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.

Private Lives & The Gielgud Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and thank you once again for supporting Access to the Arts for All. Noel Coward's 'Private Lives' returned to the West End this Summer, to the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. "Elyot (Toby Stephens) and Amanda (Anna Chancellor) are glamorous, rich, reckless...and divorced. Five years later, their love for one another is unexpectedly rekindled when they take adjoining suites of a French hotel while honeymooning with their new spouses, Victor (Anthony Calf) and Sibyl (Anna-Louise Plowman). This chance encounter instantly reignites their passion, and they fling themselves headlong into a whirlwind of love and lust once more, without a thought for partners present or turbulences past. Following a sell-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, this much-anticipated transfer is set to blaze across the West End stage this summer in an explosive production that proves Noël Coward still has the power to thrill, provoke and delight." Performances are Monday - Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm. The running time is 2 hours 15 minutes. Private Lives is booking at the Gielgud until 21st September 2013.

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.

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.

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

Access London - Theatre Update

Welcome back to Access London and thank you once again for your support for better disability access and awareness in the Capital.

Today's post is an update for all theatre and music lovers out there...

The much anticipated Lincoln Center Theatre Production of Rodgers and Hammersteins's South Pacific is set to take the UK by storm from August this year. The show opens at The London Barbican for a 7 week run on 15th August and from then beings a UK tour to include: Milton Keynes, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Southampton and Oxford.

The production enjoyed a successful, 2 year run in New York and now UK audiences will get the chance to see the show. With a fabulously talented cast, this is one show not to be missed this summer. Access London will be seeing the show at the beginning of its run and there will be a more detailed post shortly after on this blog.

The Barbican has good Access for those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. It also has a great Access Scheme that allows you to register your personal access needs so that the best available seating and options are available to you. Blue Badge holders can also reserve a parking space, free of charge, onsite from an hour before the performance starts.

I cannot comment on the Access to all the venues featured on the UK tour so if you are wishing to see the show outside of London, I would recommend contacting the relevant theatre or venue.

To register on The Barbican's Access Scheme and book tickets for South Pacific CLICK HERE




To book tickets for all other venues on the UK tour, see the SOUTH PACIFIC UK WEBSITE



Other news sees the premature and sad closure of Lend Me A Tenor at London's Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. This production was due to run until November 2011 but it was reported over the weekend that the show will close in London on Saturday 6th August!

The show has received some fantastic reviews and I have spoken to many that have seen it and really enjoyed it. There appears to be special offers on tickets for the remainder of its run and it would be well worth going to see it before it closes.

The Gielgud is Accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter via a side door on the same street as the stage door. A member of the front of house staff will meet you at the front of the theatre and take you to the entrance which enters near the cloakroom on the dress circle level. There are 2 allocated wheelchair spaces in the dress circle and other options for those who can transfer. To book Access tickets, please call 0844 482 5137. For all other ticket types, please call 0844 482 5138.

"This uproarious new musical comedy by Peter Sham and Brad Carroll is a riotous, unpredictable explosion of mistaken identities and unexpected romance – based on the award-winning West End and Broadway hit comedy by Ken Ludwig."

"This brand-new production is directed by Olivier award-winning director Ian Talbot (High Society, Anything Goes) and choreographed by Tony-nominated choreographer Randy Skinner (42nd Street, White Christmas). The cast includes the Olivier award-winners Matthew Kelly and Joanna Riding."




COMING SOON: The London Eye, London Eye River Cruise, Access London Celebrates Phantom of the Opera's 25th.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Cast Interviews - Part 2

Welcome back to Access London, thank you for your continued support towards disability access and awareness. Yesterday I posted about the marvelous show - The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, currently playing at The Gielgud Theatre.

I came away from this show absolutely buzzing, it is a fantastic night out and quite a unique experience. For more about the show and also the access for those in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or not able to climb stairs, please scroll down to yesterday's post for all the information you need.

Also, a quick reminder about the special discounted seat offer - £20 for top price seats if you get in touch with me by leaving a comment here, emailing me at clairelouiseatroe@hotmail.com contacting me on Twitter @HorizonVA or contacting Chris Jenkins on Twitter @chrisjenko

As promised, I have another fantastic interview with a member of the cast today. Again, for yesterday's interview with Cynthia Erivo, please scroll down. Today's interview is with the charming Chris Jenkins, here's what he had to say...

AL: What can audiences expect from the show?
CJ: This show is like no other. So, audiences should not come with any expectations, I think that is the best way to approach this production. It really requires an open mind. It is basically a play sung through the beautiful music from our gorgeous band, a breath-taking set by Lez Brotherston and the usual Kneehigh physical charms from Emma Rice. When I first watched it (as I joined the cast in London), I was swept away into a dream world and it was beautiful. The best way to describe the show? - It's Life.

