Looking for accessible shows? You can find them in two easy ways:

• Use the Access filter in our What’s On section
• Click the Access tab on individual show pages

You can book access performances however suits you:

In person

Visit the Festival Theatre Box Office
Mon–Sat, 10am–4pm (or until curtain up on performance days)
Or come to The Studio 30 minutes before a show

By phone

Call 0131 529 6000
Mon–Sat, 11am–3pm

By email

bookings@capitaltheatres.com

Online

Complete the Access Form. More details on how to book online below.

To book online, you’ll need to register first.

Step 1: Fill in our Access Form
We’ll email you once your details are set up — please allow up to 3 working days.

Step 2: Once you’re registered
Here’s how to book:

• Click Login (top right of the page)

• Enter your email and password, or click Register Now if it’s your first time

• Click What’s On or use Find Tickets to search for a show

• Select your event and click Book Tickets

• Choose your seats and click Continue

• Select your Access concession (discounts show at checkout)

• Add TicketPlan if you like, or scroll down to skip it

• Click Continue to basket to finish

You can book online for yourself and one essential companion.
For group bookings where more than one person has access needs, please book by phone or in person so we can help you get everything just right.

Many productions at Capital Theatres offer Audio Described performances for blind and visually impaired audience members.

Using a Sennheiser infrared headset, a trained describer will narrate the visual elements of the show — including sets, costumes, characters, movement and expression — during natural pauses in the performance. This runs alongside the show without interrupting the dialogue or sound.

How to find Audio Described shows

Use the Audio Description filter in our What’s On listings to find upcoming performances.

Pre-show introductions

Before the show starts, you can listen to a brief introduction from the describer. This includes context about the setting, characters and staging — all designed to enhance your experience.

Headsets are available to borrow at the venue, and our team will be happy to assist if needed.

Touch Tours are available before selected Audio Described performances. They offer the chance to explore the set, props and costumes up close — adding valuable context to what you’ll hear during the show.

You’ll be guided onto the stage by our team, who’ll describe each item as you move through. It’s a relaxed, hands-on experience designed to help bring the performance to life.

Before the performance

Touch Tours usually take place around an hour before the show. We’ll meet you in the Festival Theatre foyer, then head to the stage together.

After the tour, you’re welcome to enjoy a free tea or coffee before being shown to your seat. We’ll also bring you your Audio Description headset and make sure everything’s working as it should be.

We regularly offer BSL interpreted performances, usually during Saturday matinees of week-long runs. A qualified interpreter stands at the front of the stage, translating the spoken word in real time — so deaf and hard of hearing audience members can follow the dialogue while enjoying the full visual experience.

Best seats for visibility

Seats in the stalls typically offer the clearest view of the interpreter. If you’re unsure where to sit, our Box Office team can help you find the right spot during booking.

How to find BSL performances

Use the BSL – British Sign Language filter in our What’s On listings to find upcoming interpreted shows.

We regularly offer Captioned performances, usually on Thursday evenings during week-long runs. Captions work like subtitles in a film, with the script displayed in real time on screens at either side of the stage — showing what’s being said as it’s spoken.

It’s a great option for deaf and hard of hearing audiences, or for anyone who finds it helpful to read the dialogue alongside the action on stage.

How to find Captioned shows

Use the Captioned filter in our What’s On listings to see upcoming performances.

Some of our key partners — including Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, and our much-loved annual Pantomime — offer Relaxed Performances of their large-scale productions.

These shows are designed to be welcoming, supportive and flexible. The atmosphere is informal: you’re free to move around, make noise and come and leave the auditorium as needed. We keep the house lights on (but dimmed), reduce loud or sudden effects, and provide break-out spaces with a live stream of the show — so you won’t miss a moment if you need to step away.

Our front of house team will be on hand throughout to help with any access needs.

How to find Relaxed Performances

Use the Relaxed Performances filter in our What’s On listings to see what’s coming up.

Braille, audio and large text versions of our brochure are available. To receive these free in the post, please complete our Access Form or contact Box Office on bookings@capitaltheatres.com or 0131 529 6000 (Mon to Sat, 11am-3pm).

Audio versions of our brochure are made possible by Lothiansound.

Artlink (Edinburgh and the Lothians) provide a volunteer companion service for people who have difficulty in attending performances. For details please telephone 0131 229 3555 (Mon – Fri).

Gig Buddies matches people with learning disabilities and autistic people up with people who share the same interests.

Our Front of House staff will be happy to order a taxi after the performance for those with mobility issues.