The Book of Mormon & Prince of Wales Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for your continued support for Access for All to the Arts. The Book of Mormon, Broadway's hit musical, that opened on Broadway in March 2011 and was followed by a successful US tour, opened in the West End in February 2013. Conceived by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone whilst working on the successful TV series ‘South Park’, the show came from modest beginnings to be one of the most popular Broadway shows of the past decade.

"The show tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries who are sent to a small town in Uganda to bring news of the Latter Day Saints. They are shocked at the cultural differences, as a War Lord threatens the local villages and controls the area by fear. Both missionaries attempt to share the scriptures with the local people, although only one of them knows it well enough. Famine, poverty and AIDS threaten the town, and the duo must battle their own beliefs in order to succeed and make a change. The show is an edgy and sometimes outrageous satire musical which takes shots at everything from organised religion to consumerism, the state of the economy and the musical theatre genre itself. Robert Lopez is no stranger to controversial musicals, after co-writing the score and lyrics for the 2003 puppet musical Avenue Q which shocked many audience members and general public at the time. Just like Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon went on to win the Tony Award for Best New Musical."

Access Information: The Prince of Wales Theatre is in Coventry Street, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. If you are a wheelchair or scooter user then the area is serviced well with dropped kerbs. There is level Access to the foyer and stalls seating area for wheelchair and scooter users and those who have difficulty using stairs. Access to the box office is step free and there is also a low level counter at both the box office and merchandise kiosk. Wheelchair spaces are located at the back of the stalls and have dedicated companion seats next to them. There are also several options for transfer seats in the stalls, which are completely step-free.

Assistance dogs are allowed into the auditorium, alternatively a member of staff can dog-sit during the performance. There is a limit for the number of dogs allowed into the theatre per performance, so please make sure you inform the box office at the time of booking. There is an infra-red system in the auditorium and an induction loop at the box office. Accessible and adapted toilets are available via the lift in the foyer. This lift will also give wheelchair users and those unable to use stairs, Access to the Delfont and stalls bar. An Access host is always available before, during and after each performance should you have any questions.

The Book of Mormon is one of the most popular shows in London right now, and as such often has very limited tickets available. It is unlikely that you will be able to get tickets on the day (although, I have heard of a few people who have been able to) so booking plenty of time in advance is highly advisable. For bookings for all Access needs, please call the Delfont Theatres Access Line on 0844 482 5137 and select the option for the Prince of Wales theatre which will put you directly through to the box office. Patrons with Access needs are usually able to get a heavily discounted ticket for both themselves and one companion. Performances are Monday - Saturday at 7:30pm and Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30pm.

Strangers On A Train & The Gielgud Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for helping to support Access for All to the Arts. Next month sees the opening of 'Strangers On A Train' at the Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.

"Two strangers. One conversation. The perfect murder. A seemingly innocent conversation soon turns into a nightmarish and dangerous reality for Guy Haines when he meets Charles Bruno on a train journey. Ahead lies a lethal nightmare of blackmail and psychological torment that threatens to cost Guy his career, his marriage and his sanity. His choice: to kill, or to be framed for a murder he didn't commit. Get on board for the West End's most gripping new thriller, as the classic Strangers on a Train opens at the Gielgud Theatre. Written by Craig Warner and based on Patricia Highsmith's acclaimed novel, inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock's legendary movie, this new stage production stars, Laurence Fox (Guy), Jack Huston (Bruno), Christian McKay (Gerard), Miranda Raison (Anne), Imogen Stubbs (Elsie) and MyAnna Buring (Miriam)."

Access Information: The Access entrance to the auditorium is located through the third side EXIT door on Rupert Street (alongside the theatre). Ask a member of staff at the main entrance to open this for you. There is one 12cm step up into the theatre at this entrance. For wheelchair and scooter users, and those who cannot manage the step, ask a member of staff for the ramp to be placed over this (this is usually done automatically anyway). There is step free Access to row B in the Dress Circle. Seats B5 and B30 can be removed to provide 2 spaces for wheelchair users, with a companion seat next to them. These seats can also be used as transfer seats and for those who cannot manage steps. From here there is 1 step between each row. You cannot see a very small part of the stage from the angle of seats B5 and B30 because of a safety rail in front of Row A. It isn't much of a restriction and shouldn't disturb the enjoyment of the performance.

