A View That Rocks! (but more spaces please!)
Visit date:
Overview
Currently showing the 'School of Rock' musical - which was excellent - the New London Theatre is in Drury Lane, the heart of Theatre Land. I was surprised by the limited number of spaces for wheelchair users, however those which were there, had a very good view of the stage.
Transport & Parking
The venue is in the middle of London's West End, so driving and parking would be difficult. There are various public transport options; buses, taxis, underground (the nearest is Covent Garden) but it would depend upon your individual needs which would be most suitable.
Access
The entrance is flat and generally the front doors are held open when a performance is on, there are also theatre/security staff at the doors. Anyone requiring accessibility assistance is advised to go to the main desk just inside the front door, and a member of staff will then help you. This theatre has a lot of stairs! Though in the theatre itself there is more leg-room at the seats, than is found in several other theatres. Wheelchair access is via a lift at the stage door, which you are taken to by staff. (I did not personally see/use the lift) The stalls are tiered, at the back is two removable seats (row S), which can accommodate two wheelchairs instead. This did not seem particularly spacious, especially if it were two power- wheelchairs being used. However, because the seats are tiered/on levels, the view from here is actually very good, and quite central to the stage. There are also three seats people can use if transferring from their wheelchair/scooter, and these will get stored for them.
Toilets
I am rating this purely on its location, as I didn't go into the toilet. From the wheelchair spaces in the theatre, a door to the corridor is directly behind them and this is where the accessible toilet is - very close. The toilet was locked but with a sign on it saying this was so it was only used by people with disabilities, and that staff could be asked to open it. (A radar key may have also done it!)
Staff
I didn't have much need to ask for staff assistance, but all seemed friendly when showing people to seats etc.
Anything else you wish to tell us?
Excellent show, worth going to see!
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