Guide to Access Events

Audio described (AD) events are similar to listening to a cricket or football match on the radio, having the action described to you. You’ll hear an explanation of what’s happening on screen or on stage during gaps in the dialogue and sound effects.

We offer audio description on a number of selected theatre performances and screenings.

Our listings are available in large print and audio CD from our Box Office, please email access@homemcr.org or phone 0161 200 1500 with any enquiries.

To reserve an AD headset please email access@homemcr.org or phone 0161 200 1500.

Please note, film audio description is provided by film distributors. Some distributors (Warner Brothers for example) have a policy of providing AD for all their films. Other distributors may never deliver this service. When it is provided, HOME will ensure AD is available on all screenings for that film.

For audio-described live performances in Theatre 1, we will always hold off the seats with the best signal for AD. Please let our box office team know when you book, and they will allocate you seats in this area.

Captioning is a service for hearing-impaired or Deaf people.

At HOME, we programme caption subtitled theatre performances for selected productions. This service usually involves the dialogue and other sound description being displayed on an LED screen on either side of the stage. We have reserved seating for caption subtitled performances in order to provide the best sight lines. If you require the use of this service, please email access@homemcr.org in order to reserve your seats.

We also provide caption subtitled screenings of films when possible. These screenings have a transcription of the film’s dialogue in English along the bottom of the screen and a description of the sound in the film is also included in these captions. We have a dedicated caption subtitled film slot every Thursday in the early evening plus other captioned screenings at various other times.

Please note, caption subtitles have to be actively produced by the film distributors. Some distributors have a policy of providing this service for all their films. Other distributors may never do so.

Our programme contains many films subtitled into English from other languages. These may also be suitable for Deaf or hearing-impaired customers but won’t always include additional descriptions of sounds.

We have a portable induction loop system at our Box Office and all our cinemas have induction loops. We also programme a varied selection of BSL (British Sign Language) interpreted events, plus occasional BSL led tours which are conducted solely in BSL with no spoken English.

Each of our main gallery exhibitions will include a BSL led tour.

We also programme BSL interpreted theatre performances for selected productions. This service usually involves one interpreter standing on or in front of the stage to sign the dialogue. We have reserved seating for BSL interpreted performances in order to provide the best sight lines. If you require the use of this service, please email access@homemcr.org in order to reserve your seats.

Our film programme contains many titles that are subtitled into English from other languages, plus other films that are caption subtitled. These may also be suitable for D/deaf or hearing-impaired customers.

Our Baby Friendly screenings take place on the third Thursday of each month and are designed ONLY for parents, grandparents and carers of babies aged 12 months and under. If your child is aged over 12 months or if you wish to bring older children, we recommend looking through our programme for other age-appropriate screenings. Screenings are priced at our regular matinee ticket prices, with no charge for your baby.

Baby Friendly films will be selected from the HOME film programme and will include new releases, seasonal programming and screenings from festivals such as ¡Viva! Spanish and Latin American Film Festival and all films for Baby Friendly screenings will be certificates U / PG / 12A.

During the screenings we’ll make adjustments to the cinema environment to make it as convenient and comfortable for you and your baby. The sound will be at a lower volume and the lights in the cinema will be kept on throughout the screening at a dimmed level.

All Baby Friendly screenings will begin at the advertised time without adverts or trailers.

Our cafe bar team are able to provide high chairs and hot water for bottles on request. Baby changing facilities are available.

If you’re interested in the film we’re screening, but won’t be attending with a baby, please check our regular film times for an alternative screening. All Baby Friendly films will have showings during our regular matinee and evening slots.

Relaxed Events are designed for people with autism spectrum conditions and their families so they can enjoy the arts together in a stress-free environment. These events are also suitable for people with sensory conditions, dementia or learning difficulties. Events include the below:

Relaxed Screenings – taking place every week in our cinemas and including:

• Cinema lights on low
• Film volume turned down a little
• No trailers or advertisements before the film starts
• You can move in and out of the cinema
• A separate chill out space is provided if you need some time out of the screening

Relaxed Performances – taking place for specific productions and including:

• Toning down any loud noises and lighting effects
• Auditorium lights on low
• You can move in and out of the theatre
• A relaxed attitude to noise and movement
• A separate chill out space is provided if you need some time out of the theatre