The London Coliseum & English National Opera

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

Located on St Martin's Lane, The London Coliseum is home to the English National Opera.

The Coliseum is widely accessible and even has its own Access Scheme for those with disabilities. There is a permanent ramped entrance from St Martin's Lane into the foyer area which is spacious and all on one level. The box office is to the right if you are collecting or buying tickets or if you wish to sign up to the Access Scheme (highly recommended). The foyer slopes downwards towards the entrance to the Stalls and Stalls Boxes or, there is a lift up to the dress circle and balcony.


If you are a wheelchair user and cannot transfer into a theatre seat, there are spaces in the Stalls (2), Dress Circle (2) and Stalls Boxes (4). If you are a scooter user and can't transfer, the stalls boxes are the best option as they have the most room. If you can transfer, there are options of transfer seats in the Dress Cirlce and Balcony. There are adapted WCs on four out of five levels including, Stalls, Dress Circle and Balcony. The bars and restaurant are all accessible too. There is a lift in the foyer that goes to all levels.

There is an enhanced sound system that can be used with headphones and can be accessed by enquiring at the information desk in the main foyer. The ENO also offers sign-interpreted performances for most of its productions.

The ENO's Access Scheme entitles those with a disability access to half price tickets, priority booking and access guides and information. I highly recommend the scheme - it is free and easy to sign up to and, for most, will only require a photocopy of your blue badge or equivalent proof in order to sign up to it.


When signing up to the scheme, you will also be offered a CD, Braille or Large Print version of the season brochure if you require it. Braille and large print versions of cast lists and synopses are also available. The application asks that you give relevant information so that the box office can assist in booking the most appropriate seats for you.

To sign up to the ENO's Access Scheme, contact 0871 472 0800 or email access@eno.org

The nearest blue badge bays to the Coliseum are in St Martin's Lane, St Martin's Street and Charing Cross Road.

Upcoming productions and performances at the Coliseum include:

Der Rosenkavalier (R. Strauss)
Performances on: 1, 4, 11, 17, 24, 27 February

The Tales of Hoffmann (Offenbach)
Performances on: 10, 16, 18, 23, 29 February and 2, 6, 8, 10 March

The Death of Klinghoffer (John Adams)
Performances on: 25, 28 February and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 March

The Flying Dutchman (Wagner)
Performances on: 28 April and 1, 5, 12, 16, 18, 23 May

For details of all productions and to book non-access tickets online, see the website www.eno.org

You can also follow the ENO on Twitter @E_N_O

Phantom of the Opera - Cast Change & Interview with Katy Treharne

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

Today's post is an update on the Access information for Her Majesty's Theatre and also features an interview with Katy Treharne who has returned to the Phantom cast as alternate Christine.

Her Majesty's Theatre has level access for wheelchairs, scooters and those who cannot manage stairs on Charles II street. Simply make yourself known to someone at the front of the theatre (usually someone is around from 30 minutes before a performance) and they will escort you around to the side entrance. This entrance leads into the rear of the stalls.


The stalls have a storage area for wheelchairs and scooters and accessible WC. There are spaces for 4 wheelchairs in row S in the stalls. If you can transfer, any aisle seat in the stalls can be booked (subject to availability). An usher is assigned to help and assist those in the wheelchair spaces and transfer seats.

There is an infra-red hearing loop system with 10 headsets available to use - these can be collected from the cloakroom or ask a member of staff (a receipt needs to be signed). Two assistance dogs per performance are permitted at Her Majesty's. Large print programmes and braille cast lists are also available upon request. Overall, Her Majesty's is very accessible and has some of the most disability aware staff I know of in any London theatre!

There are performances Monday-Saturday at 7.30pm and also matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

To book Access Tickets for Phantom (currently from £22.50 each for you and a companion/carer in the stalls!) please call: 0844 412 4648. For all other tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.


Today's cast interview is with Katy Treharne who has returned to the cast of Phantom this week as alternate Christine. Once again, a huge Thank You to Katy for her continued support for Access London.


How do you feel about returning to Her Majesty's and Phantom of the Opera?

I am very excited to be taking up the Alternate role of Christine. I now have set dates performing every week and I get my name on the dressing room!


When you left the cast in September 2011, did you realise you would be returning so soon?

I hoped that one day I would return to Her Majesty's and felt my time there wasn't up. I didn't expect it to be four months later though, but it's a blessing, the time was right and I am very happy to be back.


When you were last in the show you covered the role of Christine, you are now returning as alternate. Are you looking to change anything in the way you play her?

