Merry Christmas from Access London

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for helping to support Access for All to the Arts. Firstly, Merry Christmas to all the readers and supporters and here's to more changes and improvements to Access in 2013. 2012 has seen many positive changes and feedback from theatres and arts venues on Access. This includes the Royal Albert Hall who do have some serious issues to look at in terms of physical access as well as communication. However, they've made a positive start on it this year after many of the issues raised by Access London have been looked at and I thank you all for sending me stories of your experiences there. I am hopeful things will continue to improve in 2013. Other Arts venues continue to improve their already excellent Access lists and schemes including, Southbank Centre, The Barbican and The National and I hope that some of these ideas can one day be transferred to West End theatres/groups. Thank you once again to everyone who sends in feedback of theatres and venues you've visited and their Access, whether good or bad.

As passionate as I am about Access London and the issues it raises and fights for, I couldn't do it without the support of singers, actors and dancers who give their time and show support for what Access London aims to achieve. Below are Christmas messages from some who have been amazing with their support and I'd like to take this opportunity to again thank every single one of them, it really is much appreciated. To the readers, I hope you enjoy reading the messages as much as I did. Merry Christmas Everyone. x

Michael Xavier: "Sending lots of love and Christmas cheer to all those who support Access London. Thank you for your efforts and may 2013 be a lucky year for you all. x" Michael is currently playing Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! at the Leicester Curve until the 19th January 2013. To book tickets, see their website www.curveonline.co.uk . You can follow Michael on Twitter @michaelxavierMX

Rebecca Caine: "One of my New Year resolutions is not to take anything for granted. The fact I am able to see any show I want is something I never thought about until I realised that many venues are not accessible to disabled people. Something that is so easy for me and gives me such joy should be accessible to everyone. Thankyou Claire for all your work in this area. And let's hope that 2013 sees more and more venues making sure that theatre is accessible to everyone." You can keep up to date with all of Rebecca's concerts for 2013 on her website www.rebeccacaine.com . You can also follow her on Twitter @RebeccaCaine

Nick Wyschna: "Happy Christmas to all readers and supporters of Access London from all of us at Guildford Fringe Theatre Company. It's a pleasure to be associated with Claire and I pledge our support in any way we can in the coming years. Much love, Nick Wyschna." You can keep up to date with Guildford Fringe's shows and news by signing up to their newsletter HERE . Or check out their website www.guildfordfringe.com . You can also follow Nick on Twitter @NickWyschna

AJ Callaghan: "Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Please spread the festive cheer and remember those less fortunate with a simple gesture of buying someone, cold and alone, a hot drink and a sandwich and don't forget our four legged friends by donating a can of food to an animal rescue centre. It's the small gestures that make Christmas special." AJ is currently in Les Miserables at Queens Theatre, London and covers the role of Fantine. Her next Fantine dates are the 11th and 12th January 2013. To book Access tickets for Les Miserables, call the Access line on 0844 482 5137. You can also follow AJ on Twitter @AJCallaghan1

Will Barratt: "Very Merry Christmas to all the readers of Access London. Thank you for enjoying and supporting the arts, as I fully support Access for All. x" Will was part of the cast of Sweeney Todd at The Adelphi this year. To keep up to date with his news and projects, follow him on Twitter @willbarratt83

Jo Loxton: "Wishing everyone at Access London a fantastic Christmas and wonderful new year and here's to more support for Accessible Theatre in 2013! Much Love xxx" Jo will be joining the cast of Dear World as it makes its UK Premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre from the 4th February 2013. For tickets, visit their website www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk . You can also follow Jo on Twitter @Joloxton

Chris Jenkins: "Huge Season's Greetings to Claire and all her lovely readers. Eat, Drink and be Happy!" Chris is currently performing in Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre in London. To book Access tickets to see Spamalot, call the Access line on 0844 871 7677. You can follow Chris on Twitter @chrisjenko

Sofia Escobar: "Christmas is a magical time, a time for love, for family, for music and all round happiness! I wish you all a wonderful Christmas filled with joy and sparkles!" Sofia is currently playing Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera. To book Access tickets to Phantom, call the Access line on 08444 124648. You can also follow Sofia on Twitter @sofia_escobar

Lee Bowen: "Wishing everyone involved and all readers of Access London a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let's make 2013 an even bigger year for Access London, and push out the message that theatre is for everyone, and we all have the right to enjoy the rich variety of the arts." Lee will be playing Mr Upfold in Benjamin Britten's Albert Herring during Britten's centenary year and celebrations in 2013 with Mid Wales Opera that will be touring to London. You can follow Lee on Twitter @LeeBowenTenor

John Owen-Jones: "To all at Access London....Nadolig Llawen! JOJ" For details of John's concerts in 2013, see his website HERE . John's newly released single 'May Each Day' can also be purchased from HERE . You can follow John on Twitter @johnowenjones

