Overview

The Wyndham Theatre,London (Review) In January I booked to see Donmar Warehouse’s production of “Next to Normal” for 9th September. It transferred to The Wyndham Theatre and opened on 18th June 2024 for a limited thirteen-week run ending on 21st September 2024. This musical has been touted as a must see of the summer and it was a brilliant production! This theatre only has two wheelchair and two companion/PA spaces available and these are in Box A, which is stated as being in the stalls but in reality it is accessed directly from Charing Cross Road and not the stalls. The reviews I have read make it sound as if you enter the theatre from Charing Cross Road and then a platform lift once inside takes you down to Box A ;but this is not accurate. Box A and Accessible Seating When we arrived at just before 7pm we were told we could wait in the foyer until the stalls were open, but I would have to wait for the ramp to access the foyer. This ramp never materialised and the host told us that we could go to Box A. We were not expecting what happened next. The host opened a double door onto Charing Cross Road and there was the platform lift waiting to lower me into Box A complete with carpet. Next to the platform lift was a four steep steps with a handrail down into Box A for the companions/PA’s to access the box. While you are seated in the box the platform lift becomes part of the floor which means that if there are two wheelchair users the first to arrive has to move to the left of the box for another wheelchair user to enter. The box is very small and we found it tight with just myself and friend, so if you had another wheelchair and their companion I don’t know how it would work. Accessible Toilet The only accessible toilet in the theatre is only available for those patrons using Box A, anyone else needing an accessible toilet has to go to an adjacent theatre. However, accessing the accessible toilet is a trial in itself. The toilet is on the right side of the box which meant I had to stand up and move my powerchair and walk into the toilet (I am able to walk a few steps). This toilet was in all essence a large broom cupboard and in my opinion not fit for purpose. If you are a wheelchair user who needs to transfer from your chair then forget it as the toilet is too small for the smallest of chairs and my powerchair is considered a small 10J. The final thing is the door had a weird way of opening as it folds in two so you have to push/pull. Final Thoughts It is obvious that Box A is built under the stairs. The box’s double doors open directly onto the street it was cold inside the box and I could not see any form of heating in the box, I was glad I had my denim jacket. Also, we could hear the odd police car go by. This was not an issue because it was a musical but if it was a play the noise would cause issue.

Transport & Parking

The theatre is is Charing Cross Road so there is no parking. We used the Elizabeth Line from Woolwich to Tottenham Court Road. Staff at tube stations I found very helpful and made sure there was assistance if I needed it.

Access

I visited several websites including Delfont Mackintosh's about access into the theatre and it sounded as if you enter the theatre and then accessed Box A via a small platform lift. In reality there are double doors which open out on to Charing Cross Road and you enter the box from here. The platform lift felt unsafe to use and one inside the doors are locked. It was like being in a cupboard under the stairs (in fact it was).

Toilets

There was one accessible lift on the right side of Box A. It is opened by a pushing and pulling the door which folds in 2/3 and a 1/3. The toilet was very small and not large enough to take a wheelchair inside if you needed to transfer. I can walk a few steps so I left by chair in the box as I knew I would not get it into the toilet. The toilet had a emergency chord and pull down grabrail. But it was a cupboard in all essence.

Staff

When we arrived at 7pm and could not enter the box as they needed to find the key. We were told that we could wait in the foyer but they needed to locate a ramp which never materialised. The host was polite and tried her best. They got us drinks and whatever we needed. there was a call button in the box.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Because the doors of the box open directly onto Charing Cross Road and they didn't fit snug it was very cold even for September. I have concerns on what would happen in an emergency because there is no escape. The box is not large enough for two wheelchairs and two companions. Because I don't know how someone could move to allow the other person to use the toilet. If you are someone who requires a disabled toilet and sitting in the stalls you have to go to an adjacent theatre and use their accessible toilet.