Overview

I had only been to one event at Eden Court since the Pandemic due to shielding and it was in a marquee so I was really looking forward to an indoor performance but also a bit apprehensive at the same time. I felt that the entrance has a subtly different feeling to it; it had a real buzz and had the reception area had some new events screens to watch while people waited there. The theatre is still just as accessible as before, in fact, I felt that it was easier to get inside the theatre and to my space. I also found an accessible programme at Reception listing all the embedded access performances too so I was really impressed. The play (James IV, Queen of the Fight) was sensational as were all the actors and I would definitely recommend it if anyone else can still catch it on its tour. Rona Munro’s script really shone out as the star for me though and I can still remember certain lines from it, so it must have been good! I particularly loved the last scene which really emphasised one of the central messages of the play; our history is complicated and things haven’t changed for people of colour as much as we would like to hope they have.

Transport & Parking

There are eight disabled parking spaces available onsite; it was busy so we parked in a drop -off point next to the disabled parking and displayed the Blue Badge; it seemed ok. The road surface is tarmac and easy to negotiate. The theatre is about a 15-20 minute wheel/walk from both bus and train stations in the centre of Inverness.

Access

The entrance on the ground floor is really accessible with automatic doors and loads of space to manoeuvre and I was really impressed with the new embedded access programme. If they had had a Changing Places toilet I would have given 5 stars. I took part in a performance project here a few years ago and to stay all day meant asking the local hospital next door to let me use their hoist; without it, I wouldn't have been able to take part. The main lift is brilliant with lots of space but I found the lift to the other parts of the building where my classes used to be held a bit tight for a powerchair. The accessible seating in the cinemas is also brilliant for a powerchair with a great view from the box. There were two wheelchair spaces available at the space I booked in The Empire Theatre; the space was great for me and I had an amazing view.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet available inside the theatre on the ground floor. The toilet was clean with room to manoeuvre, grab rails and a red cord.

Staff

Staff were amazing and directed me safely to my seat also offering assistance during the performance.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There were hand sanitisers available at most of the main areas of the theatre, the entrance and the toilets. It was so lovely to be back at an indoor performance.

Photos