Cinemas and theatres have listening equipment that can help you enjoy films and performances. Many also provide subtitles and captions.
Some theatres also have British Sign Language interpreted performances.
Assistive listening in cinemas and theatres
Cinemas and theatres are required by law to provide assistive listening, such as a hearing loop.
Some systems can send audio directly to your hearing aid or implant. Others require extra equipment, which you can borrow from the cinema or theatre.
Learn more about how to use assistive listening systems.
Check the venue’s website or contact them directly for details of their assistive listening systems, so that you know what to expect.
Troubleshooting assistive listening
Ideally the system will cover all seating areas, but sometimes the signal works better in certain areas. Ask for the best places to sit when you book your tickets.
If any of the advertised equipment doesn’t work, tell a member of staff. They should be able to resolve the issue, or provide you with an alternative.
If no listening systems are available, you could inform the cinema or theatre about their legal obligations.
If you’re uncomfortable raising issues face-to-face, you could contact the cinema by letter or email so they can improve accessibility in future. You shouldn’t have to complain, but we know that it makes a difference when people do.
Subtitled film screenings
Subtitled screenings let you follow the dialogue and background soundtrack to a film.
Most cinemas have some film screenings with on-screen subtitles. These will normally be listed as ‘ST’, ‘subtitled’ or ‘captioned’ on the cinema’s website.
You can also use YourLocalCinema.com to search for subtitled screenings by location and film title.
Other cinemas may offer glasses which display the subtitles just for you.
Captioned theatre performances
Some theatres provide captions or live subtitles at performances. These are often provided by a charity called Stagetext.
A large screen either on, above, below or to the side of the stage shows the captions.
You can find upcoming captioned performances on the Stagetext website or on the venue’s website.
Performances which focus on improved accessibility are often advertised as Access Performances. They may also include audio description and touch tours.
Sign language interpreted performances
Some theatres provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
The interpreter stands where they are easy to see. They interpret speech, singing and other audible parts of the performance, such as sound effects.
You can find upcoming BSL signed performances on the TheatreSign website or on the venue’s website.