Access London Supports National Transplant Week 2011

Thank you once again for your support towards Access London. This week Access London has been supporting National Transplant Week 2011 which runs from the 4th-10th July.



"It’s annoying when you have to wait for something, whether it’s your morning coffee, the bus or a parcel. Now imagine having to wait for something that your life depended on.... an organ.

This year’s National Transplant Week runs between 4th and 10th July and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) are calling on the UK public to reduce the waiting times for a transplant by Signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register."

On Monday I posted a video from Victoria Tremlett who has been on the waiting list for a double lung transplant for 4 years now. Victoria, or Tor as she likes to be known, is one of the bravest young ladies I know and is tireless in her campaign to get people to sign up to become an organ donar and become aware of the importance that donars play.

Signing up only takes minutes and you will do so in the knowledge that you will be saving lives.

Tor suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and her story is one of the most inspiring I've heard.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

•Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK's most common life-threatening inherited diseases.
•Cystic Fibrosis affects over 9,000 people in the UK.
•Over two million people in the UK carry the faulty gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis - around 1 in 25 of the population.
•If two carriers have a child, the baby has a 1 in 4 chance of having Cystic Fibrosis.
•Cystic Fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food.
•Each week, five babies are born with Cystic Fibrosis.
•Each week, two young lives are lost to Cystic Fibrosis.
•Only half of those living with Cystic Fibrosis are likely to live past their late 30s.

Even though her illness takes up all her energy on a daily basis, Tor kindly took a little time out to answer some questions for Access London so we can all understand a bit more of the importance of signing up to be a donar....

AL: Can you tell us who you are and a bit about yourself?
VT: I'm Victoria Tremlett usually known as Tor, I'm 24 years old and suffer from the genetic condition Cystic Fibrosis. The disease has damaged my lungs to such an extent that I am in desperate need of a double lung transplant to save my life, without one I will die. For the last four years I have been waiting and hoping for that phone call that will not only save but completely transform my life. There are so many things I still want to do with my life but I am unable to now because my health is so poor, my mum has to do the most basic tasks for my such as washing and dressing and my lung function is now so poor I can barely leave my house. I live with the knoweldge that 50% of people waiting for a lung transplant do not get their transplant in time but I fight on because I'm not ready for life to be over yet. I absolutely adore musical theatre, plays and getting out and about in London and these are some of the things I miss most about my poor health. If I do get my transplant in time I would love to be a Westend actress one day.

AL: What is Cystic Fibrosis and how does it affect you?
VT: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the Uk's most common genetic condition. It's main symptom is the body producing thick, sticky mucus that clogs both the airways and digestive system. CF can also cause other problems in the body such as diabetes, liver disease, osteoporosis and arthritis to name a few. Every patient is different but most will end up needing a transplant at some stage in their life. CF has always been an ever present force in my life with regular hospital visits, daily regiemes of physio and endless tablets but I stayed relatively well throughout my childhood. In my teens the disease started to take a stronger hold and I was struggling with breathlessness much more. When I was 20 things came to a head when I collapsed on my way to work one day, I was rushed to hospital and placed on oxygen. I knew I wasn't going to bounce back from this setback, my body felt foreign to me. I was assessed for transplant and accepted onto the waiting list for lungs. Now my daily treatment regieme consumes most of my day, I take over 100 tablets a day, nebulisers, inhalers, a wheelchair to leave the house, oxygen 24/7, and place a naso-gastric tube every night to maintain my weight.

AL: This week is National Transplant Week 2011 in the UK - how important is this for those suffering with CF?
VT: As I mentioned before, transplant is a last chance option for most CF patients so organ donation is a very real issue to us. However anyone could potentially need a transplant one day, the fact is you are more likely to need an organ than to be able to donate one so the subject is relevant to everyone. No one knows what the future holds. If you needed an organ would you take one? If so then you should be willing to donate.

AL: What is the most important thing people can do this week to help you and others suffering with CF?
VT: The most important thing you can do is to sign up to the organ donor register and save lives like mine. One person can save up to 9 lives. It's so quick and easy to sign up, it takes less than 2 minutes. It's also really important to let your family know your wishes.

AL: For those who are already signed up as an organ donor, what else can they do to help?
VT: It would be great if people could pass on the links to my transplant appeal, I'm asking everyone to post it to their FB pages, send it in a tweet, write a blog or forward the links to their email contacts. By spreading the word you are literally saving lives, 3 people die each day waiting for an organ purely because not enough people are signed up to the donor register. Together we can change this statistic.

AL: If people are organising fundraising events and are looking for a charity to donate to, which is the best that helps support those suffering with CF?
VT: The Cystic Fibrosis Trust helps people with CF all over the UK and are working to find a cure for children born today with the disease.

AL: Any other messages or thoughts to readers of this interview?
VT: Thank you so much for your time and support. Transplant is quite literally a modern day miracle and by raising the profile of this issue we can transform lives.




If there's one thing you do today, please sign up to the organ donar register!

Thank you once again for taking the time to read this post everyone. This concludes Access London's posts on National Transplant Week.



COMING SOON: London River Cruise & The London Eye

The Wizard of Oz & Cast Interview - Part 1

Welcome back to Access London and thank you for your continued support for disability access and awareness.

Today's post is on Andrew Lloyd Webber's fabulously entertaining The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium.

