We want everyone to feel welcome at the hannah

We’re working to improve accessibility of the venue.

For any access requirements, including but not restricted to mobility, vision, hearing, sensation and also companion seating please contact us so we can assist and advise what is available. If shows are NZSL interpreted, audio described or have relaxed performances, this will be mentioned in the website listing. The Hannah does not currently have a hearing loop.

Mobility Parking Spaces

There are two mobility parking spaces within a block of the Hannah Playhouse. One is located at the Wakefield Street (New World) end of Blair Street. The other is located on Courtney Place in the slip lane near the Cambridge Terrace end.

Special Effects

Productions sometimes use lighting, smoke and sound effects that may not be suitable for all audiences. If you have questions about a particular show, please contact us to discuss. Signage will be also displayed outside the theatre if any effects are in use.

Hannah Facilities

Ground Floor

The ground floor foyer houses the Box Office, with entry off Cambridge Terrace. The lift is to the right of the main doors as you enter, which is always open to level 1 and is opened to level 2 when the auditorium is open to the public. There is a small amount of seating available on the ground floor.

Level 1

Level 1 is home to the Hannah Bar and bathrooms (multi-stall and accessible single stall). Please note there is no hoist system in the toilets.

The Hannah Bar seating has adjustable height bar stools. There is a nook to your left as you enter the bar area, which has a sofa and some low seating.

There is a flight of 20 stairs between ground level and level 1. Both the stairs and level 1 are carpeted.

Level 2

Level 2 is the auditorium, please see details below. Lift access from the ground floor to the auditorium is available when the auditorium is open to the public.

There are 20 steps between level 1 and level 2, which are carpeted, as are the hallways. The Auditorium flooring is a mix of wood and concrete. 

Hannah Playhouse Auditorium

The Hannah in end stage configuration, has a 250 seat auditorium, with two entry points.

There is flat wheelchair access from the auditorium foyer into the front of the auditorium, where the stalls are situated. Stalls are tiered with 22 steps between the front and rear of the stalls (rows A through I). 

The other entrance is to the balcony seating, which is up 20 steps to enter into the back of the auditorium. There is no wheelchair or lift access to the Balcony.

Wheelchairs

The auditorium has one wheelchair space in the front row. However, the front also has adjustable seats which can be removed to accommodate a wheelchair. Please let us know at the time of booking if you or one of your group uses a wheelchair, and whether the wheelchair user wishes to remain in their wheelchair or transfer to a seat. Please note the Hannah does not provide wheelchairs for patron use while watching shows

Restricted Mobility and Vision Impairments

We are happy to provide assistance for patrons with mobility or vision impairments; an usher will be available to walk you to your seat. You can advise our Box Office staff at the time of booking if you require access assistance, but if assistance becomes necessary unexpectedly, that’s fine too. Also, if you let us know when you book that you or one of your group has difficulty with stairs, we can let our ushers know, and they will aim to seat you in the front row or close to the stage.

We ask that patrons requiring assistance arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the performance and wait in the Hannah Bar foyer for the house to open, so you can make your way into the auditorium prior to the rush.

If you would like assistance to exit the auditorium during the interval, just let one of our ushers know.

Service Dogs

We welcome service and guide dogs at the Hannah – please inform the ticketing agency at the time of booking. We will aim to offer aisle or front row seating.

Any suggestions?

We are always looking to improve accessibility and improve service to our patrons – if you have any suggestions on how we can improve our accessibility, please let us know by filling in the form below.