How Accessible is the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End for a wheelchair user with MS? You’ll have to read on for my review of its accessibility.
Credit where credit’s due
OK, it’s confession time. My tastes are changing as I get older. And I now have the incontrovertible proof…it turns out that I do like musical theatre after all.
In my defence, the musicals that I’ve seen lately have been more ‘quirky’. And they’ve been big productions at big theatres. I’m aware that I’ve probably just upset some people. I can’t say that I would definitely NOT like
I just know that I like powerful singing…that’s in tune. And I’ve taken it that this is a given in the West End or on Broadway, (or in any other countries centre of national theatre – I’ll stop digging my own grave now). Taxi for Hurst!
What did we see this time?
I was persuaded to buy tickets for Waitress. I’d never heard of it. But, as you’ll already have gathered by my confessions…that doesn’t really mean a thing. But it was a fantastic show.
Like many people, I’ve sat at home watching shows like X Factor. And I’ve always wondered what happens to the contestants who don’t win.
I don’t mean the ones that are the tuneless hopefuls from the audition rounds. You know who I mean. The ones backed up by a complete family entourage who just can’t understand it when their daughter’s bubble is well and truly burst.
I can never understand why these parents encourage their offspring, rather than tell them the truth. Yes, the truth can hurt. But, I suspect it hurts less than a ‘car crash’ performance on national TV.
I mean the ones that are good enough to make the final rounds of the live shows, and that
Anyhow, back to the purpose of this post…
So, was The Adelphi Theatre accessible for a wheelchair user?
How easy was it to book ‘Accessible’ tickets?
Pretty easy. In truth, it was very easy…after I found the dedicated ‘access’ phone line on the theatre’s website. I’ve also attached below a link to the Adelphi’s access page as it contains useful disability information https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/adelphi/accessibility/#access-tickets
I’ll admit that I did feel a little like a professional ‘theatre-goer’ after our recent trip to see Hamilton. But, speaking with someone who understands the concerns that you are likely to have when booking seats for a wheelchair user, is a massive plus.
Does the Adelphi have separate Special Assistance access?
Even with the age of the Adelphi, they have managed to create a ramped element of the main entrance, off The Strand. It’s the entrance to the right-hand side with the yellow, cleaning in-progress sign in the doorway.
But, whether I was aware of this or not in advance was completely unnecessary. The Door Staff were fantastic in keeping their eyes peeled for a wheelchair user before I’d even had the chance to look vaguely quizzical over access.
So we were straight into the main foyer with the toilets, cloakroom and the bar…of course…all at hand. And the auditorium just curtained off about 5 metres, (or yards) in front of me.
Accessible bathroom?
This is located just off the foyer. I used it but forgot to take any photos, so the one below is courtesy of euansguide.com
Did we get an accessible box this time?
What do you think? Lightening doesn’t strike twice?! Not to me in any event. But the seats were great nonetheless.
They were situated at the back of the stalls. If anyone is considering the Adelphi and scratching their head over the seating plan, the seats, (for staying in your wheelchair), are in Row X of the stalls, adjacent to the Sound Desk.
Final thoughts…Is The Adelphi Theatre accessible?
Yes, yes and yes again. I stayed in my wheelchair throughout the performance and had a great view and theatre experience generally.
In conclusion, it’s thanks to @WaitressLondon at The Adelphi Theatre for an amazing night.
Bye for now. David
