Our Place is Your Place
Visiting Us
This is The Place
The Place Bedford is nestled in the heart of one of Bedford’s oldest residential areas. We can be found at the top of Bradgate Road, off Goldington Road.
The Place Theatre
Bradgate Road
Bedford
MK40 3DE
Getting here
Information about how to get to us by car, public transport or by sustainable transport.
By Car
The Place Bedford can be found at the top of Bradgate Road (use MK40 3DE on SatNav to bring you to Bradgate Rd). The theatre is also signposted with a brown theatre sign on Goldington Rd.
Follow the road to the top, then turn right at the mini roundabout passing by the green building (Bedfordshire Badminton Club) and continue for 60 metres. The Place Bedford is on the left with the main car park entrance immediately before the theatre building. There is an overflow car park on the right.
By Train
From Bedford Mainline Railway Station, we are approximately a 25-35 minute walk. Taxis are available at the station.
By Bike
If you are cycling, there is ample space to lock bicycles at the side of the building.
By Bus
There is a regular bus service which runs down Goldington Rd.
Accessibility
find out more about the ways we can help support your visit.
LIMITED MOBILITY
Patrons who do not use a wheelchair but do have limited mobility are encouraged to book tickets on Row C which is at the same level as the auditorium entrance. If you require any assistance booking your tickets, please contact us.
Relaxed Performances & Supporting Neurodiverse artists & Audiences:
We believe that a trip to see some amazing arts and culture should be available to everyone in our community, regardless of the physical, mental or emotional barriers.
We often programme shows and events that are ‘relaxed’ you can find out more about what this means by reading this helpful blog from WhatsOnStage.
WHEELCHAIR USERS
We can accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs in our auditorium. You can select “Wheelchair User & Buddy” seats when selecting your seats online, or give us a call on 01234 354321 for assistance.
The entrance from the main car park into the foyer and bar and the route through into auditorium to the wheelchair area is all step free. There is also an accessible toilet immediately outside the auditorium entrance.
There is currently no wheelchair access to the first floor rehearsal / office space, however, we are in the process of securing funding for a stairlift and will update on progress with this in due course.
Hearing Impairment
The auditorium at The Place is equipped with a hearing aid induction loop. Hearing aid users should switch their hearing aids to the ‘T’ setting once seated in the auditorium.
Work for d/Deaf patrons
We try to programme regular events and activities that are accessible to members of the local d/Deaf community. This includes close captioning all of our Film Screening and regular live shows that incorporate either dynamic captioning, BSL interpretation, or non-verbal/non-aural work for all ages. We’re working on developing a new website page to enable our d/Deaf patrons to have quick and easy access to the events that are optimized for their enjoyment. Please stay tuned for more information.
Coming to The Place Outdoors?
Take a look at these FAQ’s for everything you need to know for a great evening in our outdoor theatre space.
We have a small selection of outdoor chairs, but please do bring your own chairs, blankets or cushions to sit on. Our outdoor shows may have different seating set ups, so please follow the guidance from volunteers when you arrive on site. They will be able to guide you to the relevant locations to set up your seating, or help you access the seating we have available.
The space is flat, on one level with a wide, open gateway to access. The seating configuration is flexible. The car park is located opposite the venue, just a short distance to the outdoor space.
Toilets, baby change and accessible toilets are located inside the venue.
Free parking is available in the main theatre car park situated opposite the outdoor space. We encourage all those who can to consider travelling to the venue by foot, or by bicycle, instead of driving. We ask that all drivers take extra care when entering and leaving the car park as there will be more pedestrian traffic around the car parks than standard.
To ensure minimal disruption to the performance, please ensure you arrive and have parked at least 10 mins before the start of the performance.
If you are hard of hearing, please let us know when booking your ticket using the special comments facility and arrive early enough to sit near the front. Make yourself known to front of house staff who will help to seat you accordingly.
Chairs are not fixed and we will be able to arrange in different configurations to ensure everyone can see.
We anticipate the traditional English summer, so, in the event of rain, shows will go ahead.
Should the weather be considered high risk, (e.g. very high winds; storms; very heavy and continuous rain or hail) then the show will be initially held (if the weather shows signs of improving), or moved indoors to our main theatre space. This decision will be made jointly by the Duty Manager at The Place Bedford, and the artistic company presenting the show.
If it rains and the show can still go ahead (where this is agreed by the Duty Manager and artistic company), your ticket will not be refunded if you choose not to attend. Most of our outdoor shows have been made with the British summer weather in mind.
Please do not bring an umbrella as this could obscure the view for other audience members. We do recommend bringing a hat on especially sunny days.
Tickets will sent to your email with a digital QR code to scan. You do not need to print your tickets. We will be scanning the barcode/QR code on your tickets at the door. We can do this from your phone screen, so please consider the environment before you print off your tickets at home.
Should you be unable to find your digital ticket or print off, don’t worry, our Front of House Team will have access to the system to check your booking on the door.
Please arrive in good time before the start of the performance/event you are attending – we suggest around 20-30 minutes before so that you can get settled and longer if you wish to order drinks. The site and bar will be open 1 hour before the start of evening events.
The bar will be open for all performances including the provision of bar snacks such as crisps, sweets and ice creams. We do not serve hot food.
Our outdoor space is limited so we ask audience members not to bring picnics.
No – as this could cause disruption to the event.
HAVE A DIFFERENT QUESTION?
Contact us directly to see if we can help.