Since I was small, I was lucky enough that the Theatre Royal was a regular trip out for me. I have always been a theatre lover, and before becoming ill I was training to become a professional dancer, so my parents took me to countless ballets so I could watch what I had aspired to be. Becoming disabled hasn't stoped my love for theatre itself, but often I have had negative experiences with theatre trips right from booking tickets all the way to seating. Which is why, when I have a positive experience especially, I want to share it.
The theatre has what I would call 'standard practice' for many things. This includes:
- A booking system (which includes text if deaf) that allows you to bring a free carer if you fit their criteria. In the past, I have also purchased a discounted box when I needed extra room when I had all my family and was particularly unwell so needed to lie down at intervals.
- 9 wheelchair spaces which are well spaced out which allows for reclining chairs and general room. Sunderland Empire try and fit that number on one side of their auditorium and trust me, it doesn't work. They also have wedges so that your wheelchair will be on the flat instead of the slope.
- Disabled toilets which include the 'not all illnesses are visible' sign (another well done)
- Allow all working dogs and have the correct signage
- Sound enhancement which can be used with or without a hearing aid. Headsets can also be borrowed.
- Captioning and audio descriptive performances
- Lift to all floors
- Button on entry to open doors
- Relaxed performances
Then, the theatre has what I would call 'enhanced practice' for a few things. These are what I would personally class as a place really going above and beyond to cater for disabled people.
- Dog sitting service. Now this is what I really wanted to talk about. The theatre has an area where they look after your working dog (free of charge!) whilst you are in the performance and bring him/her out to you at the interval. I was nervous of trying this today as Spencer does suffer with separation anxiety, but, he had a full 2 hours playing with all the theatre staff as well as so many cuddles that when we left he put him paws up on the counter to give them all a kiss bye. This stopped him from being stood on at a busy performance and with a lot of loud special effects he will have been much more settled out in the foyer.
- Content notes which include times of noise, lights & effects. As someone who has to wear earplugs at every performance, knowing where the loud bangs were going to be really did help ease both my anxiety and I could prepare. I often have to wear sunglasses with the lights and if my asthma is bad a smoke machine could trigger an attack (which is why I carry my mask) so being able to skim through the content was so useful to me. I know this would be useful for anyone who was attending with someone with additional needs when it wasn't a relaxed performance too.
- Staff which care. The staff were superb to both Spencer and I today from looking after us to changing our seats last minute so I could stay in my wheelchair as my blood pressure was bad today. Accommodating, friendly and approachable. Just what you want.
So, I know overall they are amazing, but I wouldn't be an honest review without featuring a few points to keep in mind:
- They have one small lift which can just about fit a standard wheelchair + carer, or a large wheelchair. A lot of people use this lift as it goes to all floors, which is why I recommend that even though they are more expensive tickets that the stalls are always your best bet. I've sat in the grand circle before and it took me along time to get down, so keep that in mind.
- The parking is difficult. Not the theatres problem, but the council got rid of the disabled spaces right outside the theatre (thanks a lot). You now have to park in Dene Street car park (free for disabled) which only has 5/6 spaces but is one heck of a push for manual chairs. That's if you can't get parked on the main street but I've never seen a space there. Ever.
- Their toilets are not 'changing spaces'. It's 2019 and I've got a feeling that changing spaces are going to grow. The disabled toilets at the theatre are okay, they have all the correct equipment it's just they're not particularly big. I couldn't get my (very large mind you) power chair into it easily so decided to walk and saw a carer struggling helping another adult. I know we can't magic up space but that's my only criticism.
Theatre Royal, you have been wonderful to me (and my dog) so thank you for making what usually is a stressful outing so much easier. We can't wait to come back again. If you want to see what they have on, check out the theatre's website here
Kate and Spencer x
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