Accessibility Isn’t Optional in 2025

——— Insights ———
Visitors viewing artwork in a gallery, including a wheelchair user and a companion engaging with the exhibition.

More than 14 million people in the UK live with a disability. In 2025, accessibility isn’t a “nice extra”. It’s the new baseline for trust, audience growth, and cultural relevance.

Why Accessibility Matters More Than Ever

Audiences now expect theatres to be inclusive long before they arrive at the venue. For many users, the first barrier isn’t a staircase – it’s the ticketing journey. A fully accessible experience spans three layers:

  • Digital access (website, booking, mobile usability)

  • Informational access (clear instructions, transparent facilities)

  • Physical access (routes, seating, support services)

Meeting these expectations is no longer optional. It’s what determines whether someone can (and will) attend your show.

What Accessibility Really Means in 2025

Accessibility goes far beyond wheelchair ramps. Today’s audiences look for:

Digital Accessibility

  • Easy-to-navigate websites

  • Screen-reader compatibility

  • Clear, visible buttons and controls

  • Keyboard-usable checkout flow

Informational Accessibility

  • Step-free route details

  • Accessible seating maps

  • Carer or companion ticket availability

  • Transparent facility descriptions

Physical Accessibility

  • Step-free entrances and aisles

  • Reserved accessible seating

  • Hearing loops

  • Accessible toilets

If your ticketing system creates friction, the experience breaks long before curtain-up.

Why Improving Accessibility Should Be a Priority

1. It Expands Your Audience

More than 20% of the UK population has a disability.
Many are active theatregoers, but unclear booking steps, hidden information, or inaccessible checkout flows stop them from attending. Creating an accessible experience from start to finish removes barriers and opens your doors to a wider community.

2. It Improves the Experience for Everyone

Accessibility upgrades tend to simplify the experience for all users. This leads to:

  • Fewer abandoned baskets

  • Higher conversion rates

  • Better reviews

  • Stronger repeat attendance

3. It Signals Your Values

Audiences increasingly choose venues that reflect inclusivity and care. Clear accessibility processes tell people: “You’re welcome here. You matter.”
This builds trust, loyalty, and long-term community connection.

Practical, High-Impact Accessibility Steps for Small Theatres

1. Audit Your Website & Ticketing Flow

Ask yourself:

  • Can users book wheelchair-accessible seats online without phoning?

  • Are font sizes and contrast levels readable on all devices?

  • Does the booking flow work with keyboard navigation & screen readers?

With Little Box Office, your booking pages are already mobile-responsive, access-friendly, and customisable for clear messaging around facilities and routes.

2. Offer Companion / Carer Ticket Options

Companions should never struggle to book. Make it easy by:

  • Offering free or discounted companion tickets

  • Allowing online redemption (not phone-only)

  • Displaying this clearly during checkout

Little Box Office’s custom ticket types, access codes, and discount rules let you set this up without manual workarounds.

3. Be Transparent About Venue Facilities

Avoid surprises and be clear upfront. List details such as:

  • Step-free routes

  • Hearing loop availability

  • Location of accessible seats

  • Accessible toilets

Add these to your event pages and booking flow. Transparency reduces anxiety and increases booking confidence.

4. Use Clear, Simple Language

Jargon confuses and discourages users – especially neurodiverse audiences or those for whom English is a second language.
Example: “Concessionary ticket categories are delineated by eligibility.” vs. “Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and those on low income.”
Clarity improves comprehension, conversion, and trust.

5. Make Accessible Performances Easy to Find

If you run:

  • Relaxed performances

  • Captioned shows

  • BSL-interpreted events

  • Audio-described performances

Make them findable. Add tags and filters like:

  • “Relaxed Performance”

  • “BSL Interpreted”

  • “Audio Described”

This helps audiences immediately identify suitable shows.

Accessibility Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive – But Ignoring It Is

Accessibility improvements are high-impact and low-cost, especially when supported by a platform built with access in mind.
With Little Box Office, small theatres can create a ticketing experience that is fully inclusive without redesigning their entire website or investing in complex integrations.

Ready to make your ticketing more accessible and more effective?

Book a demo today and see how simple meaningful inclusion can be.