You may remember the BBC1 programme 'Over The Rainbow', hosted by Graham Norton that televised Lloyd Webber's hunt for a Dorothy for his new production of The Wizard of Oz. The show concluded with the people's choice of Danielle Hope taking the lead role of Dorothy and the show's runner up, Sophie Evans, as the alternate Dorothy. The show sees the return of Michael Crawford to the West End stage for the first time since he appeared in The Woman in White.

This show is one for the whole family - for children and adults of all ages who want an entertaining, lively and fun night out, experiencing a show with all the well-loved songs from the film of the same name. The sets are magical with a revolve that holds the Yellow Brick Road and Dorothy's introductions to her new friends on her journey to the Emerald City. Some of my favourites include the cornfields scene where Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, The Emerald City scenes and also the Munchkin Land set. The costumes too are very special - from Glinda's sparkly, princess gown to the Tin Man's squeaking joints.

The brilliant performances from both Dorothys, The Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Glinda, the Wicked Witch and of course Michael Crawford's numerous roles, including the Wizard are backed up by a talented ensemble who bring the larger scenes to life, filled with colour and laughs.

The London Palladium is located on Argyll Street - just off of Regent Street and close to Oxford Circus. Argyll Street itself has no kerbs and so access along it is straighforward. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, The Palladium is brilliantly accessible - especially after its recent investment in disabled access. Front of house staff will be waiting outside and will let you in a side door (just next to the main entrance steps). Inside there is a shallow slope along a corridor to a lift that takes you and your carer/companion to the stalls level. The steward will guide you through the bar area and around to the back of the stalls. You will find an accessible toilet in this area too. The stalls are on a rake down towards the stage. There are several spaces for people who cannot transfer out of their chair. For those who can, any aisle seat will be accessible for you. The staff are all extremely helpful and will store your scooter or chair at the back of the stalls, bring you interval drinks and help you at the end of the show to exit.

To book access seats for you and a carer/companion and to discuss your access needs, please call: 020 7087 7960. For all other tickets and enquiries please call: 0871 220 0260

Access London has been lucky enough to speak with a couple of the cast members of the show and we are delighted to share their answers to our questions with you. Today's Q&A is with Sophie Evans, who was the runner up in Over The Rainbow and who plays Dorothy every Tuesday and also when Danielle Hope is away.


AL: You landed the role of alternate Dorothy after competing in BBBC1's Over The Rainbow. What was it like to be auditioned in front of millions on national TV?
SE: It was extremely nerve-wracking but amazing at the same time. Looking back, I had such a fantastic time that the nerves were overcome by the whole experience.

AL: How do you juggle training at Arts College whilst being part of a West End production?
SE: It is difficult as training is so tough on its own so to be in a West End cast aswell is extra tough. I do love being at Arts Ed. though, it's great to be getting that experience and to be working, a total dream come true!

AL: The Palladium is an iconic London theatre. What was it like to step out onto its' stage the first time your played Dorothy?
SE: It was so overwhelming. The London Palladium is such an iconic theatre that I have goosebumps thinking about my first night! The curtain calls were extra special, coming out and getting a massive cheer and standing ovation completely took my breath away and tears were streaming down my face - Joyful tears!

AL: Do you and Danielle discuss how Dorothy's character should be played or do you keep your thoughts separate?
SE: It's been great doing it with Dan but we have very different Dorothy's. That's what makes the show so interesting.

AL: What is your favourite song/scene to perform in the show?
SE: I love the Emerald City scene as all of the cast are on stage and it's so fun and colouful. That's when I really feel like I'm in a West End cast and a very talented one at that. I feel so privileged.

AL: What is it like working with an animal in live theatre?
SE: It definitely keeps me on my toes. I love dogs so it wasn't too difficult to work with them. The Totos we have are so obedient and I have gained such a bond with them.

AL: This is your first professional role. Have you received much advice from the more experienced members of the cast?
SE: Yes, especially Michael Crawford. He is such a legend in the theatre-world especially. He comes into my dressing room before every show, just for a little chat and some extra words of encouragement or advice, he's a great man to work with.

AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
SE: There are many roles I would love to play but the two I would really love to do are Glinda in Wicked! and The Little Mermaid. They are both such magical shows, like The Wizard of Oz. Hopefully one day I can get the chance to do them.

A huge Thank You to Sophie for taking the time to answer our questions. Our next, and final post, on The Wizard of Oz will include an interview with the talented and hugely funny Paul Keating who plays the Scarecrow in the show.



Feel free to post a comment and to follow this blog and spread the word.

COMING NEXT: The Wizard of Oz Part 2 - Meet the Scarecrow
COMING SOON: The London Eye and River Cruise, Tate Modern.

Access London recommends Summer Afternoon Tea @ The Savoy Hotel

Welcome back to Access London, thank you to all our readers for your continued support of this blog.



Today's post is about Access London's recommended Afternoon Tea for Summer 2011 at the stunning Savoy Hotel. The Savoy is located on The Strand, 5 minutes from Trafalgar Square and just down the road from Charing Cross Station. This luxurious 5* hotel recently underwent a massive renovation - there was even a mini-series documentary on this that was aired last year.

This excerpt from The Savoy's website really says it all, the hotel combines traditional Englishness with modern touches:
"A British icon since 1989, The Savoy has once again taken its place on the world stage after over a £100 million restoration. The hotel seemlessly blends elements of the original and the new while the stunning English Edwardian and Art Deco interiors sparkle with timeless elegance and glamour."

The hotel can be accessed via its main entrance on The Strand which has level access into its extravagant foyer. The welcome and greeting you are shown by the doormen and front of house staff is friendly, warm and makes you feel like you are entering somewhere very special!