Danny Whitehead: "Dear readers of Access London, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope that 2013 will bring health and happiness. I am a firm believer that Theatre and the arts play a vital role in our communities and that is why I am so passionate about performing and enjoy it so much. "The role of theatre in our society is difficult to define, for the theatre has almost an infinitive number of functions". Because of this, the importance of how accessible theatres, concert halls and arts venues are for absolutely everybody is extremely high. The fantastic work Access London do in highlighting this fact to theatres and venues is something that is particularly close to my heart as my mum and dad have worked and cared for adults and children with mental and physical disabilities for over twenty years. I have become very close to a lot of the people they work with and they have wanted to come and support me in many of the shows and concerts I have performed in, this has been getting easier to organise over the past year or so with venues improving their access and hospitality for all audience members. This improvement is down to the likes of Access London sharing information and bringing the issue of equal access to the theatre Management. I hope that 2013 is the year when all theatres realise how important it is to have Access for All! Have a fantastic Christmas!! Danny Whitehead xx" Danny was in the recent production of South Pacific that was at London's Barbican before touring the UK. To keep up to date with Danny's news and projects, follow him on Twitter @DannyWhitehead_

Victoria Farley: "As a professional actress, I understand the importance of supporting the arts, and I thank everyone who keeps this industry flourishing by their continued interest and support. I would like to believe that every person has the opportunity to participate in the rich culutural and artistic sector this country has to offer, regardless of any given disability. Earlier this year I was made aware of the Access London scheme and was shocked to realise how many London theatres/institutions are unable to accommodate certain disabilities. Learning about the scheme has given me the determination to help make a difference, and to encourage people to give some support to the people who support us. I would like to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas. I hope you enjoy some festive cheer and sparkly celebrations. I wish 2013 to bring love and support to this important scheme and equal opportunities for all. Lots of love and a big Christmas smile, Victoria x" Victoria played Rosa in The Mystery of Edwin Drood earlier this year at the Arts Theatre and is currently Wendy in Peter Pan at the Towngate Theatre. To book tickets, see their WEBSITE . You can follow Victoria on Twitter @victoria_farley

Richard Halton: "To all readers of Access London, Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2013! xx" Richard is a singer, both opera and musical theatre, and a vocal coach. To keep up with all of Richard's news and projects, see his website HERE . You can also follow him on Twitter @richiehalton

Simon Shorten: "Wishing all the readers of Access London an amazing Christmas and new year. Thank you all for your continued support. x" Simon is currently in Phantom of the Opera and is House Cover for The Phantom. To book Access tickets for Phantom, call the Access line on 08444 124648. You can keep up to date with Simon's news and projects for 2013 on his website HERE . You can also follow Simon on Twitter @SiShorten

Claire Cook: "Wishing all at Access London a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and exciting New Year! Best wishes to all, Claire xxx" Claire is currently Dance Captain for Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. You can follow Claire on Twitter @CookClaire

Paul Keating: "Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas & New Year. I hope you get to enjoy some time off! I'm making the most of life without the '8 show week' this year and intend to gorge myself, whilst relaxing with my family & friends. Thank you all for supporting London Theatre Access throughout 2012!" Paul played the Scarecrow in the recent production of the Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. To keep up to date with Paul's news, follow him on Twitter @1PaulKeating

Sweeney Todd & The Adelphi Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for helping to support Access for All to the Arts in London. This post updates Access information for the Adelphi Theatre and performance dates for Sweeney Todd around the 2012 Olympics.

"Direct from a sell-out season at Chichester Festival Theatre, where it received multiple five-star reviews and standing ovations, Jonathan Kent’s production of Sweeney Todd is unmissable. Laced with dark humour, dazzling wit and an infectious score Sondheim’s musical thriller has been hailed as ‘a masterwork’ (The Sunday Times) and ‘wickedly funny’ (Guardian). Set in London and laced with Sondheim's characteristically brilliant wit and dark humour, the musical depicts Sweeney Todd's savage quest for justice and retribution after years of false imprisonment. Aided and abetted by the pie-shop owner, Mrs Lovett, he sets out to avenge the wrongs done to him and his family. Combining a gory sensibility with elements of English music hall, the production offers a fascinating portrait of a man driven to madness by injustice and grief." Located on The Strand, The Adelphi theatre has very good Access. There is a ramp at the entrance, up into the foyer, this is located to the right of the main doors that have one step up into the foyer. Once inside, there is level Access from the foyer into the Stalls. The foyer also has an Accessible WC. There are spaces for 2 wheelchairs at the back on the stalls (please note that the view can be slightly restricted because of the Dress Circle overhang). Alternatively, if you can transfer, any aisle seat in the Stalls can be booked (depending on availability). Up to 4 wheelchairs or scooters can be stored in the foyer per performance. Assistance dogs are welcome in the auditorium. Or, staff can dog-sit during the performance in the Manager's office. The theatre has an infra-red system, with a limited number of headsets available from the box office. The box office also has an induction loop. There is however no coverage in: Stalls – from Row R to rear, Dress Circle from Row J to rear and Upper Circle from Row F to rear at this time.

Sweeney Todd runs at the Adelphi until the 22nd September 2012. Performances are Monday-Saturday at 7.30pm and matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Please note, there will be no performances between the 30th July and the 11th August. Access tickets are priced at £25 each for you and one companion. To book Access seats, please call the Access booking line on 0844 412 4648. Attend The Tale!