Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for taking the time to support Access to the Arts for All.
>"Playing both the West End and Broadway, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated as the smash hit Olivier Award Winning Best New Comedy.
This blissfully funny show follows the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.
This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action."
The Cast: London Criterion Theatre
ANDREW ALEXANDER: Richard Hannay
CATHERINE BAILEY: Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret
STEPHEN CRITCHLOW: Man
IAN HUGHES: Man
SABRINA CARTER: Understudy Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret
LEE RANNS: Understudy Hannay
TOM WALKER: Understudy Man
The Criterion Theatre can be found in the centre of the West End, on Piccadilly Circus. The theatre is located below street level and so the main entrance only has Access to the auditorium via steps. However, there is a separate entrance at the back of the theatre, on Jermyn Street (next to the Stage Door), that provides step-free Access to the Upper Circle. Simply show your tickets to someone at the front of the theatre on Piccadilly and they will direct you to the Accessible entrance where someone will meet you.
Inside the Accessible entrance there is a slope down to the Upper Circle, there is also an Accessible WC just before you get into the auditorium. There are spaces for 2 wheelchairs in the Upper Circle and also transfer seats for wheelchair and scooter users. Transfer seats do have 1 step up into the row.
There is a portable induction loop available at the Box Office and a Sennheiser infra-red hearing system in all parts of the auditorium. Headsets are available for patrons from the Cloakroom (if you are using the step-free entrance, please ask a member of staff to collect one for you). Occasional sign language interpreted performances are also played - please contact the Box Office for dates and more information on 020 7839 8811.
Assistance dogs are not allowed into the auditorium but staff can dog-sit during the performance - a maximum of 2 dogs per performance. There is no step-free Access to a bar at the Criterion. However, drinks can be brought to disabled patrons.
To book Discounted Access Tickets for The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre, please call the theatre directly on 020 7839 8811 and ask to be put through to the Box Office. Discounted Access Tickets are usually £15 each for disabled patrons and 1 companion.
Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for your continued support for disability access and awareness in the Capital.
The Cavendish Hotel is Access London's recommended hotel for 2011. It is in the heart of the West End, on Jermyn Street, and 5 minutes from Piccadilly, making it the ideal location for visiting theatres, the Royal Academy, National Gallery, restaurants and the Royal Parks.
The Cavendish is a superb, contempory and stylish hotel with some of the most welcoming, friendly and attentive staff you will ever find. The Cavendish is Access London's recommended hotel for 2011 because of its central location, great access and accessible facilities, disability aware staff and fabulous value for money. For those of you that use a wheelchair or scooter, the hotel now has the added benefit of extra dropped kerbs around the Duke Street entrance which is completely step-free and accessible.
The hotel has several accessible rooms set up for those who use a wheelchair. They include fully accessible shower rooms, grab rails, emergency pull cords, extra space for wheelchairs and much more. For those who can transfer out of a wheelchair and step into a shower, there are also some beautiful and stylish Executive Rooms that I would definitely recommend.
The Petrichor restaurant offers some beautifully presented and delicious dishes that have their ingredients sourced as locally as possible. With pre-theatre, lunch, a la carte, and afternoon tea options all available, there is plenty to choose from.
The Cavendish has some fabulous offers on this Autumn and Winter: Autumn Weekend Breaks from £159 valid until 27th November including breakfast. Winter Rates from £149 valid 7 days a week from 15th December until 23rd January 2012, including breakfast (not including 31st December). For all the details on these offers, to make a booking and to find out more about the hotel VISIT THE CAVENDISH WEBSITE
For those interested in the wheelchair and scooter accessible rooms, I would advise ringing the hotel first to check availability of these rooms before you book online. You can ring the hotel on +44 (0)20 7930 2111.
To make reservations at The Petrichor Restaurant or for afternoon tea, contact 0207 389 3500.
COMING NEXT: More from Phantom 25, including Cast Interviews COMING SOON: Billy Elliot, Priscilla, Phantom 25, Globe Tours and Exhibition
Welcome back to Access London. Thank you once again for your continued support in promoting disabled access and awareness in London.
Today's post focuses on The Cavendish Hotel in Piccadilly and, in particular, the choice of rooms it has available that could be suited to meet your accessible needs. The Cavendish is Access London's recommended hotel for 2011 for all the reasons you would expect that make a hotel the perfect getaway: the service, the staff, the comfort, the warm welcome, the food and drink, the location, the value for money and the personal attention to detail. On top of all this, The Cavendish has made every attempt to make sure it meets the needs of its disabled guests.
Previous posts on The Cavendish have included, Afternoon Tea, Pre-Theatre Dinner, The Petrichor Restaurant and its outstanding Concierge Service. This post will address one of the most importnat aspects of any hotel - its rooms.
The first room Access London visited was a Twin Accessible Room (the same room can also be configured as a double). The Cavendish has several of these rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the hotel - all of which can be accessed by one of the three lifts from the ground, reception floor. The rooms have been furnished in a way to allow room for a wheelchair or small-medium sized scooter to get around them without bumping into things. Therefore, the space alongside the bed(s) is greater and also the space around the desk/dressing table area. There are several emergency pull-cords throughout the rooms and also a 'call' button near the dressing table. For its deaf or hard of hearing guests, the fire alarm is also set to flash if it is needed.
The ensuite shower rooms in the accessible rooms are all roll-in adapted for a wheelchair with handrails throughout, a shower stool, lowered sink for easier access and emergency pull-cord.
Even with the adaptions and changes made to accommodate its disabled guests, these rooms don't lack the finishing touches you would expect from a 4* London hotel - comfort, charm, character and, luxury a touch of elegance.