To reach The Thames Foyer Room where Afternoon Tea is served requires using 2 lifts, unless you can manage stairs with the help of a handrail. The Savoy does have its own wheelchair that you can transfer into if you don't have your own. This is an old building that has done everything it can to adapt to the modern needs of its disabled guests. However, if you use a large mobility scooter, I would advise that you take up the offer to use The Savoy's house wheelchair. Manual and electric wheelchairs and small to medium sized scooters can easily negotiate the lifts.



A member of staff will stay with you the whole way on the lifts and through some very opulent rooms (take advantage of this little detour as you will see some very special rooms that you might not otherwise have seen if you simply walked down the stairs to tea!).

The Thames Foyer Room is spacious and elegant. There is lots of room in between tables to move wheelchairs and scooters around and they have not tried to cram as many tables in as possible as is sometimes the case in large hotels. The waiting staff in The Thames Foyer are as welcoming as they were in the Foyer and more than happy to offer any help that they can to make you and your party comfortable, in fact the service is some of the best I have seen.

Afternoon Tea itself is served between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Guests have the choice of two different teas: the first is the more traditional afternoon tea with a wide selection of finger sandwiches (vegetarian options available), plain and fruit scones with cream and jam, beautifully crafted and colourful pastries and traditional cakes. There is a huge range of teas from all over the world that you can choose to accompany this. Be warned: do not eat anything before you go, it is a large tea and you will always be offered more when you finish one of the selections! The second option is more savoury and includes hot, savoury dishes in place of the sweet pastries and cakes.



For such a grand and iconic hotel, the Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is very reasonably priced at £40 per person. Another lovely touch is the house pianist that plays throughout and who sits in the middle of the large antique gazebo in the middle of the room, playing relaxing tunes.

The Savoy asks that you dress smartly casual for afternoon tea and advanced booking is definitely recommended. You can make a reservation or call to discuss your access and dietary needs on: 020 7420 2111 or email them at: savoy@fairmont.com

A tea recommended for all that will please the taste buds and will certainly leave you feeling full. Access London recommends Afternoon Tea at The Savoy for Summer 2011.



Please feel free to leave a comment, follow the blog or send us an email at: accesslondon.claire@gmail.com
You can also view more of our videos from many other London highlights and attractions on our channel on YouTube: AccessLondon1

COMING SOON: The Wizard of Oz, Accessible Rooms at The Cavendish, The London Eye and Access London celebrates Phantom of the Opera's 25th Birthday with some fantastic surprise interviews!

Love Never Dies @ The Adelphi Theatre - Part 2

Welcome back to Access London everyone, thank you for your continued support for disability access and awareness in the capital.

Today's post is the second and last in our two-part series on the musical Love Never Dies. To see the first part from yesterday which includes an interview with cast member Daniel Gourlay, please scroll down.

Love Never Dies is showing at The Adelphi theatre on The Strand and is currently booking into 2012. There are performances Monday-Saturday evenings at 7.30 and matinee performances on a Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

The music in this show is spectacular and shows Andrew Lloyd Webber on top form. There are some amazing lyrics and big numbers including, Till I hear You Sing (Phantom), Beneath a Moonless Sky (Phantom & Christine) and of course the title song, Love Never Dies (Christine).

The sets are quite literally 'Phantastic' with a glass carriage, beautifully crafted balcony set and all the wonders that the audience experiences in the Phantom's domain.

The three leads, Ramin Karimloo (Phantom), Celia Graham (Christine), David Thaxton (Raoul) are supported supperbly by the likes of Liz Robertson (Madame Giry), Haley Flaherty (Meg Giry) and some wonderful young actors who share the role of Christine's son Gustave. There is also a fabulous ensemble who really bring numbers such as those on Pier 69, Heaven By The Sea, Bathing Beauty and the dramatic Phantasma scenes alive.

Access London has been lucky enough to talk with a couple of the ensemble members. Today's interview is with Kieran Brown who is also the understudy for Raoul in the show. Here's what he had to say...

AL: I can imagine Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals being extremely popular for actors wanting to be a part of them. What was the auditioning process like for you?
KB: For me it was rather unusual! I was pulled in at the last stage of auditions, having been out of the country working on A Christman Carol in Vienna when casting started. So after singing half a song to the production team, was given some material to look at and return within a day or 2 later. I learnt it inside out, went back in, did the suff once through and that was it! I did have to attend a dance call even though my track in the show doesn't require it, just to show that I CAN move (just), where I first met 2 of my fellow cast members, Mira and Vanessa. It was lovely to see them on day 1. All in all, I had it pretty easy re this job as far as auditioning goes. The hardest thing was the wait to hear if I got the job! I got the call 3 days before rehearsals started - there had been a mix up at the office and they thought they had rung me the week before and were waiting on my answer. By luck I had contacted our wonderful choreographer and he sorted it out within minutes.

AL: You have been part of many fantastic shows and performances, why Love Never Dies?
KB: Honest answer? It's a job! It is however a job I LOVE! I wanted to be in this show since it opened. It's still a bit weird actually. I told my agent months before that the one show I wanted to be in in town was LND and here I am. I auditioned for the original cast but didn't even get past round one so....