AL: Were you part of Umbrellas when it played in Leicester?
CJ: I was actually cast towards the end of the process and performances in Leicester. My role, for those who don't know, is Swing, which means we are here to learn everyone else's role incase someone becomes ill, injured or, takes a holiday. Due to the short length of performances in Leicester, Gillian (the other Swing) and I were not required. So, we went up to Leicester to watch the show and rehearse with the rest of the cast.

AL: As Swing, how much notice do you get to perfrom and know which role you are playing?
CJ: This can really vary! I have had well over a week's notice to cover for someone but, if someone gets injured you can get as little as a few hours. There was one time where I had to become part of the stage crew half way through Act 1 (a track I wasn't even meant to learn!) and still dance a Tango, then run off stage to get some props ready, that lasted for a few days. It really is an on-your-toes job! But it means that it's pretty impossible for me to get bored. I have a notebook that is full of notes for each role/track, it's my Bible right now.

AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
CJ: Now, I always get asked this question and I never know the answer! I have a tendency to love some really obscure musicals that no one has heard of. Ah yes, I've got a few...Legolas in Lord of the Rings, I absolutely loved that show. It was fantastic, the music, set and costumes were stunning. I saw it 4 times, the geek that I am. I'd also like to play Sidney Falco in The Smell of Sweet Success which is the musical adaption of the 1957 film with Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster. Also, Anthony in Sweeney Todd.

AL: How do you prepare before a show?
CJ: For this show, it really requires an ensemble connection to make it work. We work as a family. So, we all come together before a show to warm up and play games, so that we are in a playful, receptive and generous atmosphere. Once that physical and vocal warm up is complete, if I'm covering someone that night, I have a very quick speed-run of the show, where I'm running about the stage, singing little bits of the show, muttering to myself, dancing at triple speed and generally looking a little bit crazy to the rest of the cast and Front of House team!

AL: You have extensive training and qualifications in stage combat, what would be the ultimate show to be part of to use these skills? Also, would you want to use these skills in film or tv?
CJ: It is rare to see a big-scale show demonstrating these skills and one of the rare occasions is on our footstep. Batman the Live Arena Tour! A friend of mine is choreographing it and I am very jealous of all that are getting to work on it because it is just going to be incredible. I am not a big Batman fan but, the combat is very clever and intricate which makes it very exciting. There are a lot of demonstrations of stage combat at castles and museums around the country, notable performances in London during the summer include the Tower of London and Hampton Court, which are well worth a watch. There are also demonstrations at The Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition where I perform occasionally.
Using these skills for film and tv is a bit of a different ball game, the technicalities of the combat are different, it's a skill within itself. I was cast for a film that was out recently called Ironclad with Brian Cox, Derek Jacobi and James Purefoy which was filming in Wales (where I'm from) 2 years ago to work with Richard Ryan (Fight Director. The Dark Knight, Stardust, Sherlock Holmes, Troy) but unfortunately, they had to lose half of us a week before filming. You really don't know if you've got the job until you're on-set filming.

AL: You have performed at many fantastic venues - The Royal Opera House London, The Royal Albert Hall, Wales Millennium Centre - Is there one venue that holds a special place in your heart? And why?
CJ: Royal Opera House is just a beautiful building. The history is overwhelming and I have a lot of very good memories at that place. It's one I'll never forget and I'm sure I'll be back there again. Royal Albert Hall is just huge! I think it seats around 5500 people - the sound when everyone applauds is really something. But I think the Wales Millennium Centre will always hold a special place in my heart because I worked front of house for a few years and saw hundreds of shows and was then lucky enough to have performed there too. It's my home town and it's a stunning new venue that brings in some fantastic theatre.

AL: What's next for you after Umbrellas?
CJ: I'm lucky enough to have another job after Umbrellas. I will Swing for the transfer of the Lincoln Centre Broadway production of South Pacific, which will open at The Barbican, London in August, prior to the UK tour.


Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Chris for taking the time to answer our questions and also to the whole cast and crew of Umbrellas for such an amazing performance and a fantastic night out. We wish Chris, Cynthia and the rest of the cast all the best in their next roles.

To keep up to date with all of Chris's news, visit his website HERE
You can also follow Chris on Twitter @chrisjenko

That's all for today but, don't forget, Umbrellas of Cherbourg closes at The Gielgud on May 21st. If you want to take advantage of the fantastic £20 a seat offer, please get in touch by leaving a comment, emailing me at clairelouiseatroe@hotmail.com or getting in touch on Twitter with either myself @HorizonVA or with Chris @chrisjenko

Umbrellas of Cherbourg & Cast Interviews

Welcome back to Access London, thank you all for your continued support for disability access and awareness in London. Today's post is the first of two on the Kneehigh production of 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' at The Gielgud Theatre.

