About
O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire was hailed 'Best Venue' for the fifth time at the Music Week Awards 2005 and was shortlisted in 2008 and 2009. The O2 Empire has been a live entertainment venue for over 100 years and is a favourite within the industry, often chosen by artists for its extraordinary level of intimacy and historic importance on the touring circuit. With a capacity of 2,000, performers can get up close and personal with their most dedicated fans. Architecturally the venue is stunning, still retaining its original design with the grandeur of its early years.
Disabled Access Tickets:
The O2 Shepherds Bush Empire is an Edwardian Theatre designed over 100 years ago. It has many different levels and balconies. In Conjunction with Attitude Is Everything we have taken best endeavours to enable access to all customers and are constantly looking to make improvements.
Due to licensing requirements and Health & Safety assessments, we regret that the number of wheelchairs admitted per show at this venue is limited and all patrons are treated on a first come first served basis. We recommend that customers with access requirements arrive prior to door opening times.
Once performances have started it is likely admittance will not be possible. Please be aware that there is no access to a smoking area once inside.
Specific details about how to book and the venue's facilities can be found below:
Call the Box Office Manager on 020 8354 3300 between 10am and 6pm (Monday-Friday). Spaces are sold on a first come first served basis. Our venue has a designated area for disabled patrons which can be limited and can sell out on some shows. Bookings not made through the venue cannot be guaranteed access to disabled facilities due to space limitations.
You can also contact the box office through text relay by 18002 020 8354 3300 should this be required.
Once you have been in contact with the venue you will be sent a letter of confirmation that should be brought with you when you attend the event.
Companion / Carer Ticket
The venue offers one free companion ticket which can be booked by contacting the venue directly. These can be limited in availability so please ensure you contact the venue as soon as possible to arrange.
Companion / carer ticket holders should be able to meet the needs and assist the person they are accompanying in the event of an emergency.
Braille
Braille information sheets are available on request please email mail@o2Shepherdsbushempire.co.uk or call 020 8354 3300.
Arriving at the Venue
We recommend arriving at the venue 10 - 15 minutes prior to the doors opening. The door time will be stated on the tickets or confirmations. Please try to arrive at the venue no later than 60 minutes after the doors open.
On arrival please go to the stage door. A member of security will be there to assist.
Please be aware that entry to the venue once the performance has started cannot be guaranteed as the accessible entry point is through external doors which need to be opened and a ramp set up which can disturb the performance.
Accessible Area & Facilities
There are 4 wheelchairs spaces in the stalls area, these are situated three quarters of the way towards the back, on a raised area. Access is through a side door to the building which security will direct customers to and entrance is via a temporary ramp. There is a disabled toilet in the stalls area which is accessed via radar key.
Non Wheelchair disabled bookings are usually for level 1. Unless it's a reserved seated show, level 1 is sold as Unreserved seating/standing. There is lift access to level 1 if stairs are not suitable.
Please be aware that there is no access to the smoking area once inside the building due to the location of the accessible viewing area, and layout of the building.
Bar Service
The bars do not have lowered sections. 2 of the wheelchair locations are next to bars where staff can assist the third is a short distance away with level access although there are no lowered counters.
Box Office
Due to the building age the box office is not accessible and there is no induction loop at present. Security will assist when arriving at the venue from the front of the building. All tickets / confirmations will be sent out prior to the show.
Merchandise
The main merchandise counter is in the foyer which is not accessible to those who are unable to use stairs. There is a smaller merchandise counter in the stalls area near the viewing platforms which is not of an accessible height and is open most of the time however there are times when this is not in use.
Staff are happy to assist with customers who want to purchase merchandise when available.
Strobe Lighting & Effects
Events may use strobes, stroboscopic lighting, smoke effects & pyrotechnics. On such shows signs are displayed. On shows with a higher than usual amount / level of this effect extra signage is displayed.
Transport & Other Local Information
The nearest tube stations are Shepherds Bush (Central Line), Goldhawk Road (Hammersmith and City Line). These are not accessible. The over ground line at Shepherds Bush does have a lift for access.
For further information please go to www.tfl.gov.uk
The nearest car park is situated at Westfield shopping centre which is approximately 10 minutes away. Information on parking here can be found on uk.westfield.com
Details of nearby accessible hotels, bars and restaurants can be found on: www.directenquiries.com