AL: The energy and chemistry is fantastic to watch as an audience member. What is it like to be part of such a cast?
KB: We have just the BEST team of people in the show. We have so much fun together and trust each other implicitly. Just watching performers like Ramin or Tam, Celia, David or Liz Robertson from the wings still takes my breath away. I'm particularly proud of and delighted to be working with Haley Flaherty who plays Meg. I think she is simply wonderful in the role and we knew each other as kids - we went to the same children's theatre school but hadn't seen each other for years! We have a strong ensemble too - I love watching the Only For You opening number from offstage and am in awe at how bloody good our dancers and accros are. I wish I could move like that!

AL: Just as with the original Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has many technical elements in it. Do you have a tale to tell of something going wrong in a performance?
KB: Not really because as well as having the best team onstage we also have the best technical crew who know exactly what they are doing. Everyone from crew to wardrobe, wigs and make-up do their job brilliantly. We did once have a show stop because poor Haley got stuck in the balloon before Bathing Beauty. It meant that the audience had to wait a few mins so that the crew could get her safely down and our wonderful dance captain had to VERY quickly restart the number without it as most of the ensemble enter through it from substage. Everyone took it in their stride! Haley was hilarious though - people kept shouting up to her to make sure she was ok and she was more concerned as she had a friend in from home!

AL: You have performed a fair number of times in Vienna. What are the differences between performing there and on the West End stage?
KB: Well the budget for a start! The English language theatres that I have worked in in Vienna - where I lived for 6 years were generally much smaller - The Adelphi seats something like 1500 whereas the theatre I did A Christmas Carol in was about 100! And nothing quite matches the prestige of a West End show although I did love working in Vienna. I did some wonderful shows with some great actors and directors so....It's great to be home though!

AL: I understand you have directed several projects. Do you have any plans to do so again?
KB: I would love to do more directing, yes, but it's not a priority at the moment. I think eventually I will give up performing but it's still my first love. I miss the control though!

AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
KB: Well PHANTOM of course, in both shows, would literally be a dream come true for me (but unlikely). I have gotten used to the fact that I'm now too old for Marius but maybe JVJ or Javert one day! Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard is on my list as is Raoul in Phantom (though I don't think I have the matinee idol looks needed for that!). Krolock in Tanz Der Vampire or Kaiser Franz Joseph in Elisabeth (if my German was better). Basically I just wanna be a leading man! - That should be a song! If I ever get to play any of these, I'll let you know.


Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Kieran for taking part and answering the questions. To keep up to date with what Kieran is doing and his future projects and performances, check out his website at www.KieranBrown.com

To book access tickets to see Kieran and the rest of the cast in Love Never Dies, please call: 08444 124 648. For all other Love Never Dies tickets, please contact: 0870 264 3333.



This ends Access London's posts on the Love Never Dies series. Please visit again soon as there will be posts on another of Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows, The Wizard of Oz and also The London Eye, Tate Britain and Thames River Cruises.

Love Never Dies @ The Adelphi Theatre - Part 1

Welcome back to Access London everyone. Well, June is in full swing and we are almost at the longest day of the year so, let's look at some fabulous evening entertainment in the capital.

Today's post is the first in a two-part series on Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Phantastic' sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies. The story jumps 10 years on from where we left The Phantom, Christine and Raoul at the end of Phantom and is set in America in Coney Island.

The setting for the story is absolute genius and a far cry from the dark depths of the Paris Opera House. Instead of torch and candle light, we have the bright, illuminous lights of Coney Island with all the mysteries and wonders that it has to offer. It is here that we find The Phantom who has risen up to run a magical place called Phantasma. Although successful and having the full support of Meg and Madame Giry, The Phantom still longs for Christine and entinces her, Raoul and their son Gustave over from France to sing for him. As you can imagine all is not straight forward and the story has some unexpected twists and a very dramatic final scene.

Instead of ballet girls and opera divas, Love Never Dies gives the audience acrobats, flame throwers, trapeze artists, some effective and very clever projection and smoke work and beautifully designed sets.

The cast is led by Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom, Celia Graham as Christine and David Thaxton as Raoul (The Phantom is played by Tam Mutu on Mondays and Thursdays). After all the re-writes during its first 6 months, the show has settled down into an exquisite piece of musical theatre. I highly recommend seeing the show but would advise audiences who haven't seen the original Phantom show to see that first. Go to see Love Never Dies with an open mind as the characters aren't always as you might expect after seeing the original but once accepting this, it is an extremely enjoyable night out at the theatre.

The Adelphi is located on The Strand, just a short walk from Charing Cross Station and Trafalgar Square. The theatre itself has excellent access if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Although the entrance only has 1 step up into the foyer, there is also a ramp in place. The foyer is all on one level and contains the box office and merchandise shop. There are no steps into the stalls of the theatre making this brilliantly accessible. There are 2 spaces towards the back of the stalls for those who need to remain in a wheelchair. For those who use a scooter or can transfer out of their chair then any aisle seat in the stalls is accessible to you. There is only a very shallow slope down towards the stage and a handrail to hold on to. There is an adapted toilet at the entrance to the stalls. Drinks can be brought to disabled patrons during the interval. I found the front of house staff at The Adelphi to be more than helpful in helping those with disabilities to their seat and assisting them after.

There are performances Monday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm and also matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. To book access tickets, please call: 08444 124 648 for discounted access tickets for you and a carer. For all other ticket purchases, please call: 0870 264 3333.

Access London has been lucky enough to talk to a couple of the cast members from Love Never Dies. Today we are happy to share with you what Daniel Gourlay (Ensemble) had to say. Please come back tomorrow to check out our interview with Kieran Brown (Ensemble/Cover Roaul).

