver and earpiece, you can listen to an audio introduction that describes the performance’s set, props, characters, costumes and any special effects.

The introduction usually begins around 10 minutes before the start of an audio described event and you will be updated with the action on stage during gaps in the dialogue.

Describers are all members of the Audio Description Association (Scotland), ensuring that high standards are maintained.

Touch Tours are sometimes scheduled or can be arranged in advance of the performance, please email byreboxoffice@st-andrews.ac.uk or call the box office on 01334 475 000 during opening hours if this is something you would like to do.

Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances are sometimes available for anyone who benefits from a more relaxed performance environment – including those with an autistic spectrum condition or learning disability.

These performances are open to everyone, but the environment has been specifically adapted for families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities, people living with dementia and anyone who benefits from a more relaxed environment.

There is a relaxed attitude to noise from the audience, the lights in the auditorium remain on low throughout the show, sudden loud noises and effects in the production are softened and audience members are free to leave and re-enter the auditorium at any point. We also have additional staff on hand to assist with seating and access around the theatre, wheelchair capacity is increased and there is a quiet space for people who need a bit of quiet time before and during the performance.

When available, relaxed performances are indicated on the website and you can also ask by email at byreboxoffice@st-andrews.ac.uk or call the box office on 01334 475 000 during opening hours.

Assistance dogs
Please let us know when booking your ticket if your dog will be accompanying you or a member of your party so we can suggest the best seat for the comfort of yourself and your dog.

In our Social Spaces, we are happy to offer your dog a bowl of water.

 Dementia Friendly
We are a Dementia Friendly venue and work closely with our colleague Dr Maggie Ellis of the School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, to continually develop this aspect of what we do.

Many of our staff have participated in dementia awareness training and we are also in the process of auditing our signage to make it easier for people to find their way around the building. The Byre is also a venue for special dementia friendly performances and information events.

Find out more about Dementia Friendly Fife at https://www.fva.org/Downloads/DementiaFriendlyFife.pdf

Autism Aware
Byre staff have undergone Autism Awareness training with Autism Scotland and are working to improve the visitor experience for people with an autistic spectrum condition.

Physical Access
There is level access to the building at both public entrances to the theatre, either at the main Box Office entrance, off South Street, or the entrance off Abbey Street. Both entrances/exits operate automatic double sliding doors. All levels of the theatre can be accessed by lift. Wheelchair accessible toilets are located in the public foyers on level one and level four.

There are five spaces available for wheelchair users at the rear of the main auditorium. Each of the five wheelchair spaces enjoys unrestricted views of the stage. Please let us know when you book if you require a wheelchair space or if you have additional access requirements.