I have been working with a new director since being back. His name is Sam Hiller and he is an actor himself and has made me think of things differently, I have changed a few of the choices I make in the show, dramatically and vocally to help tell Christine's story a lot clearer.


Since your last run, both the actors playing The Phantom and Raoul have changed. What are you most looking forward to about working with Earl Carpenter and Killian Donnelly?

I absolutely love working with both of them. I adapt well to change and find it exciting working with new people as they bring different things to the roles and help me find new things and keep it all fresh.


As Christine you have two iconic songs in 'Think Of Me' and 'Wishing'. Is there one that you prefer to sing and if so, why?

They are both so different in Christine's journey. It's hard to pick a favourite as Think of Me is right at the beginning so nerves are more present but I love singing it and wearing a beautiful costume and I also love singing the cadenza and the high notes! Wishing is very emotional and I have a huge attachment to this song as I relate it to my own personal experiences and it has a special place.


Her Majesty's is a theatre that provides pretty good access to those with disabilities but, what is it like as a theatre to perform in?

It's a wonderful theatre to perform in. With Phantom having been there 25 years, not much has changed and so you really feel you are walking in the footsteps of past actors and singers who have played these iconic roles and that these characters were born here.


What is your fondest memory from the last time you were part of Phantom?

My fondest memory was when I took my last bow when I played Christine the last time. When John Owen Jones took his bow he signalled to the audience to applaud me and that brought a tear to my eye. I was very humbled.


You can see Katy perform as Christine every Monday and Friday at Her Majesty's Theatre.
You can also follow Katy on Twitter @KatyTree
COMING SOON: Les Miserables and Matilda

Pippin @ Menier Chocolate Factory & Interview with Frances Ruffelle

Welcome back to Access London and a Happy New Year to all! Hoping you all enjoyed a lovely Christmas and New Year holiday. Access London's first post of 2012 is dedicated to the new production of Pippin, currently playing at The Menier Chocolate Factory and also a special interview with Frances Ruffelle.

"In this coming-of-age story, Pippin, heir to the throne of Charlemagne, ventures on a quest of self-discovery, but in doing so our hero must face the uncertain worlds of warfare, love, politics and religion.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked and Godspell ) and book by Roger O. Hirson, The Menier Chocolate Factory’s new version has been completely re-conceived, directed and choreographed, incorporating Bob Fosse's original Tony Award-winning routines, by Mitch Sebastian."

The cast includes Harry Hepple, Carly Bawden, Frances Ruffelle, Matt Rawle and Ian Kelsey.

Pippin is running at the Chocolate Factory until the 25th February with performances Tuesday-Saturday evenings (8.00pm) and Saturday and Sunday Matinees (3.30pm). To book Access tickets and concessions, call the box office directly on 020 7378 1713.

Wheelchair access is via the main entrance on Southwark Street (the venue is not really suitable for scooters however). If you have any mobility or disability requirements, please explain to the box office when booking tickets so that they can arrange for any assistance needed and help you to book the most suitable seating for your needs. There is 1 space for a wheelchair at the front of the auditorium, with a space next to it for companion/carer. There are other options if you can transfer to a theatre seat. Unfortunately, there is no infra red loop system at this venue. However, it is a fairly intimate space so please explain any requirements at the box office when booking and they will arrange seating as close to the stage area as possible.


Access London is delighted to share with you an interview with Frances Ruffelle who plays Fastrada in Pippin. I'd like to again say a huge Thank You to Frances for taking the time to answer some questions....


AL: This new production of Pippin brings the story into a modern and cyber world, can you tell us anymore about this?

FR: It’s best for me not to spill too many beans… but yes, this Pippin is set in a virtual reality game world.


AL: This production has been completely re-conceived. But would it be correct to say it still includes Fosse's original routines?

FR: We do indeed have original Fosse routines and we also have some fosse-esque choreography. We were very lucky to have Chet Walker (who worked closely with Fosse) come teach us the real thing!


AL: What were the routines like to learn?

FR: Well to be honest my role doesn’t have very much original Fosse but I did learn some of the other routines and it was incredible to hear the original stories of their creation, especially the Gwen Verdon walk! Gwen was Pigeoned toed and had leg braces as a kid and Bob Fosse found a way to make her unique stance into a very sexy but quirky walk! I base my character's walk on that.


AL: The production has a great cast with yourself, Matt Rawle, Harry Hepple and Carly Bawden. What has it been like together as a company?

