Access
Chesterfield Theatres aims to be accessible to all and we are committed to making your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Contents of this page include:
- Before your visit
- Getting here
- During your visit
- Accessible events
Feedback about how we can improve our access information is welcome. Please share your feedback by email box.office@chesterfield.gov.uk, phone 01246 345 222 or in person at the box office.
Before your visit
How to book accessible tickets
Customers with access needs can book essential companion tickets and wheelchair user spaces online, over the phone and in person.
To offer the best service possible when you are at the event, customers who are booking on behalf of someone with an access need should book by phone or in person.
To activate the option to book accessible tickets online, you will need to complete our access register.
To do this, please log into your existing customer account or create a new account. When creating a new account, the access register will be part of the sign up process. If signing into an existing account, the access register can be located and updated under “Other preference” which is in “My Account”.
Wheelchair user spaces are marked with a wheelchair user icon 
.The seat next to the wheelchair user is marked with an E for essential companion.
Essential companion tickets for customers who are not a wheelchair users can be booked anywhere in the auditorium, therefore the seats will not be marked with an E. Instead, upon completion of the access register you will see the essential companion as a ticket type when you are checking out. For customers on the access register, the essential companion ticket will discount to zero when checking out.
Wheelchair user spaces
There are up to 10 wheelchair spaces in the Winding Wheel auditorium and these are on the left hand side of the auditorium when facing the stage. The auditorium is on ground level and the floor is flat.
The seats are removed to make way for wheelchair user spaces. Next to the wheelchair user space is an essential companion seat.
Health and safety regulations require that users remain in the wheelchair during performances.
Seating plan and seat dimensions
The seating plan can vary for each event and is available to view when booking online.
Auditorium Seats
Location: Ground floor, street level
Width: 42cm
Depth: 40cm
Leg room: 47cm
Armrests: No
Fixed to the floor: No
Backrest: Gap between the seat and the backrest.
Floor: Flat
Stairs to get to seats: No
Circle Seats
Location: Upper floor
Width: 44cm (arm to arm)
Depth: 46cm
Leg room 28-40cm, depending on seat.
Armrests: Yes, fixed
Fixed to the floor: Yes
Backrest: No gap
Floor: Raked (on a slope)
Stairs to get to seats: Yes
Booster seats
Are available on request. These can be used in the auditorium and circle.
Large print materials
If you need a large print version of any printed materials, please phone or email the box office in advance and we'll be happy to help.
Essential companions
Our complimentary essential companion ticket enables all customers to equally participate, with dignity and respect at events and performances.
The purpose of the concession is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those customers who require a companion to assist them in accessing the facilities for events and performances.
The concession is not open to, or intended for, those who simply require a companion to assist with transportation to and from the venues, or to keep them company. The scheme is not offered to anyone who can cope independently in a public venue.
The essential companion’s primary role is to assist the customer with mobility or guidance, to enable them to safely attend and enjoy the event or performance. The essential companion is expected to attend to the needs of the customer at all times whilst on the premises.
Essential companion tickets may not be available for the following:
- tickets we are selling for third party venues
- tickets purchased via third parties
Getting here!
The Winding Wheel Theatre is located in the town centre of Chesterfield and within close walking distance to the Crooked Spire.
During your visit
Venue Familiarisation
We appreciate that visiting a new place can be a challenging experience for some people. If you have booked tickets to one of our events and one of your party would benefit from a pre-event tour or touch tour (if offered as part of the show), then please get in touch with Wendy Blunt, Health and Wellbeing officer on 01246 959 657 wendy.blunt@chesterfield.gov.uk.
Navigating the venue
Main entrance and box office
Access to the Winding Wheel Theatre is via the main entrance is on the ground floor and at street level. The doors lead into a foyer area where you will find the box office.
The Auditorium
The Auditorium is on the ground floor and is fully accessible with wheelchair user spaces and accessible toilet facilities. There is a bar on this same level.
The Circle
On the first floor and accessible by 22 steps or lift, press button 2. From here, the circle seating area is accessed by a further 9 steps. The circle seats cannot be accessed by lift.
Once in the circle, there is a horizontal aisle off which there are steps to access the rows of seats. The closest rows to the horizontal aisle are D and E.
Function Room
On the first floor and accessible by 22 stairs or lift, press button 1. Access into the room itself is by one step, but a temporary ramp is available upon request.
Ballroom
On the second floor and accessible by lift, press button 2. Also accessible by 22 steps from the main foyer. From here, pass through the circle bar area and take a further 9 stairs.
Accessible toilets
The Winding Wheel has 2 accessible toilets. One in the main entrance area and one on the first floor. The first floor toilet can be accessed by lift or by stairs.
Security - What to expect
Measures have been put in place to ensure everyone’s safety: For further information, please see our dedicated information about security at our venues.
Hearing Assistance
The auditorium and ballroom are fitted with an infra-red hearing system. This system requires the user to be issued with a lightweight receiver and if required, a neck loop and ear speaker.
The above equipment is located behind Stage Bar in the Foyer, please ask a member of staff.
The Winding Wheel function room has an induction loop system to boost the sound of an individual’s hearing aid.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at all venues but please let the box office know when booking.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
If you require assistance from our staff you need to make staff aware on arrival and a PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) can be put in place/discussed, otherwise we will assume you are able to exit the building on your own or with assistance from those you are with.
Accessible Events
BSL interpreted performances
Our BSL interpreted performances are interpreted by a British Sign Language (BSL) signer. The signer will stand to one side of the stage and use sign language to communicate what is sung and/or spoken by artists on stage.
Captioned performances
Captions are similar to television subtitles and give patrons who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing access to live performances. Captions can also be useful for those whose first language is not English. The actors' words appear on display units at the same time as they are spoken or sung. The captions are displayed on a screen which is on the stage, or sometimes captions maybe available via an app.
Relaxed performances
Open to everyone and is specifically adapted for those with learning disabilities and other sensory and communication disorders – providing a more relaxed and supportive atmosphere in order to reduce anxiety and allow people to experience live theatre. At a Relaxed Performance there will be no flashing lights, reduced sound, house lights will remain on so the auditorium is not so dark.
Dementia Friendly Screenings
Music and theatre play an important role in engaging with people who are living with dementia and can contribute significantly to maintaining people’s independence and reduce social isolation.
Touch Tours
A guided touch tour around the set to put the performance in context to enhance the experience for blind and partially sighted customers.
Accessible events
We host a Cultural Services Access Group to share ideas around new and effective ways to enable attendance by the widest range of people. The group meets at regular intervals throughout the year and when dates are confirmed they are detailed below as part of our accessible events programme.