AL: This is your first outing onto the West End stage, how does it feel?
DG: Stepping out onto the West End stage is an amazing feeling. At first I couldn't believe I was going to be doing this every night as it is a dream come true but now I love going into work, doing something I love with a passion.

AL: The show was under an immense amount of pressure being the sequel to one of the most loved pieces of musical theatre. How do you feel the show and cast has coped with this?
DG: I believe the show has been able to deal with the pressure quite well and I think that everyone within the cast has dealt with it all well by sticking together when we had to make a big change - it has helped us all get through it.

AL: As an Ensemble member you have many costume changes throughout the show. What is it like backstage during a show?
DG: It is mad backstage. It is different for everyone but for me the busiest time is coming out of the opening and getting dressed to do Pier 69 and the hotel scenes as I have 3 changes all very quickly. It is fun though watching all the running around and I am always amazed with all the changes and some of the close calls!

AL: There are lots of special effects and stunts in the show. Did you have to learn any new skills for the show?
DG: Already having a lot of the acrobatic skills under my belt before coming to the show, I haven't had to learn too many new tricks as I was already able to tumble and do lifts. Saying that, we are learning everyday, either off one another or by teaching ourselves. Since joining I have learnt how to do fire twirling and I have just started to learn skills to do flying - this is the top person of a double acted. It is a lot of fun and we are always having a laugh when you see someone land something new or you surprise yourself.

AL: What is your favourite scene to perform in the show and what is your favourite scene to watch?
DG: I think my favourite scene to perform in the show would have to be the opening as that is where I do most of my tricks and I enjoy showing them off. My favourite scene to watch is probably the opening with The Phantom singing Till I Hear You Sing, I always enjoy that.

AL: What is like to be part of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical?
DG: It is great being part of an Andrew Lloyd Webber production and even better being one of his new ones. I think everyone looks forward to being in one of his shows as there is a magic about the show that you really enjoy and get to perform.

AL: What can audiences expect from Love Never Dies?
DG: Without giving anything away I think you need to come with an open mind to expect anything. I think if you come knowing what might happen or that you want to happen then you won't see everything you want to see. I also recommend seeing Phantom of the Opera before seeing Love Never Dies as the story follows on. If you don't it might be a little more tricky to follow.

AL: How do you prepare yourself before performing?
DG: I prepare myself just to have fun. If you are having fun then the audience will be having fun and enjoying the show. I do make sure I warm up as I do tumble and lift people. Most of my warm up is throwing myself around upside down and making sure everything I do in the show is safe and I am 100% focussed on it.

AL: If you could play any role in musical theatre, what would it be?
DG: It would be to play Cosmo Brown in Singin' in the Rain as that is one of my favourite musicals.


Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Daniel for agreeing to participate and answer the questions. Don't forget to check back for Part 2 of our Love Never Dies series tomorrow where there will be an interview with Kieran Brown from the cast.

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...

The National Gallery - An American Experiment Exhibition - Part 2

Welcome back to Access London and the second part of my series on The National Gallery and its exhibition 'An American Experiment: George Bellows and The Ashcan Painters'.

If you missed the post yesterday, please feel free to scroll down and read it. It contains details of access requirements if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter and also has an interesting interview with the Access Officer and Senior Information Manager at the gallery.

Today's post will focus more on the exhibition itself. Access London has been fortunate enough to interview the curator of the exhibition, here's what he had to say...

X7318, George Luks, Knitting for the soldiers: High Bridge Park, 1918, Copyright Photo Courtesy of the Terra Foundation for American Art, Daniel. J, Terra Collection, Chicago, 1999.87





AL: Who are you and what is your role at The National Gallery?
CR: I am Christopher Riopelle, Curator of Post 1800 Paintings at The National Gallery. T: 020 7747 2804 E: chris.riopelle@ng-london.org.uk

AL: What work and time is involved to bring an exhibition such as 'An American Experiment' to the UK?
CR: An American Experiment was put together in the relatively brief period of fourteen months from the time we propsed an exhibition on George Bellows and his colleagues to our collaborators on the project, the Terra Foundation for American Art, and I and my fellow curator, Katherine Bourguignon of the Terra Foundation, began to identify and solicit loans. From then, the usual tasks involved in mounting an exhibition with foreign loans kicked in; they simply had to be carried out by the various departments of the National Gallery on a speeded-up timetable.

x7315, William Glackens, Washington Square, 1910, Copyright New Britain Museum of American Art, Charles F. Smith Fund, 1944.03. Photo: Alex Morganti






AL: Why did the gallery choose this particular group of artists to dedicate an exhibition to?
CR: The purpose of our on-going collaboration with The Terra Foundation is to introduce aspects of the American painting tradition, little known here, to British and European audiences. There was broad agreement that Bellows is a remarkable artist, arguably the most innovative American painter of the early 20th Century, but that he is hardly known on this side of the Atlantic. This would be our opportunity to introduce him to a new audience, although it would always be a 'taste', rather than an exhaustive presentation. Because the exhibition was conceived as an introduction to Bellows, we also determined that we should show him in the context of his closest painterly colleagues, the so-called Ashcan Painters.