FR: We have a ball! We share a very big dressing room with a screen splitting the girls from the boys but we can hear everything each other is saying! It’s a complete laugh backstage. We play music and play tricks on each other. I sit next to Carly, she is the same age as my daughter and has great taste in music.


AL: What can you tell us of your portrayal of Fastrada?

FR: I chose to portray Fastrada as an Essex trophy wife! I thought quite topical for now with TOWIE and I was born in Essex (even though I don’t naturally have an essex accent). But she is clever and knows how to get what she wants but really she does not give a toss about anyone but herself and she thinks she is the business!


AL: As an off West End theatre, what is the Chocolate Factory like to perform in?

FR: I love the intimacy of working here in a small theatre but also it’s great to be in a theatre known for its incredible artistic successes and with its many supporters, we are lucky to have fabulously interested audiences.


AL: Do you have a favourite scene in the show?

FR: I love GLORY going into The Manson Trio, an epic dance/fight scene


AL: I know why I've booked tickets to see Pippin - the cast and to see the new take on it - but what would you say to people who are as yet undecided whether to come watch?

FR: If you like to be entertained this is the show! I watch whatever scene I am not in from the back because I can and I want to! I love it!


You can see Frances in Pippin at The Menier Chocolate Factory until the 25th February.

Frances also has her own show BENEATH THE DRESS that she will be performing at the Chocolate Factory on the evening of Sunday 12th February. You can book tickets for this via the WEBSITE or, for Access tickets, please call the box office on 020 7378 1713.

Frances' most recent album, 'Imperfectly Me' can be found on itunes or ordered from Dress Circle
You can also follow Frances on Twitter @frankieruff







COMING SOON: Les Miserables, Billy Elliot, Matilda

Merry Christmas To All From Access London

Welcome back to Access London. A huge Thank You to everyone that has followed and supported this blog and cause in 2011 - Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With lots going on in the Capital in 2012, it should be a year to remember. Thank you for all your Christmas messages this week and emails on what you're looking forward to seeing next year. To answer one question many of you asked me in those messages: I'm starting off the new year by seeing Matilda, Pippin and Tosca (ENO) in January.

At the end of January, Access London will be holding an online auction with lots of great theatre treats, hopefully you can join in and I look forward to seeing you there - more details to follow at the beginning of the new year.

I believe I've answered most messages sent to me up until Thursday this week, if you sent me one after this day, I will get back to you shortly after Christmas. All that's left for me to say in this post is Merry Christmas and enjoy the day wherever you are and whoever you are spending it with.

I'll leave you with a few messages from some MT performers who have been kind enough to show support for Access London this year. Once again, a Huge Thank You to them all, your time and support is always so much appreciated.....


"I wish you all a wonderful Christmas filled with Joy, Love, Magic and Music! Thank You for all your love and support!"

"Desejo a todos um Feliz Natal cheio de alegria, amor, magia e musica! Muito obrigada pelo vosso carinho e apoio!"

From Sofia Escobar, Phantom of the Opera.

Sofia is currently playing Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre and has extended her contract there until September 2012. You can see her perform Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evening performances and Thursday and Saturday matinees. To book Access rate tickets to see Phantom, call: 0844 412 4648.You can follow Sofia on Twitter @sofia_escobar


"A Merry Christmas from the UK tour of South Pacific. Thanks to Access London for their support. Lots of Love and Festive Cheer to you all! x"

From Nick Wyschna, South Pacific.

Nick is currently playing Buzz Adams in the UK tour of South Pacific at The Oxford New Theatre until 31st December and then moving to The Mayflower Southampton 17 January - 4 February 2012.
You can buy Nick's album 'Lost In The Wilderness' from his website HERE
And follow him on Twitter @NickWyschna


"Nadolig Llawen to all Access London readers! See you on tour next year!"

From John Owen Jones, Phantom of the Opera 2012 Tour.

John will be playing the role of The Phantom during its 25th Anniversary 2012 tour which opens in Plymouth 27 February - 31 March 2012. He also has a new album coming out in Spring 2012. You can buy his current album from Dress Circle HERE
You can follow John on Twitter @johnowenjones


"Happy Christmas everyone! Here's hoping 2012 will bring total access to ALL theatre goers."

From Rebecca Caine, Musical Theatre & Opera Soprano.

