The Pavilion Theatre is a Grade II listed, Art Deco building that was completed in 1929. We have one main theatre with stalls that seat up to 1,000 and an upper circle that can seat 420 people. At the back of the building, we have a traditional ballroom that can be used for a multitude of events from comedians to craft fairs.

This guide is designed to assist patrons with accessibility requirements or additional needs make the most of their visit to the Pavilion. We want everyone to enjoy their time with us so if you need anything please speak to a member of our staff or ask for the Operations Manager who will help as best they can.

Contact Us
Our phone line and box office opening times vary week by week. Please check our website here for up-to-date timings.

By phone: Our Accessibility team are on 0300 500 0595

By email: Please email access@bhlive.org.uk with any specific enquiries

In person: You can stop by our box office and speak to us in person, as a general rule, our box office is only open on event days from 1300 until the main act is on stage and is located at the front of the building (Timings may vary so please check opening hours).

By post: The Pavilion Theatre, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU

Operational Times

The approximate show timings will be listed on our event pages. We sometimes don’t receive the show running timings until the day of the performance and they are always subject to change. As a general rule, we open the front doors at 1300 for Box Office access, venue doors at 1900 and most shows finish between 2200 and 2300. Matinees are different and vary depending on the show.

Access Scheme

Customers with special seating or access requirements can apply to join the BH Live Access Scheme which enables us to provide the best possible service and seats for customers with specific needs. Discounted or complimentary Personal Assistant tickets may be available if you require assistance when attending an event at our venues.

Am I Eligible?

If you are in receipt of one of the following, you will be able to join the Access Scheme:

• PIP
• DLA
• Attendance Allowance
• Certificate of Visual Impairment
• Access Card

If you are not in receipt of the above but have another form of documentation, please email a copy to access@bhlive.org.uk for review.

How to apply
If you are new to our venues, you will need to create an online account. Click My Account at the top of the website and follow instructions for creating a new account. Once your account has been created, send your name, account number and a copy of your proof (listed above) to access@bhlive.org.uk

How to book
Once you have received confirmation that your account has been registered on to the Access Scheme you will be able to book tickets through your online account. You will need to log into this account first before selecting your seats. At checkout, one of your already selected tickets will be discounted to a Personal Assistant ticket (if available).

Seating Options Available
We offer 8 accessible spaces in the stalls, all of which are sold as potential restricted view.

Our accessible bays measure 1mtr x 1mtr. Should you need anything larger than this please let us know as we may have options to accommodate larger chairs if we know in advance.

We have 2 seats at the front of the stalls, Row B for visually impaired customers.

Larger seating options are available, measuring 750mm, these can be booked via our access team.

Unfortunately, due to building restrictions there is no lift access to the circle.

Personal Assistants

Personal Assistants are expected to help with way finding, assisting the customer in and out of the venue and auditorium, the buying and carrying of food and drink and undertake all requirements of the person they are attending with, They must be able to assist the person with leaving the building in an event of an emergency.

Getting Here & Parking

Parking: Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU

The Pavilion has a public car park around the building providing 185 spaces and 8 accessible bays. Parking can be paid for at cashless ticketed machines located around the car park or via the RingGo App on your phone. We don’t have a height barrier at the entrance.

Additional parking can be found:Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH (8 minute walk)

The Bournemouth International Centre has a multi-storey car park with 644 spaces. Please take a ticket upon arrival and pay before exiting. The car park has 35 accessible spaces on levels 1, 2 and 3 and ramp access to the foyer from all levels. The height restriction for the car park is 6’ 56” or 2 metres. This is indicated by a fixed yellow barrier at the entrance. There are two lifts operating at the front side of the car park covering all levels. The width of the lift doors is 80cm wide.

Bath Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2EU (3 minute walk)

Bath Road North and Bath Road South Car Parks are located nearby, one either side of Bath Road. They have 279 spaces between them.

Drop Off: There is a no parking zone at the front of the building which can be used to drop people off for events. This area can get very busy at the end of performances.

Arriving By Car: From Bournemouth West Roundabout: Take the first exit and follow the brown signs to the BIC. The BIC multi-storey car park is off the roundabout at the bottom of Priory Road. From the North and West: Head for the A31 / A338 junction (Ashley Heath) just outside Ringwood, taking the A338 (Wessex Way) to Bournemouth. Then follow the directions from the Bournemouth West Roundabout. Use postcode BH2 5BH for sat nav.