I saw this show last night and had a fabulous time - lots of laughs and a few tears too. The production was originally performed in Leicester but then transfered to the West End early in the Spring. The tag line 'A French Romance That Just Happens To Be Sung' says it all. Set in Cherbourg in the 1950s, Umbrellas tells the tale of a young woman who falls in love, only to suffer the loss when her lover is called up to the army. Discovering she is pregnant, she must make the difficult choice of waiting for her love to return or to marry a rich businessman who asks for her hand in marriage.

This show is the most unique performance I have seen in a long time. It is very interactive with the audience at times and the set is imaginative and very cleverly crafted. The style of singing words, rather than songs and the talented performers make this show one not to be missed.

Sadly, Umbrellas is closing on 21st May so if you would like to see it, you need to be quick. I definitely recommend it for a night out with a differnce.

I am delighted to announce that for those wishing to see this show, I can obtain a great deal on tickets for you - £20 for top tickets. Simply leave a comment, email me at clairelouiseatroe@hotmail.com or contact me on Twitter @HorizonVA .

The Gielgud Theatre itself is located on Shaftesbury Avenue, just behind the Trocadero and 1 minute's walk from Piccadilly Circus. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, this theatre is accessible. As it is a basement theatre (stalls located at basement level), it is the dress circle that is accessible without stairs. There are two spaces for wheelchairs if you cannot transfer from your chair. If you can transfer, there are a few more options within the dress circle. The theatre are extremely helpful and you will be met by a member of the Front of House team on arrival who will assist you before and after the performance and also during the interval. There is an accessible toilet also. If you have any special requests relating to mobility and seating, please let them know at the box office. The Access Line is: 0844 482 5137 Alternatively, contact me with your requirements and I will try and help get the seats you require - I am a mobility scooter user myself and cannot manage stairs.

Access London has been fortunate enough to be able to speak with a couple of cast members and ask them a few questions about the show. First up, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Madeleine....

AL: You play Madeleine in Umbrellas. What is her part in the story and have you enjoyed playing her?
CE: I guess you could say she's the sort of underdog of the whole thing, she's the girl who notices everything but is never noticed. She's a nurse, she takes care of Aunt Elise and is very much in love with Aunt Elise's nephew, Guy. Does she get him in the end? You'll have to wait and see!!

AL: What themes and emotions are most prevalent in the show?
CE: Love, Loss, Life, Contentment, Compromise

AL: The show is based on the film by Jacques Demy - has there been any pressure to stay true to the film or, has the show had the freedom to do its own thing?
CE: Well the music has stayed very true to the original film the only real thing that we've had license to adjust were the words, just so that the phrases in English work a little better. The play itself, how it's set, is much freer than the film, simply because we are on stage, how we set it was pretty much up to us, the cast.

AL: Were you part of the original cast that played in Leicester? If yes, what were the main differences between performing there and on the West End stage?
CE: Yes, I was part of Umbrellas in Leicester. I suppose one of the main differences was the theatre itself, it was a little easier to mingle at the top of the show - we had two walk-ways, so getting in and amongst people was easy as pie, here it's a little different.
The show itself was constantly changing in small ways, whether it be, movement, entrances, costume, words....it's what's kept it fresh.

AL: How do you prepare yourself before performing?
CE: Physically, we do a vocal and physical warm-up that ensures that we don't hurt ourselves onstage and gives us a moment to get together as a company before the show starts.
I personally love listening to music whilst I get my make-up and costume on, I guess it gets me in the right frame of mind to do a show.
Once the show goes up, I have an on-going through thought that combines some of my life experiences to my character's, so that I feel like the things that she/I sing/say are completely connected. It might not always work, but I try my very best.

AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be and why?
CE: Hmmm...this is a hard one because I would be lying if I said there weren't many but, if I had to narrow it down, I think it's a toss-up between Effie in Dream Girls and Celie in The Colour Purple! I just think they are incedible roles, they have wonderful storylines and wonderful songs, both of these characters would be a huge challenge! What more could you want from a character?

AL: Do you have an album out with your solo work?
CE: I don't have an album out with my solo work just yet but, I am working on it and you can hear some of it on my myspace.

AL: What's next for you after Umbrellas?
CE: Well immediately after this show, I'm not sure, I'm in the middle of auditioning for a few things, so fingers crossed! I have a gig at the Indig02 on June 7th and I guess what happens after, I won't know until I know.


Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Cynthia for taking the time to answer our questions and also for being part of a cast that gave us a great night out. To listen to some of Cynthia's music, check out her myspace account HERE
You can also find her on Twitter @CynthiaEriVo

The second part of our Umbrellas post is live tomorrow, including an interview with another cast member, Chris Jenkins.

In the meantime, don't forget, you can contact me for a super price for Umbrellas tickets until May 21st. Alternatively, you can contact Chris Jenkins on his Twitter account @chrisjenko Simply say you have read this blog post and you are asking about the £20 ticket offer.

Until tomorrow, I will leave you with the promo video for The Umbrellas of Cherbourg...

Theatre News - Phantom and Umbrellas

Welcome back to Access London, thank you for your continued support. This is just a quick update post in addition to this coming week's posts on the 'An American Experiment' Exhibition at The National Gallery.

Firstly, a very Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates it from Access London, I hope that everyone has been enjoying their long weekend and the beautiful London weather.

The first piece of information is the exciting news that Sofia Escobar has renewed her contract with The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre to play Christine for another year. Phantom will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year so it is an exciting time to be part of this much loved show.

Access London were lucky enough to interview Sofia last month and you can see what she had to say about singing, Phantom and her time in London in our previous 3-part post on Phantom of the Opera. Once again, thank you so much Sofia for taking the time to answer the questions and I wish you all the best over the next year in the show.

Sofia performs alongside John Owen Jones in Phantom who has also recently renewed his contract with the show and will now be staying to play The Phantom until March 2012 - please see last Theatre News post for updates on this.

Her Majesty's Theatre is very accessible to those in a wheelchair or mobility scooter and access rate tickets can be purchased from the dedicated access line on: 0844 412 4648. To book non-access tickets, please call: 0844 412 2707.

The second piece of theatre news for today's post is that Kneehigh's show, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, currently playing at The Gielgud Theatre is sadly closing early on May 21st. Access London were due to see this show in June and so unfortunately had to cancel the tickets. We have luckily been able to arrange some tickets for May 5 and will post directly after that about the show.

Many reviews written on the show have been extremely positive and it will be a shame to see it close early. You can buy top price tickets for £18.50 for 29th May and 1st June to celebrate the bank holiday weekend. There are also many other great offers around, so if you want to catch this show before it closes, it is well worth looking out for these.

The Gielgud Theatre is accessible to those who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The theatre has basement level stalls and stage therefore, the accessible entrance takes you onto the dress circle level where there are dedicated spaces for those with disabilities and/or needing to stay in their chair. For full details on The Gielgud Theatre, see our earlier post from January (which included a review of the previous show there, Yes Prime Minister).

For access rate tickets to Umbrellas, please call: 0844 482 5137. For non-access tickets, please call: 0844 482 5130.



Please feel free to leave a comment, follow the blog and help to spread the word about disability access and awareness in London.

COMING NEXT: 'An American Experiment' Exhibition at The National Gallery
COMING SOON: 'Watercolour' at The Tate Britain and The Wizard of Oz

Gielgud Theatre - Box Office Manager Interview

Hi Everyone,
This is just a short, but really interesting end-of-week post from Access London, before we launch a series of posts next week on our recommended hotel for 2011.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity of a short Q&A session with the Box Office Manager from The Gielgud Theatre and below is how the transcript read. For more information on The Gielgud and its' productions, please see my previous post.

The Gielgud Theatre Q&A

Who are you and what is your role at The Gielgud Theatre?

I am Rob Smith, Box Office Manager of The Gielgud Theatre, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres

Can you explain how the theatre is accessible to those with disabilities/mobility problems?

We have a dedicated Access number for enquiries and cater for all those who need specific access to our venue. To make arrangements for your visit, call 0844 482 5137. The telephone number is for all seven theatres in the Delfont Mackintosh group and is charged at a local rate. Simply select the theatre you need to contact and you'll be transferred through to the Box Office directly at that theatre. The Box Office will advise you on the best available seats, according to your needs, and will provide as much information as necessary to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Do you have a special offer currently on that is accessible to those with disabilities?

The theatre is currently dark until 5th March 2011 when it opens its new production, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Do you have any concessions for disabled visitors and/or their carers?

The next production will be 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' which previews from March 5th 2011. DMT's policy is that the cheapest clear view seat for each production is also the price of the Access/Disabled concession. The price is £29.50 for the next production. One carer is also welcome to accompany you at the same price.

Please sum up in 5 words The Gielgud Theatre experience

Welcoming, Friendly and Hassle-Free!

I would just like to say a big thank you to Rob Smith for that interview and to all at The Gielgud theatre for being so helpful and friendly and for an amazing night out - I will definitely be back soon.

NEXT WEEK: Access London's recommended hotel for 2011 - The Cavendish

Please feel free to leave a comment and to follow this blog.