The joy of live performance should be open to everyone. Milton Keynes is fortunate to have a number of welcoming, well-equipped venues that are committed to removing barriers for disabled patrons and those with additional access needs. Below is our practical guide to access provision at each of the city’s principal theatre and performing arts venues, with full contact details for booking.
Milton Keynes Theatre
500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ
Getting Around
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available immediately in front of the theatre on Midsummer Boulevard. Inside, lifts serve all levels of the auditorium, complete with voice commentary and tactile aids for visually impaired patrons.
The Garden Room, Foyer Bar and both Circle Bars all feature low-level counters and accessible payment levels. Alternatively, At-Seat Service can be requested on arrival. Stalls Row E, Circle Row A and Upper Circle Row A are all step-free, level-access rows, and both Circle Boxes are also wheelchair accessible.
Six wheelchair spaces are available in the Stalls and four in the Upper Circle, all suitable for transferring. Auditorium seats are approximately 50cm wide with non-moving armrests. The space between armrests is 44cm. Free-standing seats without armrests are available in the Boxes and Platforms (these are restricted view).
Accessible Toilets
Separate, fully accessible male and female facilities are provided on the ground and first floors, with further fully accessible facilities for both men and women on the third floor (by door 10). Each is fitted with an emergency call point. Baby changing facilities are located on the ground, first and third floors.
Visual Impairment Services
Selected performances are presented with audio description, and may be accompanied by a Touch Tour ahead of the show — these are advertised on the individual show pages. Customers who require a closer view of the stage are recommended to book seats in the Stalls.
Hearing Enhancement
The venue uses the Mobile Connect hearing enhancement system, allowing audience members to listen via their smartphones with personal headphones. A hearing loop is also fitted at the box office counter — switching your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting will amplify the sound.
Assistance Dogs & Additional Support
Assistance dogs are welcome in the auditorium. Alternatively, a member of staff can care for your dog during the performance — please contact Stage Door at least two weeks before your visit. A Social Story for those on the autistic spectrum is available on request, developed in conjunction with the National Autistic Society.
Access Membership Scheme: ATG offers a free Access Membership Scheme allowing online booking for accessible seats, registration for available concessions and, where eligible, complimentary companion tickets.
Access information: www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/access
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Typetalk / Textphone: 18001 0333 009 5399
The Stables
Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU
Getting Around
The Stables is highly accessible to customers with limited mobility. Eight Blue Badge parking spaces are provided close to the main entrance, all with level access, on a first-come, first-served basis. A lift gives access to seats on the lower accessible levels. The only inaccessible public area is the raised stepped seating in the auditorium, which is reached via a staircase not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
Up to eight wheelchair users can be accommodated per performance, subject to availability. Volunteer customer assistants are on hand at the majority of events to provide assistance.
Accessible Toilets
Three accessible public toilets are provided — one in the main toilet area in the foyer, with further accessible toilets located next to the ladies’ and within the gents’, both reachable from the auditorium.
Hearing Enhancement
The main Jim Marshall Auditorium is fitted with an Ampetronic infra-red hearing loop system — a hearing aid with a switchable or auto-detect ‘T’ setting is required. Stage 2 has its own hearing assistance system, with hearing devices available on loan from the box office (either to boost sound or as a personal induction loop). Please advise box office staff when booking so you can be seated where the signal is strongest.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome. Please advise the box office when booking so that appropriate seating can be allocated and you can be informed of any special effects that may affect your dog’s comfort.
Access information: www.stables.org/your-visit/access-information
Box office: 01908 280800
Stantonbury Theatre
Stantonbury Campus, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN
Stantonbury Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with four dedicated wheelchair spaces in the auditorium. The venue is fitted with a hearing loop system, and free on-site parking is provided with easy access from the main road network. The theatre bar is open from 45 minutes before the performance and during the interval; pre-ordering interval drinks is recommended to avoid the rush.
The venue runs an inclusive year-round programme and welcomes audiences of all abilities. Patrons with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact the box office in advance so that appropriate seating and any necessary support can be arranged.
Website: www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Box office: 01908 324466
The Chrysalis Theatre
Japonica Lane, Milton Keynes, MK15 9JY
The Chrysalis Theatre offers free on-site parking and full step-free access throughout. The venue features 200 raked seats with good sightlines from every position, and accessible toilet facilities are provided on site. Patrons requiring a wheelchair space or specific seating arrangement are advised to contact the venue in advance, as the small, friendly team are happy to discuss individual needs.
The Chrysalis is located within the Camphill Milton Keynes Community, a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, and the venue is accustomed to welcoming a wide range of audiences with additional needs.
Website: www.chrysalismk.co.uk
Telephone: 01908 235505
The Venue MK
Walton High School, Fyfield Barrow, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, MK7 7AN
This modern 380-seat auditorium is purpose-built and benefits from contemporary access provision throughout. Step-free access, accessible parking, dedicated wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are all available. Patrons are encouraged to contact the venue ahead of their visit to discuss specific access needs and to arrange seating accordingly.
Website: www.thevenuemk.co.uk
MK Gallery — The Sky Room
900 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 3QA
MK Gallery is fully accessible, with lift access to all floors including the Sky Room auditorium and cinema. Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets and a hearing loop are all available. Selected film screenings are presented with subtitles or as relaxed performances, and the gallery’s Learning team runs accessible workshops and events throughout the year.
Access information: www.mkgallery.org/visit/access
Westbury Arts Centre
Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, MK5 6DS
Set within a Grade II listed 17th-century moated manor house, Westbury Arts Centre’s historic character does mean that some areas have steps and uneven flooring. The ground floor is largely accessible, including the Barn Gallery and main exhibition spaces. Patrons with specific access requirements are warmly encouraged to contact the centre in advance so that staff can advise on the most accessible route and any necessary support.
Website: www.westburyartscentre.org.uk/visit-us
Arena MK & Stadium MK
Stadium Way West, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST
Arena MK and Stadium MK are both fully accessible venues with step-free routes, accessible entrances and dedicated viewing areas for wheelchair users. Companion tickets are available subject to eligibility, and accessible parking is provided on site. Each event may have specific bag policies and access arrangements, so we recommend checking the individual show page or contacting the venue directly in advance.
Website: www.stadiummk.com
MK11 Live Music Venue
Keller Close, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, MK11 3LH
MK11 is fitted with wheelchair ramps to the main hall and provides accessible toilet facilities. Free on-site parking is available, with spaces close to the entrance. Patrons requiring assistance or a particular viewing position are encouraged to contact the venue in advance — the team are happy to help and can offer specific accommodations where possible.
Website: www.mk11kilnfarm.com
Telephone: 01908 262924
General Advice for Booking Accessible Tickets
Book directly: While many tickets can be purchased online, accessible seating, wheelchair spaces and complimentary companion tickets are often best booked by contacting the venue’s box office directly. They can advise on the most suitable seats based on your specific requirements.
Book in advance: Wheelchair spaces and accessible seats are limited at every venue, so we recommend booking as early as possible — particularly for popular touring productions and concerts.
Mention any specific needs: Whether you have a guide dog, use a hearing aid with a ‘T’ setting, require step-free access or would benefit from a relaxed performance, the box office team can almost always help if you let them know in advance.
Useful resources: Independent organisations such as Euan’s Guide and AccessAble publish detailed access reviews of UK venues, and many of the theatres listed here have full AccessAble guides covering everything from car park surfaces to seat dimensions.
A note on access information: Access provision and assisted performances are subject to change. We recommend checking the relevant venue’s official website for the most up-to-date information, and contacting the box office directly to discuss any specific requirements before booking.