The staff at The Cavendish are some of the most helpful and welcoming I have known in any hotel and are always happy to try and meet everyone's needs. To further discuss any requirements you might have and to make a reservation, please call: 020 7930 2111
This short video shows some of what you can expect to find in one of these rooms - again this room has Twin beds but the same configuration in a Double is also available.
The second room type I will mention is The Executive Twin (a double can also be booked). These rooms are not set up and classed as 'Accessible' but, would still suit some people with physical difficulties if you are looking for that extra something in a room!
The Executive rooms at The Cavendish are extremely spacious and although not set up as an allocated accessible room, there is more than enough room for a wheelchair or scooter inside. They occupy the higher foors of The Cavendish and guests can enjoy some spectacular London views from the windows.
Not being set up as an accessible room means that there are no emergency pull cords and hand rails as in the previous room mentioned in this post. The bathroom too would not be suited to someone who has to remain in their wheelchair at all times. Having said that, there are handrails by the bath and also inside the separate shower. The shower has to be stepped up into but if you can manage that then, a non-slip mat and hand grabs are inside and it is very spacious, meaning that you don't need to be able to get down into the bath tub.
This short video shows some of what guests can expect from an Exeuctive Room at The Cavendish.
I would recommend either of the above rooms at The Cavendish though obviously if you have a more severe disability or have to remain in your wheelchair then the accessible room is the best option for you. If you don't have to remain in a wheelchair at all times and you fancy that something even more special, perhaps to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, then The Executive Rooms offer that little bit extra luxury.
For completely able-bodied guests, there are several other options available in terms of room types. To book an Accessible Room, Executive Room and enquire about any of the other room options, please call The Cavendish on: 020 7930 2111
Welcome back to Access London, thank you once again for your continued support for disability access and awareness in London.
Today's post is on the world famous and iconic London store - Fortnum and Mason. With a history dating back to the early 1700s and Royal Warrants being awarded over the last 150 years, Fortnum and Mason is certainly one of London's most recognised and oldest stores. Located on Piccadilly, almost opposite the Royal Academy of Arts, it is in a prime location. Its rear entrance is located on another prestigious London street - Jermyn Street.
Piccadilly has very wide pavements and pedestrian crossings making it an easy road in which to access Fortnums. Once inside, you are greeted with traditional British decor. Fortnums is famous for its food hampers and also their beautiful Christmas and other seasonal displays and products. There are several lifts within the store. If entering from the main Piccadilly entrance, the lift to the far left is the largest to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Fortnums has several restaurants, and a wine bar. Apart from The Gallery, which is not advisable for those in a wheelchair, all of Fortnums other famous dining areas are accessible to those with disabilities.
The Wine Bar is located in the basement and can be accessed by a lift.
To dine at any of the other restaurants I would highly recommend ringing ahead and booking, especially if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter so that arrangements can be made for you.
St James's Restaurant This is located on the fourth floor of the store and is probably the most famous of Fortnum's restaurants, offering a more formal dining experience. The restaurant serves lunch Monday-Saturday between 12noon and 2pm and Sunday roast on Sundays from 12 noon to 2.30pm. It also serves Afternoon Tea and High Tea between 12noon and 6.30pm Monday-Saturday. There is a more formal dress code for this particular restaurant. You can also enjoy the sounds of the house pianist most afternoons. There is plenty of space in St James's to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. For details on pricing, menus and to make a reservation, please call 0845 602 5694.
The Parlour Restaurant This restaurant is located on the first floor of the store and overlooks Piccadilly. It is open from 10am to 7.30pm Monday-Saturday and 12noon to 5.30pm on a Sunday and Bank Holidays. This is the place to truly indulge your sweet tooth. The Parlour serves gorgeous ice creams (I particularly recommend the Frosted Strawberries and Shortbread or the Walnut with Maple Syrup), delicious cakes, open sandwiches, the Ultimate hot chocolate for those colder days and tea in traditional teapots. It has a definite 50s, retro feel about the place. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, I recommend talking to someone on the reservations team about this so that more space around your table can be arranged. There are also disabled toilets very near by.
The Fountain Restaurant This restaurant is located on the ground floor of the store and can be accessed from both instore and also directly from the Jermyn Street entrance. For those who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, I would recommend using the Jermyn Street entrance that leads straight into the restaurant. The Fountain has a deluxe brasserie atmosphere and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It opens for breakfast 7.30-11am Monday-Saturday, lunch 12noon-3pm, afternoon menu 3-5pm and dinner 5.30-11pm. There is a jazz guitarist that plays between 6pm and 9pm Monday to Friday. There is also a special jazz brunch on a Sunday that is served from 11am to 3pm. This restaurant also has disabled toilets located near by.
To make a reservation at any of the above restaurants and to discuss your access requirements, please call the reservations team on 0845 602 9654.
Whichever restaurant you choose to visit at Fortnum and Mason, you will enjoy an elegant experience. Don't forget, if you do go and would like to share a picture with Access London, please feel free to email it to: accesslondon.claire@gmail.com
COMING SOON: Love Never Dies, London Eye & River Cruise, The Wizard of Oz, Access London celebrates 25 years of Phantom of the Opera.
>"Playing both the West End and Broadway, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated as the smash hit Olivier Award Winning Best New Comedy.
This blissfully funny show follows the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.
This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action."
The Cast: London Criterion Theatre
ANDREW ALEXANDER: Richard Hannay
CATHERINE BAILEY: Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret
STEPHEN CRITCHLOW: Man
IAN HUGHES: Man
SABRINA CARTER: Understudy Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret
LEE RANNS: Understudy Hannay
TOM WALKER: Understudy Man
