Reading Arts Access List

We have been working behind the scenes to improve our booking process, and have created the Access List, a way for you to register your needs with us and become an Access List Member.

The Access List has been created in order to improve our service to you. Anyone can join and the information will be recorded on your customer record to assist with future bookings and to help meet your needs when attending our venues. In addition, you may be eligible for a free Personal Assistant ticket when attending events.

We are dedicated to ensuring our venues are accessible and enjoyable for all visitors and we hope that by creating the Access List everyone will be able to book tickets simply and easily and look forward to events, confident of a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Our Access Membership Scheme offers a host of benefits, some of which include:

Dedicated Access Email
Mailings informing you of new Accessible performances
Free companion ticket (eligibility criteria applies)

For more information click on the links below and view our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (a large print version of the FAQ's is available to download from the link below)

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 (10am-5pm weekdays)

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.

Please allow 14 days for your application to be processed (21 days if sent by post).

Previously known as companion tickets, a free ticket for a Personal Assistant (PA) is available for any Deaf or disabled person who has purchased 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

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 Sophie.Edmonds@reading.gov.uk

Please note that Personal Assistant tickets will only be available to Access List Members who have submitted proof of eligibility.

Designated positions for wheelchair users are available at all Reading Arts venues and are dependent on the format of the event. Wheelchair positions are not currently available to book online but registering for the Access List will make it easier and simpler to book with the Box Office and allow us to inform you of any updates to our access provision or venue facilities in the future.