AL: Why were the 12 paintings in the exhibition specifically chosen to represent the painters and their style?
CR: We were particularly interested in showing Bellows as a landscape painter. This dictated our choice of paintings, especially the four views of Manhattan that hardly show Manhattan at all. We also wanted to show these artists as figurative painters and social commentators. As a major Bellows retrospective exhibition is coming to the Royal Academy in 2013, we did not want to duplicate works that will be shown there. With only one exception of a loan refused, because of the fragile condition of the painting, we were able to borrow all the works we asked for.

x7309 George Bellows, Blue Snow, The Battery, 1910, Copyright Columbus Museum of Art, Howald Fund Purchase 1958.035






AL: For those who have never heard of this group of artists before, how would you describe their style of art?
CR: These are realist painters dedicated to detailing the social scene in a rapidly changing and expanding America, and to forging a distinctive American school of painting. Their art of social realism is tinged with expressionism and with a new freedom in the handling of paint that had only recently been introduced into European avant-garde art.

AL: What influences and importance do you belive the Ashcan Painters had on 20th Century art?
CR: The importance of the Ashcan Painters for American art in the early 20th Century is universally acknowledged by American art historians. Because they have not been widely seen in a European context, we are still in the process of determining their wider importance of 20th Century art as a whole. Certainly Bellows' audacious handling of paint must place him among the innovators of painting technique in those decades.

x7314 George Bellows, The Big Dory, 1913, Copyright New Britain Museum of American Art, Harriet Russel Stanley Fund, 1944.21. Photo: Alex Morganti






AL: Can you sum up in 5 words or less what people can expect from this exhibition?
CR: Frankly, no. I find that too reductive. Visitors must find their own way, open their eyes to new artists they probably haven't known and, with the help of the exhibition catalogue, wall texts etc, make of it what they make of it.


Access London would like to offer a huge thank you to Chris Riopelle for taking the time to answer our questions and help us to open our eyes to artists we may not have heard of before. I would also like to thank Karen Bosomworth for allowing me to use images of some of the beautiful pieces that you can see at this exhibition.

An American Experiment is open to the public at the National Gallery until the end of May. It has free entry to all and is completely accessible to those with disabilities (please see previous post for more details on this).

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

COMING SOON: Pre-Theatre dinner, Tate Britain's Watercolour exhibition and The Royal Parks

The National Gallery - An American Experiment Exhibition - Part 1

Welcome back to Access London, thank you for your continued support for disability access and awareness. Today's post is the first in a two-part series on The National Gallery and, in particular, one of its current exhibitions - 'An American Experiment: George Bellows and The Ashcan Painters'.

I recently visited this exhibition and was amazed by the rich colours and unique style of the artists. The exhibition is part of the National's attempt to showcase American art in the UK. This particular exhibition consists of 12 paintings, never before seen in the UK.

X7314 George Bellows, The Big Dory, 1913, Copyright New Britain Museum of American Art, Harriett Russell Stanley Fund 1944.21. Photo: Alex Morganti






Over half of the paintings in An American Experiment are by George Bellows, the other artists include, William Glackens, George Luks, John Sloan and Robert Henri. The paintings portray landscapes, urban scenes and portraits, all from the beginning of the 20th Century in America.

The National is free to visit and this particular exhibition is also free. The gallery is open from 10am-6pm daily with a late night on Fridays until 9pm. An American Experiment is in Room 1, just past the gift shop that is definitely worth a stop off for postcards of these paintings.

If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, the gallery and exhibition are definitely accessible. Although the main entrance to The National, that is on Trafalgar Square, has steps, there is another entrance just next to it called The Getty entrance. This has a gentle slope up to it and a lift inside to take you to the entrance level. Once inside, there is a cafe to the right that is completely accessible. Along the walkway to the left is an accessible toilet and the lifts up to the exhibition floors.

If you are a blue badge holder, you can pre-book a parking space just behind the gallery on Orange Street by calling, 0207 747 2854.

x7307 George Bellows, North River, 1908, Copyright Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Philadelphia, Joseph E. Temple Fund 1909.2





I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the gallery and especially An American Experiment - it certainly opened my eyes to some of the art being produced in America at the beginning of the 20th Century and to a relatively unknown group of artists here in the UK. The exhibition is open until May 30 2011.

In part 2 of this series there will be an interview with the exhibition's curator who will explain more about the paintings, artists and how the exhibition came together. Please visit again tomorrow to see what was said.

Access London has also been fortunate enough to interview 2 people from the education, access and information departments at the gallery, here's what they had to say....

AL: Who are you and what is your role at The National Gallery?
MB: My name is Miranda Baxter and I am the interim Access Officer at the National Gallery, situated within the education department. My colleague and I will share this wonderful opportunity to respond to your questions about access at the National Gallery.
My role as Access Officer is to collaborate with other departments across the gallery, like information, with whom I work very closely to ensure that the quality of visitor experience at the National Gallery continues to be delivered on all levels. In education specifically I organise a variety of BSL and BSL-interpreted talks about paintings and exhibitions at the gallery. Often I work with an adult learning team to design events that resonate cohesively and thematically with the other areas of educational and interpretive provision. I also organise description-based sessions called Art Through Words for Blind and Partially-Sighted Visitors on the last Saturday of every month. Each session focuses on one painting and participants are provided with high quality prints, including close-ups of interesting details. A specially trained educator provides a highly descriptive narrative of the painting, which is further enhanced by multi-sensory elements such as, poetry, story-telling, music and handling objects, as well as lively discussions. The session finishes with a visit to the gallery to see the painting in situ.
CM: My name is Chris Morton and I am the Senior Information Manager at The National Gallery. The Information Department's first responsibility is to provide exceptional service to all our visitors, by offering a warm, professional welcome, doing all we can to make sure they have a successful visit and a positive, enjoyable experience. Information staff are the first point of contact for many visitors, offering help, advice and information on all aspects of The National Gallery, whether navigating the building, exploring the collection or finding out about our huge range of exhibitions, events and activities.

