Next To Normal Show
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This review is especially helpful for those who have or use the following: Walking Aid, Sign Language, Wheelchair, Powerchair, Hidden Impairment, Autism, Learning Disability
Overview
I won't be mentioning the booking process or financial subsidiaries in place for this show at the moment as I'm currently in talks with the theatre about improving these! I will say that, while this work is still in progress, they made sure I was able to utilize future policies NOW so I didn't miss out on this whopper of a show. Firstly, other access elements: Their website is great and easy to navigate, with lots of detailed information on it (eg. accounts of the physical space including the number of stairs, lift specifications and wheelchair accessible entrances). A show with themes as heavy as this one means it is so important that the trigger warnings are available & accurate and the Donmar did NOT disappoint! QR codes leading to supportive resources everywhere, pages dedicated to it in the programme, and ushers who knew how to answer any questions about it. Brilliantly done and it just goes to show that professional input in these matters really makes a difference. Again, I would always recommend having people's pronouns in their bio, or at least the option for this, and adding audio described and relaxed performances to the run!
Transport & Parking
The cobbles outside the theatre make me want to cry sometimes but, as usual, the lack of level access tube stations is no one's fault but TFL's and they are currently working to improve that. However, this is a long, slow, and unreliable process and, in the meantime, central London locations like this rarely have much parking nearby and when they do it is 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
The lift is not only functioning, but lovely to look at and use! Really nicely built into the space. As I said, the physical accommodations are great, it's just the procedural elements that need some work.
Toilets
All 'accessible' and gender neutral. Love it. Felt so comfortable!
Staff
The staff have clearly attended some great DET sessions as the customer service for me (as someone with additional requirements - including the need to possibly leave and then return to the auditorium despite their no re-admittance rule) was faultless!
Anything else you wish to tell us?
No c0v!d precautions in place but you wouldn't be judged if you chose to wear a mask! Be aware, the seats are very close together in quite an intimate auditorium. There is, however, standing space at the back of the circle so a little flexibility there.
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