Facilities and Accessibility
The Isaac Theatre Royal is committed to being a modern accessible venue for theatre patrons of all types of disability.
All three levels of the Theatre are accessible via an elevator (dimensions: 1500 x 1400; door= 900 wide) with wheelchair seating available in the Stalls (Ground Floor) and the Dress Circle (1st Floor). Upon entry, the elevator is situated inside the main entrance foyer to the right hand side of the entrance and adjacent to the Stalls foyer bar area.
If you’d like to prepare for your visit, we have a virtual tour or a video available.
Wheelchair & Easy Access Seating
Courtesy wheelchairs: We have two wheelchairs available if you or your companion have mobility needs. You can request one of these by calling us on 03 366 6326, or see one of our friendly front of house staff on arrival.
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Wheelchair spaces: Four spaces are available, located at both ends of Row S, and both ends of the front row - this will be either Row A or Row AA. Dimensions = 1600 x 1600
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Easy Access / Wheelchair Transferable Seats: Four seats are available, located at the end of Rows M (seat 1), L (seat 31), I (seat 1) and H (seat 31).
- These are aisle seats with armrests that can be moved out of the way, allowing you to transfer from your wheelchair into a standard theatre seat. These are suitable for wheelchair users, or those who require easy access seating or have other reduced mobility needs. Please be aware that items such as wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches will need to be moved away from your seat and out of the aisles during the performance, as they can be a hazard for the health and safety of our staff and other patrons. These can be returned to you by one of our friendly staff at any time throughout the performance.
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Companion seats are available next to all Wheelchair Spaces and Transfer / Easy Access Seats.
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Wheelchair Spaces: Two spaces are available, located at both ends of Row H. Dimensions = 1100 x 940.
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Companion seats are individually available next to both Wheelchair Spaces.
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The Gloucester Room is a flexible performance and event space with most events presented in a General Admission format. Capacities and seating layouts may vary depending on the event.
Wheelchair spaces are available for all Gloucester Room events. If you have specific accessibility or seating requirements, we encourage you to contact our Box Office on (03) 260 5260 prior to your visit so our team can assist in arranging seating to best support your needs.
The Gloucester Room is accessible via lift access within the venue.
Please note that there is currently no hearing loop system available in the Gloucester Room.
Bariatric Seating
Bariatric Seats: Three seats are available, located at both ends of Row E (E2-3, E29-30, E31-32) in the Stalls (Ground Floor).
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These are made up of two standard theatre seats where the armrest between them is raised to allow for more space and comfort.
Hearing Loop System
The Isaac Theatre Royal is equipped with a hearing loop system which automatically amplifies the signal in your hearing aid(s). The system is available on each level of the auditorium.
In addition to our hearing loop, we also offer a Bluetooth-based system, Auracast™, to support patrons using hearing aids and other listening devices.
*Please note that if you are borrowing one of our receivers, we’ll ask you to leave your driver licence or a similar form of ID with our staff until the receiver is returned.
Our Auracast™ Hearing Assistance System
We use the Auri Auracast™ system to broadcast clear, wireless audio to anyone who needs it.
There are two easy ways to listen – simply choose the option that suits you best below.
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If you have Auracast-enabled hearing aids, earbuds, or a phone that supports Auracast:
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Open your device’s Bluetooth or Broadcast Audio settings.
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Look for the venue’s broadcast in the list of available channels.
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Select the broadcast to connect - no pairing code is needed.
Please note: not all Bluetooth devices support Auracast yet. If your device does not appear or cannot connect, please use one of our loan receivers instead.
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Collect a receiver from the BOX office or an usher when you arrive. Isaac Theatre Royal has four (4) receivers available.
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Turn the receiver on by pressing and holding the power button for 1 second.
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Wait a moment while it connects automatically. The channel name will appear on the screen.
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Plug your headphones into the jack on the bottom of the receiver.
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Adjust the volume using the side buttons.
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Return the receiver to the box office or an usher before you leave so it can be recharged for the next guest.
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Accessible Toilet & Washroom Facilities
Accessible toilet and washroom facilities are located on each level of the theatre, two in the Stalls foyer area, one in the Dress Circle foyer and two in the Grand Circle foyer.
Service Dogs
Guide dogs are welcome. Please let us know in advance, so we can arrange appropriate seating for you and your guide dog.
Contact our Box Office on (03) 260 5260 or email admin@itr.co.nz.
Parking and Public Transport
For your convenience, we have one accessibility parking spot available as well as a drop-off zone for use outside the theatre.
The closest bus stops to the theatre are located on Manchester Street. For more information and how to plan your trip to the theatre, please visit the Metro website.
Information about the closest dedicated accessible street parks can be found on the Christchurch City Council website.
Bookings for special seating requirements such as wheelchair access, hearing difficulties, guide dogs or companion seating can now be made online via www.ticketek.co.nz, by phone to on (03) 260 5260, or via email online@ticketek.co.nz.
*Accessibility seating is available online until one week before the event. After that, please book by phone or in person at our Box Office, open Tuesday to Friday, 10am–5pm.
For questions about our accessibility features, contact Theatre Management on 03 366 6326 or via email admin@itr.co.nz.