Using this website
If you need to make text larger anywhere on this website:
• On a computer: using your keyboard, press and hold the control key and press the + (plus) key to enlarge the text. You can press Control and the – (minus) key to make it smaller again.
• On a touchscreen of any kind: touch the screen with 2 fingers and move them apart from each other to zoom in.
Screenreader accessibility
People with visual impairments can use our website with screenreader software. Our site is designed to be accessible for screenreader users.
Keyboard accessibility
Anyone who has difficulty using a mouse can navigate our site using their keyboard.
Flexible layout
This website is designed to work equally well on computers, phones, and tablets. This also makes it easier to zoom in and out as the site scales easily.
We’ve tried to make our website more usable for everyone by:
• Using headings, as large a font size as possible and high colour contrast to make content easier to read.
• Having a consistent layout and structure for navigation so you can get where you need to go and travel easily between sections.
If you have any problems or comments, please use the contacts in the box on the right to tell us.
Helpful external links:
• This is a link to AbilityNet’s toolkits for accessibility on the web
Coming to our venues
All of our venues are accessible to those with a wide range of needs and requirements. You can find out about travel to our sites and what it’s like when you arrive on our venue pages (including virtual tours) for the Albany and Deptford Lounge.
We view ourselves as a relaxed venue – that means we welcome people who can’t always sit still and in silence throughout a performance. We can also provide extra time to get into and settled in our performance spaces and extra information in advance or on the day to support people to feel comfortable at our events. Assistance animals can be brought into all of our spaces (including during performances) or be looked after by the staff team.
We run a range of access enhanced performances, take a look at what’s coming up in Shows & events – just click the Access enhanced button to view performances which are Relaxed or include audio description, captioning or BSL interpretation.
What3words address
Audio Described performances
Audio description is a live verbal commentary providing information on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds. It describes action that is essential to the understanding of the story, as well as other visual information such as the style and design, sets, costumes, facial expressions and visual jokes. We will normally also run touch tours before the performance to allow audiences to explore the set.
Captioned performances
At a captioned performance the words are displayed on a screen (or screens), placed near the stage or in the set and can be seen at the same time as they are spoken or sung.
BSL Interpreted performances
An interpreter will stand in a visible position and interpret the spoken and heard elements of a performance.
Personal Assistant Tickets
We offer a companion or personal assistant ticket free of charge for people with disabilities or conditions who are booking a ticket and require a companion with them to be able to attend our events.
To book your free personal assistant ticket, please either call the Albany box office on 020 8692 4446 or pop in to speak with a member of our box office team in person, who will happily process the tickets on your behalf. If you have any questions, you’re more than welcome to also email us on access@thealbany.org.uk.
Please note: you may be required to provide the below forms of copied evidence. Although we will review an application without the recommended evidence on a case-by-case basis.
– Front page of DLA / PIP (no specific rate)
– Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate)
– Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind)
– Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
Seating
You can see a photo of the seats we use for the majority of our shows here. These seats have no arms, are flip seats but do not spring up, have a metal base and are 41cm wide. Seating for all of our events is unreserved, however if you need to reserve a particular seat for access reasons (e.g. on an aisle or close to the stage) please email us access@thealbany.org.uk and we will be happy to do this for you.
We want everyone to be able to take part in our events and activities and enjoy our buildings. If you have a specific requirement or question, please get in touch so we can make sure you have the best possible experience.
Top image shows A 21st Century Tea Dance at the Albany. Photo Roswitha Chesher.
