Only 25% of UK theatres regularly offer captioned or audio-described performances, and just 35-50% can be considered accessible (Access Facts, The Access Manifesto, 2026). Camden People’s Theatre has spent thirty years taking artistic risks others can't, supporting underrepresented artists who go on to lead the sector. Over the last seven years we've made access a defining part of our work - and audiences have responded: 31% of CPT audiences are now disabled, three times the sector average.

Seven years of reflection and evaluation at CPT have shown that good intentions alone do not bring disabled audiences through the door. What does work however, are regular accessible performances disabled audiences can rely on; marketing that speaks to them directly and is accessible; ambitious programming that involves disabled artists being supported to create new performances; and leadership and front-of-house teams whose lived experience and training make CPT a uniquely welcoming space.