Arriving By Bus:

The closest bus stops to the Pavilion are:

• Westover Road – about a 1 minute walk
• Royal Bath Hotel – about 3 minute walk
• Bournemouth Square – about a 5 minute walk

Several bus lines stop near the Pavilion:

More Bus routes: M1, M2, 13, 17, 32, 33, Unibus 4, 1 a, 1b, 1c, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 12, 22

Arriving By Train:

The Pavilion Theatre is located 1.0 miles from Bournemouth Train Station (approx. a 22 minute walk).

Arriving at the Venue

Please enter the building via the front doors from Westover Road. There is step free access from the car park, leading to three sets of double doors with an automatic door to the left-hand side via a ramp. Please note that you may have to queue to enter the building.

Please be aware that all visitors are subject to a search prior to entry. We have an accessible search lane on the left and if you require assistance please speak with a member of staff.

Should you have any queries or require assistance when you arrive, please see our staff on the Reception desk in the main foyer.

Assisted Entry

If you have difficulties with queuing due to your disability, please contact us on access@bhlive.org.uk to discuss how we can best assist. Please note that we are unable to offer early access to the main theatre.

Around the Venue

Our foyer has ramped access from the street or steps with handrails. These lead to the front entrance. The set of doors to the far left are automatic. Once inside the foyer, we have sloped access into the stalls and down the auditorium towards the stage. There are no steps in the stalls. Sloped corridors either side of the auditorium lead to step free bar areas with seating.

Facilities

We have 2 accessible toilets, one is in the main foyer which requires a radar key. Please ask reception should you require one. The second toilet is located on the mezzanine level, accessible via a lift at the back end of the building. Standard door widths to these toilets are 90cm.

Food & Drink

The Pavilion has concession stands at each bar. The Theatre Bar has sloped access via corridors each side of the auditorium. We have a pop-up bar in the Foyer and a second located down two steps near the ticket office. There is a fourth bar attached to the circle which is accessible via 32 steps. Unfortunately, due to building restrictions there is no lift access to the Circle. All bars and concession stands accept card and contactless payment. Please note that we do not allow food and drinks to be brought into the venue, only items purchased on the premises may be consumed. If specific items are needed due to a medical condition, please see section 11.

Merchandise

If merchandise is available, it will be on sale from the main foyer as you come through the front doors. It can get very busy and queues during the incoming and interval, Staff are able to offer support should you need it

Performance Environment

Artists performing at our venue bring their own lighting, sound equipment and crew to operate it. As such, we have limited influence over sound and lighting levels. We do monitor sound quality and decibel output. Whilst there is no legal limit on maximum volume levels, we do have ear plugs we can offer should you require them. Some performances may contain strobe lighting, lasers, smoke and other special effects. Please ask a member of staff if you have concerns over any of the show’s content.

Hearing Assistance

The Pavilion is fitted with a Sennheiser Mobile Connect System.

It is a Wi-Fi based system that allows users to connect and listen to the show via the Sennheiser MobileConnect app on their own mobile phone which in turn links to either their digital hearing aid via Bluetooth or through cabled/Bluetooth headphones.

Before you arrive at the venue, download the Sennheiser MobileConnect app from the app store on your device.

When you arrive at the venue:

1.Join the Wi-Fi network _PAV_MobileConnect using the password obtained from the venue
2. Open the Sennheiser MobileConnect app

3. Select the Pavilion Theatre channel
4. Connect your headphones or hearing aid to your device via Bluetooth or cable
5. Click the listen button

Our staff will be happy to explain how the app works if you need help.

Assistance Dogs

Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs are welcome at our venue, just be sure to let us know they are coming so we can advise on suitable locations where your dog can stay with you. We advise that the performance space can be very loud and busy, and we ask you to consider whether this environment is suitable for your dog.

Hidden Disabilities

The Pavilion recognises that not all disabilities are visible. We support the sunflower lanyard and all staff are trained to recognise it and offer support should it be needed. If you would like to contact us to discuss any concerns or requirements or for additional information, please get in touch via access@bhlive.org.uk and we will be happy to assist.

Medical Requirements

Customers who need to bring in medical equipment, medicines or a small amount of food or drink to manage a medical condition are asked to contact us in advance via access@bhlive.org.uk. This is to avoid any security related concerns and ensure you can relax and enjoy your evening.

Medical Assistance

We have trained first aiders on duty for all performances. They can be summoned by asking a member of staff.

Quieter Spaces & Respite

If you are feeling uncomfortable or require a break from the crowds, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to find an area away from the performance for you.