The Grand Pavilion Theatre

about the venue

The Grand Pavilion is a mid-scale 1930s theatre serving Porthcawl, Bridgend and surrounding populations with a wide range of quality year round entertainment. It is committed to access for all.

Situated on the seafront esplanade at Porthcawl, the Grand Pavilion is a landmark venue and seats about 600 people. It is operated by Awen Cultural Trust with support from Bridgend County Borough Council.

The venue prides itself in bringing a diverse range of drama, comedy, dance and musicals as well as its very popular pantomime.

event spaces

finding your way around

There are four entrances to the Grand Pavilion from street level on the Esplanade.

1. via two steps with hand rail and manual door to the box office

2. via a gently sloping ramp with hand rail and push button automatic door to box office. Doors swing outwards when activated.

3. via a gently sloping ramp with hand rail and push button automatic door to the cafe. Doors swing outwards when activated.

4. via two steps and manual door to the cafe.

The auditorium features two levels: the stalls and balcony circle. There are two staircases reaching the balcony but no lift access. Access to the stalls in completly level from the entrance foyer with three sets of double doors providing access to the sides and centre aisles.

From the car park there is level access to the lower ground floor entrance lobby which leads to the stage door suite and passenger lift to the ground floor, box office and auditorium.

the auditorium (main hall)

The auditorium features two levels

the stalls (ground floor)

The stalls level is completely flat with direct access from the entrance foyer. You can acces the disabled toilets and cafe bar via the entrance foyer.

Wheelchair users who have booked a designated wheelchair space should use the side door nearest the cafe bar into the side stalls area for easy access to their seating area. Staff will always be happy to assist.

A refreshment kiosk is available in the auditorium and interval orders can be made with any of the front of house team.

the circle (first floor)

Two staircases serve the circle at either end of the entrance foyer. There is a hand rail but patrons are advised that these steps are quite steep.

the stage door suite (lower ground floor)

From the lower ground floor entrance lobby there is a ramped access corridor to the stage door suite then a flat floor and seating area with direct level access to toilets and bars. There is an accessible toilet at the rear of the hall on the bar side.

accessible seating

In the main auditorium there are five dedicated spaces for users of standard size manual wheelchairs. Seats E1, F1, H1, J1 and P7 can be removed to accommodate wheelchair users or guests might wish to transfer from a wheelchair into a standard seat.

Sometimes our seating configurations differ for smaller events and our box office staff will be happy to advise of the wheelchair spaces at these events.

If you are a wheelchair user happy to transfer into a standard seat please contact the box office to discuss best locations and access options. Wheelchairs must be stored safely during performances without blocking aisle and escape routes.

In the stage door suite the majority of performances have cabaret style seating around smaller tables of 5 guests. There are several options for wheelchair users and we request that you contact the box office for staff to allocate the most accessible table available.

If you have an oversized or electrically operated wheelchair we ask that you advise us accordingly when booking so that we nay allocate the best space for your needs.

emergency evacuation information

Our front of house staff will assist.

special access information

passenger lift

The passenger lift serves the lower ground and ground floors linking the car park to the stage door suite and box office / main auditorium levels.

The lift can accommodate 4 persons or 1 wheelchair and companion.

The lift has audible description, large push button controls and braille buttons.

facilities for blind and visually impaired people

We regret that we currently do not offer audio described performances. Our box office team will be happy to discuss individual needs and assist in identifying the best seats for you. Guide dogs are always welcome. Our front of house staff will happily assist you finding seats and serving you with refreshments. At the end of a performance our team will assist with escorting you from your seat and finding your chosen method of transport.

facilities for hearing impaired people

The main auditorium is fitted with a hearing loop to assist users of hearing aids. The loop does require the performance to be amplified and occassionally is not available for acoustic performances or events where actors and performers do not use microphones.

We will try to advise our guests at the time of booking if this is likely to be the case but cannot always guarantee to have the correct information at the time of booking.

The stage door suits is a more intimate studio performance area and often performances are not amplified. This area does not have a hearing loop facility.

Our pantomime always features one performance with BSL interpretation. See brochure or the hynt What's On listings page for information. Seats may be reserved at the front left of the auditorium.

Hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium.

information for autistic people

your visit

The auditorium will be open about 30 minutes before the start of the show. The bar will be open at this time and there are foyer areas on each level of the theatre where you can wait. These areas might get crowded at this time. You will need a ticket to be allowed into the theatre and you will need to show your ticket to Front of House staff who will direct you to your allocated seats. The row and seat number will be printed on the ticket. If you would like to go to your seat before everyone else does, please ask a member of staff who will arrange this for you.

the performance

Before the performance begins there will be people walking in and out of the auditorium looking for their seats.

There might be some music playing and an announcement might be made to the audience. Just before the performance begins, the lights will be dimmed in the auditorium. The curtain will be raised and the audience sit quietly for the action to begin. There might be laughter or clapping during the performance.

There is usually an interval about half way through the performance. The audience clasps and the safety curtain will be lowered. The lights come on and people have the option to go into the foyer areas for refreshments or to use the toilet. The interval will last around 20 minutes and there will be an announcement advising people to take their seats for the second act. The lights are dimmed once more and the curtain will be raised.

At the end of the performance the audience claps, the curtain will be lowered and the lights will go on again. It can take a few minutes for the audience to filter out of the auditorium and there can be large crowds at this point.

services

A duty officer is available at every performance for assistance or to give feedback. We welcome requests for assistance. Please contact us with any special requirements. Our aim is to make a visit to our theatre special for all of our patrons. If you encounter any problems during your visit please make us aware and we will endeavour to resolve them there and then to your satisfaction.

Assistant dogs are welcome.

getting here: transport and parking

The main entrance can be reahced from the Esplanade with a zebra crossing immediately in front of the theatre allowing safe access to the seafront pavement.

Drop off points with pavement access are available in Mary Street and Esplanade Avenue, immediately adjacent to the theatre with a flat pavement walk of 100 yards to the main entrance.

The theatre has a small carpark with 1 dedicated disabled parking space. This space is available on a first come first served basis and cannot be reserved.

There is a public pay and display car park off Mary Street about 250 yards from the venue.

Blue badge holders can also make use of parking spaces along the seafront Esplanade road.

There is a coach drop off point next to the Theatre in Esplanade Avenue.

Front of house staff will be happy to assist disabled patrons meeting taxis after a performance.

Buses serve Porthcawl with direct links to Cardiff, and Maesteg via Bridgend. The bus stop is in John Street with a walk of about 800m to the theatre. Call Traveline 0871 200 22 33