AL: Can you briefly explain how the gallery is accessible to those with mobility problems/disabilities?
CM: The National Gallery provides access and assistance, where possible, to all visitors. The gallery consists of 2 buildings, both of which have level access. Wheelchairs, folding chairs, large-print labels, braille descriptions and large-print descriptions are available for key paintings, as well as audio guides (free for visually impaired visitors) and induction loops; water bowls are available for assistance dogs. The gallery also provides a parking space for Blue Badge Holders which can be booked in advance by contacting the Duty Manager's Office on 020 7747 2854. The gallery also offers a variety of events and lectures for deaf and visually impaired visitors, as my colleague Miranda mentioned above.

AL: Do you have a current exhibition on, available to those with disabilities?
NG: The main temporary exhibition is Jan Gossaert's Renaissance. Please see the gallery's website for further details of current free exhibitions and forthcoming exhibitions at the gallery

AL: Do you have any concessions for disabled visitors and/or their carers?
NG: Disabled visitors are entitled to a concession ticket to paid exhibitions and accompanying carers have free entry. The concession price for Jan Gossaert's Renaissance is £9 and there is a Tuesday afternoon offer from 2.30pm where all visitors entitled to a concession can purchase £5 entry.

AL: Can you sum up in 5 words The National Gallery experience?
NG: Eminent, Elegant, Inspiring, Inclusive and Educational

Access London would like to offer a huge thanks to both Miranda Baxter and Chris Morton for taking the time to answer our questions.

Please feel free to leave a comment, follow the blog and help to spread the word on disability access and awareness. Don't forget tomorrow's post with the curator of An American Experiment.

Royal Afternoon Tea at The Cavendish and Concierge Interview

Welcome back to Access London, thank you all for your continued support of this blog and helping to promote disability access and awareness.

London has been enjoying some beautiful weather over the last few weeks, so plenty of opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the capital at its best. As I write this post, thousands of people are running the London marathon, raising lots of money for charity and good causes, I wish them all the best and hope everyone enjoys the day.

Regular readers may remember a post that I wrote last month about The Royal Afternoon Tea at The Cavendish Hotel (Access London's recommended hotel for 2011) that is running throughout April. Access London was lucky enough to enjoy this delicious tea last week and I would highly recommend it to our readers.

The Cavendish is in Piccadilly/Mayfair, on the prestigious Jermyn Street and opposite Fortnum and Masons. To celebrate the Royal wedding in a couple of week's time, The Cavendish have developed a Royal version of their afternoon tea to commemorate the big day.

The tea costs £15 per person and can be enjoyed in the beautiful and tasteful setting of the hotel's first floor lounge. Diners can enjoy the likes of smoked salmon sandwiches, fresh, warm scones with jam and cream, Prince William pear and almond tart, wedding fruit cake and Katie's chocolates.

The staff at The Cavendish are all extremely helpful, warm, welcoming and happy to assist in any way they can.

For those who use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or cannot manage stairs, the hotel can be accessed on Duke Street where there is also a drop off point. From here, the reception area is all on one level and the lifts to the first floor are close by. Upon arriving on the first floor, the lounge is directly in front of you and is all on one level. There is also a disabled access toilet near by.

Here is a short video Access London took of the lounge area and the beautifully presented Royal Afternoon Tea.



Access London were lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview the concierge at The Cavendish who do a fantastic job, ensuring the happiness and comfort of all the guests. To find out what they had to say....read on.

AL: Who are you and what is your role at The Cavendish?
MC: My name is Mo Charane and I am the concierge at The Cavendish Hotel.

AL: What services do the concierge team provide to guests?
MC: The service that we provide to our guests is to greet them on their arrival and then assist them throughout their stay. We make recommendations based on their needs and then provide all the information that they need and require. This information includes: travel routes, tours, dining, limousines and car hire, hairdressers, shopping, flowers, champagne, after hours haircut appointments, spa treaments, private jets, trips abroad and much more.

We make suggestions that best suit the guests and deliver the highest level of customer service. Our role is to provide a service that goes beyond the guest's expectations and offer them an unforgetable stay. We are the first and last point of contact at the hotel for our guests.

AL: What hours does the concierge team operate?
MC: We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

AL: How do you and the team ensure that you are best informed about London and its attractions to best serve your guests?
MC: We keep up to date with what is happening in London by trying it ourselves, for example, visiting a new restaurant. More often than not, we are recommending from personal experience.

AL: If a couple were planning a special, long-weekend break to London and stay at The Cavendish, what would you recommend that they see and do? How could you make it special for them?
MC: We try to take as much information as we can about the couple so that we can better understand them and what they enjoy doing so we can assess how best to make it special for them. This could be a very romantic dinner or special afternoon tea followed by one of London's best shows, or recommending the best places to shop. I always do my best to make it memorable for them.

AL: In 5 words, how would you sum up The Cavendish experience?
MC: Welcoming, Friendly, Innovative, Green, Accessible



Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Mo for taking the time to answer our questions and also to Fabricio Torres for helping to arrange the interview.

