Overview

Once tickets are booked it is OK but, actually booking those tickets is not so easy. Registering needs is easy and can be done online, I used my ACCESS card but they accept most things for both the disabled visitor and an essential companion. However, unlike companies such as ATG who allow online booking as easy for guests with needs as it is for able bodied patrons, for years Royal & Derngate have promised to make this provision soon but, essentially, tickets must still be booked over the phone which just will not suit everyone or, indeed, in person. As for the provision provided on the day I have this to say and I can see it from both sides: In my case, I am actually entitled to have an essential companion along with me because of my own disabilities but, if I go with my friend as his essential companion for the evening, we cannot share the experience which is essential to him because I cannot experience the performance at all. Indeed, one cannot even pay for a full price ticket and enjoy the show the same as the person in a wheelchair as like as not, the seat will be behind that other wheelchair user unless they get lucky and that is missing an important element of what we all need, companionship. They could, I feel, do much better. On a positive as an ambulant user I am offered a good seat and likewise my companion. There were no stairs to negotiate, it was all flat access. On the whole, take this review as positive with some constructive suggestions to improve.

Transport & Parking

I do not know about public transport, certainly not so much as what times buses might be after an evening performance. The train station is some considerable distance and taxis are expensive. Parking outside is not assured, it really does depend on who gets there first. The car park at the back has hit and miss level ground into the theatre. I would certainly say that when I have previously pushed a wheelchair it was really rather bouncy.

Access

If talking strictly about Disabled access, ie, just for the disabled visitor, it's excellent. If someone needs a wheelchair space that is fine, their view might be quite good. However, their essential companion may well see none of the performance themselves because their view will almost certainly be restricted by another wheelchair user directly in front of them. On one occasion, the user in the front row was in a chair such that even my disabled friend had a poor view in his wheelchair and I had none.

Toilets

Mainly good but can form queues and, naturally, able bodied people use them too as they just ask someone to leave the door for them.

Staff

Always found all the staff to be really friendly and keen to assist.

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