Overview

I feared I would never be able to manage the theatre again after becoming disabled, but The RSC at Stratford make all possible. I rang up the box office, was offered the option of a discount and free carer ticket because I have a blue badge. I could have chosen my own tickets but not having been for a long time, I let them choose for me, after I filled in the form with my requirements. It was all very efficient. We enjoyed the play very much. The acting was excellent and I was perfectly comfortable all the time because the seats were nice i.e. not benches. It was good to be able to do something I used to do pre-accident without fear, though we did go down and stay in a hotel to make it all easier. We saw an excellent adaptation of The Merchant of Venice, and hope to go back in future to see more plays.

Transport & Parking

There is no parking there but we got a taxi from the hotel.

Access

There were ramps up to the theatre, quite steep but with a handrail, which always helps. The ramps at the other end (where the main auditorium is) were gentler as there was more space. Both the Swan and the main auditorium are in the same building. The shop was all level access apart from a small ramp half way along. Racks spaced out with enough room for a wheelchair or walker. Could have done with more seating in the bar area. (someone offered me her seat). There were three steps up to the auditorium, with handrails, but there was also a lift up them. In the theatre itself, there are wheelchair places, and the whole of one row (H, I think ) was step free. You can't keep a walker with you (or a wheelchair if you transfer) but the staff mind it for you and bring it back when you need it. I used my stick to get back to it, because of the crowds. The booking office chose my seats for me. I got a cheaper ticket and my carer went free, so they really do try hard to encourage disabled people to attend.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet on every floor as well as one in the bar area. Plenty of space and very clean.

Staff

All the staff were fantastic. They could not have been any more helpful or welcoming. Our play ended an hour before the one in the main auditorium, and I was allowed to sit on a stool near where the monitor screen was, to wait for our taxi out of the very cold wind. I felt confident my walker was being looked after during the play, and at the end I decided to do the three steps, as there was a queue of wheelchairs for the lift, and one of the staff asked me what she could do to help. She minded my handbag and protected me while I got down them on my stick and handrail, while my husband lifted my walker down. She treated me just like a normal person, asking if I had enjoyed the play, which I much appreciated.