Facilities for Deaf / Hard of Hearing

Infrared sound systems are available to amplify sound via a personal receiver which can be borrowed for your visit. This can be used with or without a hearing aid.  Please note that there is no infrared sound system or hearing loop available in Moor Space.

Captioned screenings include on-screen captions displaying dialogue, sound effects and other important audio information, making the film more accessible.

Captions are for:

* D/deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing people - Captions make the dialogue, lyrics and sound effects of a film visible as text

* Neurodivergent People - Many neurodivergent people find that following text alongside audio helps them engage more fully with a film.

* People with English as a second language - For audiences who speak English as a second language, having the words available as text can help to follow and enjoy a film.

Selected film screenings in our programme are captioned - Look out for the Caption Icon:

Occasional visiting shows and every show produced by the Dukes, have a British Sign Language Interpreted Performance. 

Current BSL Interpreted performances include:

Cinderella: Date TBC

Our Rake auditorium is equipt with Sennheiser MobileConnect, an assistive and personal listening solution that streams live audio content via WiFi to any iOS or Android phone. (please note that this is not yet available in our Round auditoriun or Moor Space)

Before you visit, simply download and install the free MobileConnect app.  Once you're here, connect to our MobileConnect WiFi (Password is MobileConnect).  Use the Dukes QR codes (available on screen & at box office) to access Channel 1 (live theatre & cinema) or Channel 2 (Direct cinema sound).  Link to your own earphones or bluetooth compatible hearing aids and you'll receive the same high-quality audio as everyone else, with complete control over your volume and sound settings.

MobileConnect can also translate audio to text:  On your phone, go into Settings//Accessibility// Live Captions, then turn on.     The captions then show in the App screen alongside the Audio track.

Please arrive nice and early if you require assistance from our staff in getting set up with Mobile Connect

* Many thanks to funding from WO Street Charitable Foundation and 3R Charity 

WatchWord Glasses are smart glasses that display closed captions directly in your line of sight, allowing you to follow dialogue, lyrics and sound effects while watching the performance or film. You can personalise the captions to suit you, including their size, colour and position, without affecting the experience of other audience members.

Watchword is for:

* D/deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing people - Closed Captions make the dialogue, lyrics and sound effects of a performance visible as text

* Neurodivergent People - Many neurodivergent people find that following text alongside audio helps them engage more fully with a performance or screening.

* People with English as a second language - For audiences who speak English as a second language, having the words available as text can help to follow and enjoy a performance or film.

WatchWord has been designed to be easy to use. Once you’ve requested the glasses by emailing tickets@dukeslancaster.org, simply collect them from our staff, who will show you how they work (please allow plenty of extra time before the event to try the glasses out in the comfort of the cafe bar before entering the auditorium)

Find out more about WatchWord

We are limited to two pairs of glasses, so it is vital you reserve a pair in advance to guarantee we have enough available.

Please arrive nice and early to allow time to get set up with the equipment before the event starts.

Selected events in our programme are Watchword compatible - Look out for the Watchword Icon:

Many thanks to funding from Theatres Trust / Linbury Trust.