Stephen Crocker

We live in a better world where the vast majority of organisations now realise that equality, meaning that everyone receives the same support regardless of their need, is not only a legal obligation but a moral responsibility.

At Norwich Theatre, we are committed to going a long way beyond the legal obligation by ensuring that the principle of equity is embedded across all that we do and in every aspect of how we work. 

Where equality is about treating everyone the same, equity recognises that treating everyone the same may not actually remove the barriers that specific groups of people experience.

Equality doesn’t take into account the historical disadvantages that have made certain groups marginalised, whereas equity actively seeks to address systemic unfairness. 

I am delighted that we have now made another big step forward in our path to equity with online booking for performances that are audio described, signed, captioned and relaxed now possible, thanks to our new My Theatre Accessibility Scheme. 

However, we need to look even further beyond the principle of equity and Norwich Theatre is on a quest to be truly accessible and fully inclusive and this will be achieved by ensuring that everyone has access and, in doing so, removing the need for specific support or accommodation.

Up until recently, audiences who wanted to watch accessible performances used to need to phone or visit the box office and explain their need every time.

Through our new scheme, which involves a one-off form to complete, we will streamline the process and put bookers with specific access needs in control of how, when, and where they would like to book their seats in the same way as everyone else and this scheme also extends to booking a free essential companion ticket online.

Changes can be challenging but, as ever, our teams are available to support and talk people through the changes.

Coming to the theatre can be a daunting experience for many and our team has always been delighted to welcome people with specific access needs or their companions or carers who wish to look around and ensure their visit will be a comfortable and dignified one and this will always be the case.

These changes may seem small to some but I hope they demonstrate a deep-rooted commitment to inclusion to those who might have felt that a trip to the theatre was inaccessible to them. There will also be more to come as we continue a quest that will never be done.

Stephen Crocker is chief executive and creative director at Norwich Theatre