Accessible London theatres: what’s showing now

The Girl has found out the following about accessible theatres in London. We did the research for our own benefit, but I realised it might be useful to post it here in case anyone's looking for accessible theatres. We have already been to see Evita at the Adelphi - access was pretty good. All the theatres listed below say that they are accessible (although how accessible may vary.)

The Girl says: Disabled people and their companion should get massively discounted tickets at every London theatre (at least half price). [lilwatchergirl says: You usually won't need proof of disability, as long as you've booked through the dedicated access line, but it might be helpful to bring something e.g. proof of DLA or incapacity benefit, or a London 'freedom pass', if you're not in a wheelchair.] Ask the individual theatre whether the seats are 'transfer', meaning you have to get out of a wheelchair and into a seat, or if they have wheelchair spaces. [lilwatchergirl says: Transfer spaces have a much better view, on the whole!] If you do not need a wheelchair, they can also tell you which seats have the most legroom. Infrared systems and induction loops should be available everywhere and, occasionally, theatres do audio described performances (mostly the National, Royal Court and RSC).

There are 3 major players in London Theatre, who own most of the theatres in the West End. They are Delfont Mackintosh, The Really Useful Group and the Ambassador Theatre Group. Take note of the service you receive at the theatre itself, as well as when booking, because it gives you an indication of how the whole company works and the service you are likely to receive elsewhere. Also, if you have a good or bad experience, The Girl would love to hear about it on gavroche2000@hotmail.com .

Good luck and have a great night out!

Sharon (The Girl)

P.S The website that I have found the most useful is the wonderful http://www.theatremonkey.com/ .

Phone numbers given are the theatres' public helplines, for the theatre box office. Ask them about disabled people's discounts. However, for the Apollo, Cambridge, Adelphi, Palladium or Lyric theatres, the dedicated disabled people's helpline is 020 7087 7960 (See Theatre Relations).

Currently showing:

Adelphi - Evita

Apollo - Glass Menagerie

Apollo Victoria - Wicked - 020 7828 7074

Cambridge - Chicago

Coliseum - On the Town

Dominion - We will Rock You - 020 7636 2295

Duke of York - Little Shop of Horrors - 020 7565 6485

Palladium - Sound of Music

Lyceum - Lion King - 020 7420 8113

Lyric - Cabaret

Coward - Avenue Q - 0870 950 0920

Old Vic - The Entertainer - 0870 060 6628

Piccadilly - Guys and Dolls - 0870 060 6630

Playhouse - Dancing In The Streets - 0870 060 6631

Prince Edward - Mary Poppins - 020 7447 5400

Savoy - Porgy and Bess - 0870 164 8787

Victoria Palace - Billy Elliot - 020 7834 1317

Soho - Someone Else’s Shoes - 0870 429 6883

Olivier - Man of Mode - 020 7452 3000

Lyttleton - Attempts on her Life - 020 7452 3000

Cottesloe - The Reporter - 020 7452 3000

Royal Opera House - The Tempest - 020 7304 4000 (you have to be on the access list to get discount- ring them to find out)

Royal Court - Leaves - 020 7565 5000