Entertainment
Text taken from the 2003 guide. Some sample surveys of music venues are included.
Gaining access to entertainment has got considerably easier over the years, although there's still room for improvement and in a few places the provision has got worse rather than better in recent years. This is largely to do with perceived safety issues, and the more rigorous application of fire regulations. Local authorities are almost paranoid about the criticism that would be made in the media if something went wrong, and by the increasing tendency for people to copy America with an immediate rush to litigation if there's a hassle. In this context, the DDA is something of a mixed blessing - mainly good, as it encourages people to do all kinds of things they would otherwise not have done, but bad if it stops people from doing something because it cannot (for example) be made entirely wheelchair compatible. The biggest ongoing problems in relation to access to entertainment in London are to do with parking and the transport system together with some at the oldest venues which were built long before 'access' was an issue. There are also problems in finding a suitable restaurant or pub near the venue that has step free access and a disabled persons toilet. There is information about this in the chapter entitled Pubs and bars, but most places in central London don't fulfil that basic requirement.
Artsline
(Tel: 020 7388-2227) can provide additional and updated information about most venues. They will have, or can get, information about signed performances, concessionary prices, and whether or not guide dogs can be admitted to the auditorium. The staff there have lots of experience and are interesting people to talk to. Concessions for disabled walkers are not as common as for chair users. Pensioners can often go to matinee performances at reduced rates, and some venues have concessions for the unwaged. Many venues admit chair users and/or registered disabled patrons at a reduced price. Artsline can advise about the details.
We have not attempted to cover these issues in the guide, as concessions are based on a variety of criteria, and signed performances only happen occasionally.
Cinemas
Since the guide was last published, provisions at cinemas have improved enormously. Initially it was the UCI group who introduced multi-screen cinemas with chair spaces in every screen and step free access. Then Warner Brothers (WB) came on the scene, and largely set the pace and the standard. Their Leicester Square cinema is fully accessible although without easy parking. The ones in the suburbs at places like Croydon, Finchley, Harrow and Park Royal are good in every way. They are unequalled from an access viewpoint in that there are nearby parking with BB spaces, step free access to all screens which also have chair spaces, and there are disabled persons toilets off the foyers. At many sites there are other nearby facilities, including bowling alleys, restaurants and popular fast food outlets. Add to those the UCI multiscreen cinemas at Whiteleys (Queensway), Lee Valley and Sutton; and the UGC at Staples Corner, and it is clear that things are improving. Now the Odeon group has opened its first multiplex in Kingston.
Other cinemas which have really good access include the Curzon Soho, Premier in Peckham, the Ritzy in Brixton, the Rio in Kingsland and the Showcase and Cineworld in Wood Green.
There are still problems because of the number of older 1930's cinemas have been converted into cinemas with several screens. The 'main' screen is often in the circle of the old cinema and accessed only by steps, often 30+. However, a good number of the GF screens (usually 2 and 3) have chair spaces with step free access, possibly through a side exit.
Theatres
London offers a huge range of theatre, and there is a somewhat blurred distinction between mainstream performances in the mainly Victorian and Edwardian theatres, and those in generally smaller venues, many of which are away from the West End, and are called the 'fringe'. We have adopted a strictly geographical approach, and the theatres listed as central are those in the West End and City areas. The theatres listed in the guide can nearly all accommodate chair users, mostly with step free access, but where there are barriers, these are described. Many of the venues have an adapted toilet and a good number have an infra-red sound system. Just a few in very old Victorian and Edwardian buildings cannot yet accommodate chair users who need to stay in their chairs.
Trying out some of the fringe shows has always been a slightly haphazard pleasure. The really brilliant shows tend to get noticed and are booked out very quickly. If you want to get to these, keep your eyes open on the weekly Time Out reviews, among others. There are many other good shows, and others that don't quite come off, but may be interesting nonetheless.
Theatre staff tend to be able to recognise the needs of a chair user fairly readily, as they're relatively clear. The needs of disabled walkers are rather more varied, and you're more likely to have to spell out what you need, and to ask more questions. Usually the easiest (step free) access will be the same as for a chair user, and the easiest seats to get to will be on the same level as any chair spaces. However, you may also need a reasonable amount of leg room, and some seats have more then others. You may alternatively want to be near a toilet, and may prefer to book an outer aisle seat which is well placed in that respect.
The SOLT/Artsline Access Guide to London's West End Theatres contains a great deal of additional information. The SOLT website www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk will be regularly updated.
Music venues
A multi-purpose venue has been built in Docklands, which we list first, along with Wembley.
London Arena Limeharbour E14 9TH
Tel: 020 7538-8880 BO 020 7538-1212 DisEnq: 020 7538-2288
website: www.londonarena.co.uk e-mail: angela.ivey@londonarena.co.uk
By the junction with East Ferry Road, and 50m from Crossharbour DLR station. The Arena is a huge modern multi-purpose venue. It has a capacity of 13,000, and puts on a variety of events. As a result, various layouts are used. The ASDA CP about 200m away has ten BB spaces. Depending on the event, there are up to thirty-six BB spaces less than 100m away, under the DLR bridge.
The management have gone to some lengths to assure adequate access for both chair users and disabled walkers. Disabled patrons will normally use the flat VIP entrance some 25m from the main entrance. Flat access everywhere on the GF to all bars, kiosks and toilets. Lift (D80 W100 L150) to the first floor. There are usually up to thirty chair spaces, and seats with step free access. Five wheelchair toilets (all D70+ ST70+) on the GF, one in the south stand, and two each in the west and east stands.
Wembley Arena Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0DN
Tel: 020 8902-8833 BO 0870 739-0739
Used mainly for concerts and shows (sporting and children's events). There are 30+ BB spaces next to the Arena. The entrance for disabled people is to the left of the booking office. This bypasses the normal turnstiles for getting in. The main area around the arena has step free access, and there are fast food kiosks and refreshment stalls. For pop concerts there are four areas by gates 6, 12, 26 and 36, for chair users and friends. Each can accommodate up to seven chairs and has step free access. Other events may involve different layouts. There are relatively few seats with step free access, but if you want one, ask when booking.
Two wheelchair toilets (D85 ST70) with a tight 90° turn en route by gates 17 and 38 (plans to move these). The restaurant/bar on the second floor is reached by +12+12 steps (plans to provide step free access).
Rock, jazz, rave and folk Note that most of the venues listed in the guidebook have significant access barriers. All we can do is to tell you what they are. In many cases the venue management and staff will be helpful in assisting people to get in to enjoy the music and the atmosphere. As with some other things, it may be that it's more difficult for disabled walkers than it is for a chair user.