Rebecca will be performing with the 3 Phantoms once again in February (10 and 11) at the Chichester Festival Theatre - to book tickets, including access rates, call 01243 781 312. Rebecca also has her own concert on 25 March at The Pheasantry, London - booking information to be released in the new year, definitely one for the diary although unfortunately the venue is only accessible via a flight of alomst 30 steps. If you can manage these though, please do book and go.
You can buy Rebecca's album 'Leading Ladies' from Dress Circle HERE
You can also follow her on Twitter @RebeccaCaine


"Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all you lovely people! Look forward to exciting things happening in 2012 for Access London! x"

From Lee Bowen, Musical Theatre and Opera Tenor

Lee will be appearing at Iford Arts Festival in 2012 singing Dr Caius in Verdi's Falstaff. For more information, visit www.ifordarts.co.uk You can also follow Lee on Twitter @LeeBowenTenor


"To all the Phantom fans.....Thanks for your ongoing support. Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful Xmas and a fabulous 2012!! xxLove Scottyxx"

From Scott Davies, Phantom of the Opera & Tosca

Scott is currently stand-by Phantom at her Majesty's theatre until September 2012. He is also currently performing at the English National Opera (London Coliseum) as Spoletta in Tosca. Final performaces are on 17, 21, 24 and 29 January. To book Access tickets, you can join the ENO's Access Scheme for free to be entitled to the Access rate, call 0871 472 0666.


"Hi all! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. Hope to see you at Her Majesty's very soon. Lots of Love, Jo."

From Joanna Loxton, Phantom of the Opera

Jo is currently playing Madame Firmin in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. She also covers for the role of Madame Giry. To see Jo perform as Madame Giry, these are the next dates that she is on: 2-4 February and 26 March - 4 April 2012. To book Access tickets to Phantom of the Opera, call: 0844 412 4648. You can follow Jo on Twitter @Joloxton


"From the sunny South Pacific to Access London and all your readers, a very very Merry Christmas to you all."

From Chris Jenkins, South Pacific

Chris is currently Swing and Assistant Dance Captain on the UK tour of South Pacific at The Oxford New Theatre until 31st December and then moving to The Mayflower Southhampton 17 January - 4 February 2012.
You can follow Chris on Twitter @chrisjenko


"Hi Everyone. Australia is great, nice to be home for Xmas! Hoping to be back in the UK very soon! Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas."

From Daniel Gourlay, Dancer, Singer, Actor

Daniel was part of the London 'Love Never Dies' cast. He is currently at home in Australia but hopes to be back in the UK soon.
You can follow Daniel on Twitter @DanielGourlay89



"For all of you who have any relationship with the fantastic Access London, have a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2012! Please keep going to the theatre and challenging and enjoying not only yourselves but those who create the work! Mx"

From Michael Xavier, Actor and Singer

Michael will perform opposite Connie Fisher on a 3 month tour of Wonderful Town from March 2012.
To keep up to date with all of Michael's news, please have a look at his website, where you can also listen to soundclips of him singing.... MICHAEL XAVIER
You can also follow Michael on Twitter @michaelxavierMX


"Hope you all had a Happy Christmas. Wishing everyone a healthy, bright and wonderful 2012. X"

From AJ Callaghan, Les Miserables

AJ is currently performing in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre and also covers the role of Fantine. To see AJ as Fantine, these are the next dates that she is covering: 2-11 January and 6-8 February 2012.
To book Access tickets to see Les Miserables, call 0844 482 5137.



"Here's hoping you have a very Happy New (Olympic) Year filled with exciting and stimulating theatre experiences. May you continue in your fabulous, undying support of the arts and look forward with me, to a raft of new shows and concerts in 2012. With love, Richard Halton"

To keep up with all of Richard's news, visit his website www.richardhalton.co.uk
You can also follow him on Twitter @richiehalton

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

Cavendish Hotel - Winter Deals and Cocktails

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for supporting disabled access in London.

Today's post is dedicated to the Cavendish Hotel - Access London's recommended hotel. Located on Jermyn Street, a stone's throw from Piccadilly Circus, The Cavendish is ideally placed to visit theatres, galleries, shops and attractions. The accessible entrance is via the hotel's drop off point on Duke Street where there is level access into the reception area and lifts up to the lounge, restaurant, lounge bar and rooms.

For those wishing to catch a show whilst staying at The Cavendish, the nearest theatres include: The Criterion Theatre (The 39 Steps), Her Majesty's (Phantom of the Opera), Jermyn Street Theatre (check their website for latest show - this theatre has no step-free access though), Theatre Royal Haymarket (currently - The Lion In Winter), Gielgud (currently The Ladykillers), Queens (Les Miserables), Lyric (Thriller Live!).

