Overview

The booking for this show was amazing, as it allowed: - Free tickets for up to 2 essential companions, with varying forms of 'proof'. - A range of contact methods, and really good opening hours including evenings and weekends. - Detailed access information on their easy to navigate website. It even let those with Young Bridge memberships to book seats not included in the ‘offers’ if necessary due to access needs - this included dates of the run and areas of the auditorium. They also have flexible price bands so people who require a more expensive seat simply because it meets their access needs does not have to pay more than they may otherwise choose (or be able) to. This is especially important after the most recent survey: https://www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/extra-costs/disability-price-tag-2023/ The physical accommodations at this venue were great, and they had all kinds of assisted performances too! Things to mention that aren't online: - Separate queues for the bar and merchandise stalls for those who struggle to wait in line. - Wheelchair friendly terrain throughout the building facilitating LOTS of independence. - No overhang in the way due to the layout of seats, however more of a side view than expected when sitting anywhere other than the stalls. People with dynamic disabilities or who are chronically ill were actively considered in the refund policy and their money was protected should they have to cancel or reschedule due to a medical reason. This was phenomenal and refreshing to see. Very few limitations on their readmittance policy which makes sense since they had a chill out space with a show relay should you chose to watch from there instead of your seat at any point (for WHATEVER reason, and WITHOUT being challenged or judged might I add). Honestly, if they had put the cast & creative's pronouns in the program I could have called it flawless but my intersectionality advocate hat is on too firmly to ignore that.

Transport & Parking

The lack of level access tube stations is no one's fault but TFL's and they are currently working to improve that however it is a long, slow, and unreliable process. Thankfully, the surrounding areas of the theatre are very modern and therefore flat, so I found that I didn't actually have to rely on public transport to get me as close as I usually would as I could just roll the uncovered distance. I certainly wouldn't have been able to walk it though! As this location isn't as central in the city as other theaters, there are more parking options however these were still almost always full or very expensive. It's almost always easier to get a taxi yet it isn't fair that you'd have to pay out that much more than the few pounds off an oyster card just because you're disabled. I also find public transport a sensory hell - maybe we could have quiet coaches on the trains and the bottom level of every bus?

Access

As one of the few theaters that isn't a listed building, both their physical and procedural access is fantastic. More details are on their easy to navigate website: https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/accessibility/

Toilets

Would be 5 star as it was a very good loo, but there are no changing places :(

Staff

Staff of that demographic (mostly older volunteers) are typically the people who I try not to ask for help as I get questioned or belittled the most from them. However they had clearly undertaken appropriate disability equality training and were able to answer questions about the show and allowed me a free upgrade as I really couldn't see from where I was - despite the seat being advertised as unrestricted view online.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

None in place at all. Not a single mask or even left over social distancing sign. Would not recommend if you are still shielding. But I would absolutely go back!