A REVAMPED theatre is seeking permission to become a wedding venue as it continues its mission to boost accessibility for all visitors.

Darlington Hippodrome has applied to Darlington Borough Council for permission to become an approved premises for civil marriages and civil partnerships.

Documents due to be discussed by the council’s general licensing committee next week state that although officers expect the number of ceremonies taking place at the venue to be “relatively small”, the theatre will become a “welcome addition” to the sites already approved in the borough, especially as it is one that celebrates Darlington’s “history, identity and culture”.

Subject to approval, a three-year licence would be granted for the venue.

After reopening in 2017 following a £13.7m restoration, Darlington Hippodrome managers want to make the venue as accessible as possible for blind and partially sighted people by installing an audio description facility.

Audiences are already benefitting from the initiative with all audio-described performances and touch tours labelled in the print brochure with AD and TT respectively.

Blind and partially sighted people can also use the Hippodrome website on e-readers which turn text into speech.

Lynda Winstanley, theatre director, said: “This project was so important to ensuring the theatre is accessible to all.

“The funding has allowed us to introduce an increased number of audio-description performances, as well as introducing other services such as a meet and greet buddy system, guide dog sitting and touch tours before performances, where visually impaired audience members can explore the stage

and props, enhancing their

understanding and appreciation

of the production.”

Caroline Darnbrook, from Darlington Building Society, which is supporting the project, said: “The Hippodrome is such an important part of Darlington’s culture and heritage, and through this initiative, and the Speakeasy events held monthly, we want to help tackle social isolation in the town.”

The Hippodrome is currently trying to raise about £7,000 to help children in care or at risk of being taken into care, low-income families, older residents at risk of isolation, and people facing social, physical and mental health challenges experience the theatre.

For more information, call the Hippodrome on 01325 405405.