To book for your Royal Afternoon Tea, please contact The Cavendish on: 020 7930 2111 or email: restaurant@thecavendishlondon.com or see their WEBSITE

Please note that after April, The Cavendish will finish their Royal Afternoon Tea but guests can still enjoy their delicious Traditional Afternoon Tea.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we hope you will return soon. Please feel free to post a comment, follow the blog and spread the word about Access London.

The British Museum - Afghanistan Exhibition

Today's post looks at the spectacular new exhibition being held at The British Museum - Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World.

The exhibition showcases some beautiful pieces from a beautiful country, that has unfortunately been ravaged by war over its recent history. Located on the ancient silk roads between India, China, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Afghanistan has been influenced by many cultures over the years.



The exhibition follows a timeline of Afghanistan's history, dating back to several thousand years BC, right up to the present day.

"Nearly lost during the years of civil war and Taliban rule, these surviving treasures reveal Afghanistan's ancient culture, its immense fragility and its remarkable place in world history" (British Museum)

The treasures featured include: pottery, glassware, sculptures, coins, statues, jewellery and possessions of travellers from along the ancient silk trading routes. There are brightly coloured pieces of glassware that were influenced by ancient Egyptians in their design and a magnificent golden crown that is pictured at the start of this post.

The exhibition begins with a video that portrays the beauty of the country as well as some of the more poignant images from recent times. It does however provide a fantastic overview of the country, its history and the lengths that its people will go to, to protect their ancient treasures.

Although not large in the physical sense, the exhibition does showcase a large number of items. I visited the day after it opened and in my opinion, the time slots given for admittance should have been spaced a little further apart. There is an obvious route to follow round the exhibition, but don't expect to pop in for a quick look as it can get quite busy.

To access the exhibtion entrance if you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or cannot manage stairs, use the lift at the back of the round Millennium building that stands in the centre of the museum's grand foyer. Once inside, the exhibition is all on the same level and there is a different lift at the end of the exhibition, past the gift shop, that can take you back down to ground level.

The cost to visit the exhibition is: Adults - £10 Children - FREE Disabled Visitors - £8 Carer - FREE.

To access the museum itself if you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or cannot manage stairs, there are 2 lifts, 1 either side of the entrance steps that will lift you up to the entrance level. For more information on access, please call the museum's Access and Equality Manager on 020 7323 8506.

This is a fantastic exhibition and one not to be missed. It runs until 3rd July 2011.



Please feeel free to leave a comment and to follow this blog. Thank you once again for supporting disability access in London.

COMING NEXT - Spring in the Royal Parks
COMING SOON - Love Never Dies, The National Gallery

Royal Afternoon Tea at The Cavendish

Welcome back to Access London, thank you once again to all my readers. I am pleased and proud to say that this blog has been recognised on Twitter last week and awarded the Bronze Helper Badge. Thank you very much to @twithelpme for this award.



Whilst this blog is about London, its amazing sites and attractions and the access it provides to those with disabilities, I would just like to take a moment to say that my thoughts are currently with all of those in Japan after the terrible earthquake they suffered last week. After finding out my own family were safe out there, I have been thinking of others who are not.



Today's post focuses on Access London's recommended hotel for 2011, The Cavendish, and in particular, the splendid Afternoon Royal-Tea that they are running to celebrate Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding next month. Throughout the whole of April, you can enjoy a touch of Royal-Tea at this stylish, central London hotel in anticipation of the Royal event.

The Cavendish is located on Jermyn Street, Piccadilly, in the heart of London (it can be found opposite Fortnum and Masons). If you are disabled, there is a drop off point and accessible entrance to the hotel located on Duke Street Saint James's. From reception, you can take one of the lifts up to the first floor to the welcoming and relaxing lounge area. This is where "A Taste of Royal-Tea" will be served. Once in the lounge, it is all on one level, so they are no access issues in this venue.

Not only can you enjoy this tasty and stylish afternoon tea, but for the whole of April, you can enjoy it for the spectacular price of just £15 per person.

A touch of Royalty is not new to this fantastic hotel: "The Cavendish has a rich history of serving Royalty. Our former proprietor Rosa Lewis - the famous British chef who ran the hotel from 1902-1952 - cooked for several Royal occasions. Her clients included Queen Victoria's son Edward VII and Winston Churchill's family" (Ciaran Fahy, Managing Director at The Cavendish).

The staff at The Cavendish are some of the most warm, welcoming and friendly in any London hotel. The service is impecable and every effort is made to cater for individual needs.

The Royal-Tea includes:

Traditional scones, Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam

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Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
Cucumber Sandwiches

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Traditional fruit cake with Royal icing
Victoria sponge
William's pear and almond tart

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A selection of Katie's chocolate truffles

As you can see, the menu follows a traditional and Royal theme as you would expect when celebrating a lavish Royal wedding.

The Cavendish is one of the most eco-friendly hotels in London, receiving the Most Sustainable Business Award from Visit London in 2010 and three gold stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Whether you are staying in London or simply visiting for the day, Access London definitely recommends a visit to The Cavendish next month to enjoy their afternoon Royal-Tea, in relaxing and sophisticated surroundings. Afterwards, why not stroll through the park to Buckingham Palace or walk down towards Westminster Abbey to complete your Royal Day?

To make a reservation for the afternoon Royal-Tea and even treat yourself to a night's stay at The Cavendish, please call: 020 7930 2111. Remember, this fantastic price of £15 per person for Royal-Tea is only on offer throughout April 2011.
Visit The Cavendish Website Here

COMING NEXT: The National Gallery
COMING SOON: Love Never Dies, The British Museum