Reading Arts Access List

How do I apply? 

By Email:

Send completed form to accessthearts@reading.gov.uk

By Post:

Send your completed form to: 

Access Scheme, Box Office, The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA

By Phone:

Our team are happy to assist you to complete your application form over the phone 0118 960 6060 during advertised opening hours

Please note that if you are also applying for Personal Assistant tickets (Section B) you will need to send your supporting documents via email or post to the above addresses before we can process your application. Once approved you will automatically be enrolled on to the Access Membership Scheme

Please allow 5 working days for your application to be processed (10 working days if sent by post).

Previously known as companion tickets, a free ticket for a Personal Assistant (PA) is available for any eligible Deaf or disabled person who wishes to purchase tickets for an event or performance and would be unable to attend without the help of their Personal Assistant.  A disability is defined by the Equality Act 2010 as;

A physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

• ‘substantial’ is more than minor or trivial – e.g. it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed
• ‘long-term’ means 12 months or more – e.g. a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection

You can find more details   www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010

A personal assistant or companion must be at least 16 years of age, and must be 18+ to supervise anyone aged 14 or under as our building policy is that young people aged 14 and under must be supervised by an adult. The PA must be able to assist the Deaf or disabled person to access the venue and its facilities, remaining with them to ensure their wellbeing and comfort.  Anyone designated as a PA must be able to assist the person to leave the building in the event of an emergency. You will need to provide proof of eligibility in order to book a PA ticket.

Proof of eligibility documents we can accept include:

• Front page of DLA letter (Medium or Higher Rate)
• Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required)
• Front page of PIP letter (no specific rate)
• Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind) e.g., CVI, BD8 or letter from medical professional
• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
• CredAbility Access Card (with +1 icon)

If these are not available, please provide details and alternative proof of eligibility and we will be happy to look at your application.

Please ensure that you send scans or photocopies of documents only as these will be securely destroyed in accordance with current GDPR regulations once your application has been processed.  Please feel free to blackout information that relates to the amount of benefit paid or health conditions that might be on documents submitted that you do not wish us to see.

An application can be completed for yourself or as a Personal Assistant if you will be booking tickets on behalf of an eligible person. If you wish to apply on behalf of an organisation or group please contact groupbookings@reading.gov.uk 

Please note that free Personal Assistant tickets are only available once proof of eligibility has been submitted and approved. 

Designated positions for wheelchair users are available at all Reading Arts venues and are situated dependent on the format of the event.  Registering for the Access List will make it easier and simpler to book with the Box Office or online (when available) and will allow us to inform you of any updates to our access provision or venue facilities in the future.

If you are unfamiliar with the seating in any of our venues, please contact the box office prior to making your booking. We will advise on the most appropriate seats to meet your specific needs.

For more details on making access bookings, please view the Access Bookings - Terms & Conditions

We are pleased to now be able to offer online booking to all customers, including those with access requirements. 

To access this facility, there are a few steps we need you to take. However, once our team have set you up on our system and confirmed your eligibility, returning customers will be able to log in to their online account for all future access bookings. 

Please follow the steps below to confirm eligibility and start your booking: 

New Access Customers 

Please fill out the application form  and return it to our dedicated access email accessthearts@reading.gov.uk along with your chosen proof of eligibility.  

Our team will process your application within 5 working days and add eligibility to your online account in accordance with your proof’s expiry date.  

If you are a facilitator booking on an access customer’s behalf, you will be set up with a designated facilitator membership that will allow you to receive a free personal companion ticket on their behalf. 

Returning Access Customers 

If you have previously booked a personal assistant ticket with us over the phone, and still have an active access scheme membership, your account should be good to go, and you can book online straight away. If you encounter any issues whilst trying to book, please give our team a call on 0118 960 60 60 and we can assist.  

Terms and conditions 

Access Bookings - Terms & Conditions 

How to book tickets 

You will be able to book tickets, including a free personal companion ticket, online once you’ve received an email back from our team letting you know that we have set up the access membership (and designated facilitator membership if applicable).  

Once you’ve received confirmation, you must log into your account before you start your booking.  Eligibility will automatically apply in your basket if you are logged in to your eligible account and you have selected the correct ticket types. Please follow our handy how-to guides below.

Having trouble booking tickets online?

Please give the box office team a call on 0118 960 60 60 during opening hours and we can answer any queries. Alternatively, you can have a look through the troubleshooting guide, or send us your query at accessthearts@reading.gov.uk.