Lancaster Grand Theatre Awarded Funding to Install Next-Generation Audio System

Lancaster Grand Theatre Awarded Funding to Install Next-Generation Audio System, Enhancing Accessibility for Deaf, deafened and Hard-of-Hearing Audiences.

Lancaster Grand Theatre is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Theatres Trust Small Grants Programme, delivered in partnership with The Linbury Trust. This investment will support the installation of a cutting-edge Auri™ Auracast™ audio system, significantly improving hearing accessibility across the venue.

This upgrade marks an important step forward in the theatre’s ongoing commitment to inclusion. At a time when financial pressures and wider social challenges continue to affect access to live entertainment, Lancaster Grand is determined to remain a welcoming, future-ready space for all members of its community.

The new Auri™ system offers high-quality, low-latency audio directly to users, reducing the technical barriers and stigma often associated with legacy hearing devices. Designed to work seamlessly with emerging Auracast™-enabled smartphones and personal listening equipment, it will enable Deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing audience members to experience performances with greater clarity and confidence.

To ensure the system delivers the best possible experience, the theatre will now enter a phased implementation period. This will include technical installation and staff and volunteer training so that the necessary support is in place for users.

Once fully operational, the system will support not only mainstage performances but also talks, workshops and community events, embedding accessibility across the full breadth of the theatre’s programme.

As audiences increasingly expect thoughtful, user-friendly accessibility provision, this investment enables Lancaster Grand Theatre to build capacity and take meaningful steps towards greater equity in live performance. It is more than a technical upgrade, it is a continued commitment to participation, dignity and cultural belonging.

The theatre extends its thanks to Theatres Trust and The Linbury Trust for their support and congratulates all fellow grant recipients, including Lancaster neighbours The Dukes, on securing funding for their own accessibility improvements.

For further details about the award and this year’s grant recipients, visit:
https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/news/2679-vital-projects-funded-in-12-community-theatres