There is an infra-red system in the auditorium with 12 headsets available – Free hire upon production of ID. Please collect these from foyer kiosk or ask your companion to do so if you cannot manage steps. You will be asked to sign a receipt. It is advised that you check the availability of the headsets before booking, please call 0844 482 5137. Assistance dogs are allowed into the auditorium or alternatively staff are happy to dog sit during the performance. Please let the box office know of your requirements at time of booking as only a limited number of dogs can be in the building for any one performance. There is an adapted toilet in the Foyer bar that can be reached by a side corridor from the Dress Circle. The Foyer bar is step free from the Dress Circle. DFT have a dedicated Access staff member for each performance, so if you have any questions, they should be happy to help.

'Strangers On A Train' opens at The Gielgud on 2nd November and runs until 22nd February 2014. For Access bookings, including discounted seats for those with a disability and a companion, please call the Access line on 0844 482 5137. This will go to DFT's main number, please select the option for The Gielgud and you will then be put through directly to the box office onsite.

Chariots of Fire @ The Gielgud Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for helping to support Access for All to the Arts.

Chariots of Fire: "Adapted from the legendary Oscar-winning movie, this spectacular and ingenious retelling of Eric Liddell's and Harold Abrahams' quest to become the fastest men on earth is an electrifying and immensely moving tale of two men's rivalry, and their unwavering determination to conquer the world in the face of prejudice, immovable beliefs and overwhelming odds. Featuring the original, hugely iconic Vangelis score and a magnificent ensemble cast, Chariots of Fire brings alive the incredible true story of two British athletes whose honour, sacrifice and courage brought them glory and immortality on the greatest sporting stage of all." Chariots of Fire is 'running' at the Gielgud Theatre, on Shaftesbury Avenue, until the 2nd February 2013. Performances are on Monday-Saturday evenings at 7.45pm and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3.00pm. Please note that there will be some changes to the performance schedule over the Christmas and new year period. To see the schedule for this time visit The Gielgud Theatre Website For Country, For Honour, Forever.

Access Information: If you are a wheelchair or scooter user, just notify someone at the front of the theatre upon arrival and a side Exit door will be opened for you on Rupert Street (third door along). There is one step at this door but there is ramp that can be placed over it to allow for access. There is step-free access to the foyer bar where there is also an accessible WC. There are 2 dedicated wheelchair spaces in the dress circle (at either end of row B). Alternatively, if you can transfer, seats B5 and B30 in the dress circle are step-free. The theatre has an infra-red system with 12 headsets that can be borrowed from the foyer - note that a receipt must be signed for the use of these upon presenting ID. Assistance dogs are allowed into the auditorium, alternatively, staff can sit with the dog during the performance. Everyone at the theatre is extremely helpful and has great disability awareness. Please be aware that strobe lighting and a starting pistol are used during this production.

Discounted Access tickets are available to those with a disability and a companion (depending on availability at each performance). To book Access tickets for Chariots of Fire, please call Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Access line on 0844 482 5137 and select the option for the Gielgud Theatre. This takes you directly through to the box office at the theatre.

The Ladykillers @ The Gielgud

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for your continued support for disabled access to the arts in London.

The Ladykillers opened at The Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue last month. Based on the celebrated Ealing comedy, it is a new adaption by Graham Linehan (Father Ted) and directed by Sean Foley (The Play What I Wrote).

"THE LADYKILLERS is a classic black comedy; a sweet little old lady, alone in her house, is pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing...

Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the lopsided house of sweet but strict Mrs Wilberforce. The villains plot to involve her, unwittingly, in Marcus’ brilliantly conceived heist job. The police are left stumped but Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse and Marcus concludes that there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet. With only her parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs W. is alone with five desperate men. But who will be forced to face the music?"

Booking has now extended until the 14th April 2012. To book Access tickets to The Ladykillers, call the dedicated Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Access line on 0844 482 5137 - follow the options to The Gielgud Theatre and you will be connected directly with the theatre box office. Access rates and concessions are available to those with disabilities and a companion/carer.

For all other ticket types, you can book online HERE

If you are a wheelchair or scooter user, just notify someone at the front of the theatre upon arrival and a side Exit door will be opened for you on Rupert Street (third door along). There is one step at this door but there is ramp that can be placed over it to allow for access. There is step-free access to the foyer bar where there is also an accessible WC.

There are 2 dedicated wheelchair spaces in the dress circle (at either end of row B). Alternatively, if you can transfer, seats B5 and B30 in the dress circle are step-free. The theatre has an infra-red system with 12 headsets that can be borrowed from the foyer - note that a receipt must be signed for the use of these upon presenting ID. Assistance dogs are allowed into the auditorium, alternatively, staff can sit with the dog during the performance. Everyone at the theatre is extremely helpful and has great disability awareness.


COMING SOON: Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot, Royal Albert Hall update