Sheldonian Theatre

There is no parking at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Public Blue Badge parking spaces are available nearby on Broad Street and Parks Road.

The main entrance to the Sheldonian Theatre is on Broad Street. 

• There are steps leading through the entrance archway and additional steps into the theatre lobby
• The Broad Street entrance steps do not have handrails and the edges of the steps do not have visual contrast
• There is also a stepped entrance from Catte Street
• The Catte Street entrance steps have handrails, but the edges of the steps do not have visual contrast

Step-free access

Step-free access to the courtyard in front of the Sheldonian Theatre is available from Broad Street and through the Old Bodleian courtyard.

Broad Street route

• A narrow doorway to the right of the main entrance steps provides step-free access to the courtyard
• The doorway is 73cm wide

Old Bodleian route

You can access the courtyard through the main entrance to the Old Bodleian and the archway within the quadrangle.

Step-free entrance into the theatre

The step-free entrance into the theatre is on the right-hand side of the building when facing the main entrance

• During events, this entrance is staffed
• At other times, visitors should speak to staff at the main entrance for assistance
• Staff are usually able to assist visitors using the step-free entrance

Rear entrance

During ceremonial events, the large rear entrance doors may be used for processions into the theatre.

• There is a step into the theatre at this entrance
• A portable ramp is available if required
• It is advisable to contact the theatre in advance if you require step-free access as part of a procession

The ticket desk is located inside the main entrance lobby.

• There are steps at the main entrance to the ticket desk
• A step-free entrance into the theatre is located on the right-hand side of the building when facing the main entrance
• During events, staff are usually available to assist visitors using the step-free entrance
• At other times, visitors should speak to staff at the main entrance for assistance

Accessible toilet

An accessible toilet is available on the ground floor near the auditorium entrance.

• The accessible toilet is located off the main ground floor corridor
• The corridor narrows near the accessible toilet, which may make turning into the toilet difficult for some people with larger wheelchairs
• Grab rails are provided beside the toilet and sink
• Emergency pull cord alarms are provided
• Right-hand transfer space is available beside the toilet

Standard toilets

Standard toilet facilities are located in the basement level of the Sheldonian Theatre.

• Access to standard toilets is via stairs from the ground floor circulation corridor around the auditorium

There is no lift access to the upper levels of the Sheldonian Theatre.

• The building contains several historic staircases with worn wooden steps
• The edges of many steps do not have visual contrast and may be difficult to distinguish
• Some staircases have tactile warning strips
• Handrails are provided on the left-hand side of staircases as you go up the stairs
• Some handrails are large and may be difficult for some visitors to grip comfortably
• Most internal doors are held open during events and public access periods
• Internal doors are generally traditional wooden panel doors. Some doors include glazed panels

Auditorium

The Sheldonian Theatre auditorium is used for University ceremonies, concerts, talks, lectures and private events.

• Step-free access is available to the ground floor area of the auditorium only.
• All upper seating levels are accessed via stairs.
• Seating at upper levels consists of fixed tiered benches.
• Seating at ground floor level is usually arranged for events.
• Some seating areas have upholstered benches, while others have wooden benches.

Ceremonial events

During some University ceremonial events, the large rear entrance doors to the auditorium are used for processions.

• There are two steps at the rear entrance into the auditorium
• A temporary ramp is available if required.
• Staff are usually available to assist visitors using the rear entrance.

Hearing support

A hearing loop is available in the auditorium.

• Staff may be able to advise on seating areas with the best hearing loop coverage.
• Some visiting performances and events may use external sound. equipment which is not connected to the hearing loop system.
• You can contact the venue in advance for further advice about hearing support at specific events.

The Cecil Jackson Room is available to hire for talks, meetings and small receptions.

• The room is located in the basement level of the Sheldonian Theatre
• Access to the room is via stairs only
• There are a small number of semi-circular steps between the stairwell and the main room
• The steps do not have handrails, but the edges of the steps have visual contrast
• Doors to the room include glazed panels and can be held open during events

The Sheldonian Theatre is a historic ceremonial building with a large central auditorium and tiered seating areas.

• Events can become busy and noisy, particularly during ceremonies and concerts
• The auditorium includes large open seating areas with tiered wooden bench seating at upper levels
• Circulation routes and staircases can become crowded before and after events
• Lighting levels and sound levels vary depending on the type of event
• Some circulation areas, staircases and seating areas have limited visual contrast
• The building includes historic wooden staircases and hard surfaces which can create echo and background noise