Overview

Accessible theatre in the centre of Cambridge.

Transport & Parking

The theatre is about a 30 minute walk from Cambridge train station and is in the city centre, near the Market Square. There are buses that stop nearby.

Access

There are 3 entrances to the theatre, all of which are step free. We had tickets in the stalls, so didn't visit the upper floors of the theatre, but there was a lift providing step free access. When we arrived the doors of the auditorium hadn't opened. The area outside the stalls had a narrow corridor. There was a bar with the counter at standing height. Round the corner there were 2 seats. In the opposite direction by the bix office there was more space but a standing are only. No other seating was available so I ended up standing, which is difficult with my crutch. There was a sign saying large bags could not be taken into the auditorium, see photo. I had a small handbag with me so I was ok but my friend had to put her rucksack in the cloakroom which was upstairs. On the theatre's website there is an access page and a map of the seating plan, however this does not provide any access information. The stalls were we sat are step free with a slope down to the stage.

Toilets

The accessible toilet on the ground floor where the stalls are is adjacent to where the queue is for the ladies toilets, so there is not much space. the toilet has a sign saying "Special Needs Use Only", as a disabled person I feel that the signage should not use euphemisms, and there is a wheelchair symbol. The door to the toilet folds up and there are grab rails and an emergency cord. The toilet was blocked when I first visited and would not flush. I reported it to the box office staff and it was fixed by the interval.

Staff

Staff followed up regarding the blocked toilet quickly and agreed to feedback my comments about the wording on the accessible toilet door. Although my friend said that her rucksack folded up she was told she needed to deposit it in the clockroom and it felt that the rules were rigedly applied. I'm not sure how this would be managed if someone needed to keep a large bag with them because of quick access to medicines. etc.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

We really enjoyed the production of Agatha Christie's The Mirror Crack'd. On the surface the theatre ticks the boxes regarding accessibility but I feel as someone with a mobility disability there are things that could be done to make it more comfortable for disabled people. While I would go back it would not be my first choice and I would only return if there wasn't the option to see the production at another venue.

Photos