Other attractions close to the hotel include The Royal Academy of Art, just 2 minutes away on Piccadilly, Royal Parks (Green Park and St James'), National and Portrait Galleries, Buckingham Palace, Fortnum & Masons, the shops of Jermyn Street and Regent Street.

The Cavendish has some beautifully designed accessible rooms available that include an accessible roll-in shower room. For those with more mobility, treat yourself to a stay in an Executive room - includes a seperate shower and bath, but not a roll-in one - the room however is plenty big enough to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters.

The Cavendish has some fantastic, festive Winter Deals on right now, lasting through to the end of January, you can find out all the details HERE . If you do require an accessible room though, you will need to ring the main reservations number on 020 7930 2111 and check the rooms are available for the dates you require before booking them online. The Petrichor restaurant at The Cavendish is offering a special Christmas lunch and dinner menu which can be seen HERE .

Petrichor can be accessed using a ramp if you are a wheelchair or scooter user or there are 3 shallow steps with a handrail. Once inside, the restaurant is spacious with a choice of different types of seating and ample room for wheelchairs. You can make a booking or enquire further by calling the Petrichor on 020 7930 2111. The Cavendish have also created a festive twist on their traditional afternoon tea for the holiday season - their lounge is a great place to stop off after Christmas shopping to relax and enjoy afternoon tea for under £20 per person! For details on all the festive deals and goings-on at The Cavendish SEE THEIR WEBSITE HERE

Finally, I recently went to a cocktail evening and masterclass at The Cavendish, led by cocktail experts Gabor and Warren. I would definitely recommend a trip to one of the two bars at the hotel to try one of this season's delicious cocktails, all at very reasonable prices. The lounge bar is fully accessible if you are a wheelchair or scooter user and is on the 1st floor - accessed via one of the 3 lifts from the ground floor reception area. The lobby bar can only be accessed by several steps but there is a handrail if you are able to manage a few steps. However you choose to, enjoy The Cavendish Hotel this festive season!


COMING SOON: Billy Elliot, Pippin, Jersey Boys, The Ladykillers

The Lion In Winter - Theatre Royal Haymarket

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

Today's post is dedicated to the Theatre Royal Haymarket and its current production, The Lion In Winter.

"A family Christmas becomes a family at war. Henry II, not so young as he was, invites his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitane, and his three sons, Richard, Geoffrey and John, to spend the festive season with him, his mistress Princess Alais, and her brother, the young King Philip of France. Will Henry name who is to be his successor as King of England? Their yuletide celebration turns into a combat zone of deceit, betrayal, bitter power games and scabrous wit."

The Lion In Winter is the latest production to be directed by Trevor Nunn at the Haymarket this season and stars Joanna Lumley as Eleanor and Robert Lindsay as King Henry II.

The show runs until the 28 January 2012 with performances Monday - Saturday evenings (7.30pm) and matinees on Thursday and Saturday (2.30pm). To book Access tickets, please contact the box office directly on 020 7930 8800. For all other bookings, please call 0845 481 1870.

Theatre Royal Haymarket can be accessed via 3 steps up into the foyer (with many additional steps into the auditorium). If you are a wheelchair or scooter user or cannot manage stairs, please inform the box office when you book your tickets and then someone at the front of the theatre and one of the side exit doors on the Haymarket will be opened for you. If you are a scooter user, it is best to ask for the right side doors to be opened as this leads to the scooter storage area. Both sets of doors lead into the rear of the stalls where there is an accessible WC.

Once in the stalls, there is 1 space for a wheelchair user who cannot transfer at the back of the stalls. If you can transfer, you can book tickets for any aisle seat in the stalls (G1 and G21 have the most leg room). It should be noted that the stalls area does slope more steeply towards the stage than some other West End theatres but ushers are very helpful. There aren't any bars that are accessible but it can be arranged for an interval drink to be brought to you if you cannot manage stairs.

Assistance dogs are not allowed into the auditorium but they can be looked after by staff during the performance. Infra red headsets are available from the foyer (or ask an usher if you cannot manage stairs) - a £10, refundable deposit is required.

Blue badge parking is available on Whitcomb Street, Charles II Street and in St James' Square. Most bays have no time restrictions after 6.00pm but it is always best to check the signs at each one.

For more details on the show and theatre see the Theatre Royal Haymarket Website

Thank you to everyone who posted lovely comments on last week's birthday post for Access London and sent emails and tweets - the support is very much appreciated.


COMING SOON: Pippin at Menier Chocolate Factory, Jersey Boys, The Globe Exhibition