Accessibility

We strive to make all our shows at O2 Ritz Manchester accessible to everyone to make sure things keep improving. Our venue was built in the 1920s, so there are challenges, but together we can identify issues and come up with practical solutions. Your feedback is always welcome and we’ll do our best to be as flexible as possible to meet your needs.

Access Card

We also accept the Access Card. It’s not compulsory, but it means you won’t have to provide repeat details every time you book, and lets us know about any support or facilities you’ll need when you visit.

If you don’t have one, you can complete one of our booking forms, just download it here, or email us or call if you’d like us to send one by post.

With your say-so, we can add your access requirements to our internal database - for up to three years - and that way we’ll know what they are without you having to repeat them when you book with us again. Just fill it in and send it back with the supporting documents within seven days of your booking. 

You have our absolute guarantee the information you supply is confidential and for the purpose it’s provided only. 

Tickets & box office

Booking tickets

NOTICE: Due to Covid-19, most of our staff are working from home, so please email us if you can while our phone lines are temporarily closed. We apologise that it may take longer than usual to respond.

Please get in touch with us before you buy your tickets between 12pm and 5pm, Monday to Friday on +44 (0)161 714 4140 (option 1) or email us to advise your access and personal assistant requirements. 

You can also contact us through text relay by +44 (0)161 714 4140.

After that part’s done, and you’ve purchased your ticket through an authorised outlet, just get back in touch with us to finish up your reservation. We’ll do our best to make it as smooth a process as possible for you. 

Companion ticket

If you need a ticket for a companion or personal assistant, please just let us know when you book. We offer one companion ticket, free of charge, to provide support you need and additional assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation. 

So you know, proof of eligibility will be required. 

Alternatively, if you have an Access Card please provide your full name and the card number. 

Our full Essential Companion Policy can be found here.

Box office

Our box office doesn’t have a lowered counter, so we ask that you speak to our staff upon arrival and they will happily assist you. All ticket orders will be processed in advance and advised prior to the show, so please bring all your booking information with you.

Getting to the venue

Just visit Venue Info for all travel details and accessible options for getting to us.

Mobility impaired visitors

Your visit

If you need assistance, let us know in advance and someone will meet you the front doors of O2 Ritz Manchester or we have step free access to the side of the venue, just ask a member of our front of house staff to show you the way. We’d recommend arriving about 15 minutes before doors open, just to make things easier. 

With any other access requirements, please let us know in advance and if you require a seat, our staff will assist. We do not have a lift to upper levels, so if you are unable to use the stairs, please get in touch.

Wheelchair spaces

These are available when you book, but they’re limited on a first come, first served basis.

Viewing area

We understand that you want to be with your friends, but due to space limitations, we may only be able to allow you and your companion into an accessible area and cannot always guarantee seated options. 

Blind & visually impaired visitors

Your visit

If you need assistance or ramp access, let us know in advance and someone will meet you at the front of the venue. We’d recommend arriving about 15 minutes before doors open, just to make things easier.

Our ramp is to the left-hand side of the main doors, which also leads to the box office. It’s quite steep, but front-of-house staff will always be on hand to assist entry and exit.

Braille or large print material

If you need braille or large print material, please let us know in advance by contacting us by email or call +44 (0)161 714 4140. 

Assistance dogs

We can discuss suitable locations where your dog can stay throughout the show.  Alternatively, if you would like your dog to be looked after, we'll arrange for someone to meet you at the entrance and guide you to your seat. Dogs will be looked after throughout the event in a quiet location with somewhere to lay, with a bowl of water. 

*We recommend bringing hearing protection for your dog please. 

Venue facilities

Auditorium

Wheelchair users will be directed to an area in the auditorium, just to the left hand side of the stage. 

Just so you know, e-cigarettes and vapes are not permitted, please see our FAQs for details.

Toilets 

On ground level, there’s an accessible toilet in the auditorium, house left, controlled by a RADAR key that staff will provide access to if needed. Other toilets are available in the venue in the basement and upper level of the the venue. 

Bar service

We have a lowered service area at the bar that's to the left hand side of the stage in the main auditorium and our bar staff will be happy to assist you. Bars on the upper level are just to the rear and on a raised area, accessible by a couple of steps. We will be happy to help you with any service you may need.  

Cloakroom

Please let any staff members know if you need assistance for our cloakroom facilities when you arrive and they can help you as our cloakroom is located in the basement. 

Medical room and emergencies 

We have a medics room at O2 Ritz Manchester, but if you require any assistance or a private area at any point, please just speak to a member of our staff. Any particular requirements can of course be asked in advance. Just get in touch.

Customers with medical requirements

Should you need to bring food or drink to manage a medical condition, or bring medicines or medical equipment with you, just get in touch.

Merchandise

If there is merchandise for sale, it is usually found at the rear of the main auditorium, so please ask our staff if you need any assistance.

Lighting & stage effects

Strobe lighting

Most shows and events now use strobe lighting and smoke effects, but we’ll make sure there are signs up to let you know and you can also ask when you arrive. If this is an issue, please do let one of our team know, before or during an event.

Have we got it all covered?

Hopefully, but if we’ve missed anything, do try our FAQs or just get in touch.