The National Theatre & The Magistrate

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for supporting Access for All to the Arts. London's Southbank is home to many arts venues including The National Theatre building which houses three theatres, The Olivier, The Lyttelton and The Cottesloe. With many productions running at the same time, there's always something different to watch at The National.

The Magistrate, a farce set in Victorian London, is currently playing at The Olivier... "With his louche air and a developed taste for smoking, gambling, port and women, it’s hard to believe Cis Farringdon is only fourteen. And that’s because he isn’t. Agatha his mother lopped five years from her true age and his when she married the amiable Posket. Well, when I heard the new dad was a police magistrate, I was scared. Said I to myself, “If I don’t mind my Ps and Qs, the Guv’nor – from force of habit – will fine me all my pocket-money.” The imminent arrival of Cis’ godfather sends Agatha incognito to the Hôtel des Princes to warn him of her deception. But it’s also where her son has cajoled his otherwise staid stepfather into joining him for a binge. High-spirited carousing leads to a police raid and a night of outrageous mishap as the trapped guests make desperate attempts to conceal themselves from the law and from each other. Indignities escalate at court the next day where Posket, the police magistrate, must preside."

With a cast that includes, John Lithgow, Nancy Carroll, Peter Polycarpou, Joshua Mcguire, Beverly Rudd, Sarah Ovens and Christina Cole, it's one not to miss. The Magistrate will also be broadcast Live via National Theatre Live to selected cinemas nationwide on January 17th 2013. Performances at The Olivier run until the 10th February 2013, please see the National Theatre's website for more details on dates and times of performances. National Theatre Access: All entrances have wide, glass swing doors. There are semi-automatic doors on either side of the main riverside entrance. There is also free parking available to blue badge holders in the underground car park (take your blue badge, theatre ticket and car park ticket to the information desk to receive your free exit ticket). Wheelchairs are also available to borrow at The National but please ring in advance to check availability and to book on 020 7452 3000. The backstage tours run at The National are fully accessible, please notify box office of any requirements when you book. Free cast lists are available in large print and braille from the front information desk. For those requiring audio-described performances, a free mailing list is available in large print, braille or CD format, please phone 020 7452 3238 to order your copy.

The National has an audio-described programme and touch tours for those with visual impairments and captioned performances for deaf or partially hearing patrons. There are also relaxed performances. Audio Described Performances for The Magistrate: Friday 4th January 2013 (7.30pm) and Saturday 5th January 2013 (2.00pm) with a touch tour at 12.30pm. Captioned Performances of The Magistrate: Thursday 10th January 2013 (7.30pm) and Tuesday 22nd January 2013 (7.30pm).

The Magistrate is playing in The Olivier Theatre. Access Information: To reach both the stalls and circle, use the lifts from either the foyer or underground car park. Stalls: 5 wheelchair spaces are available at the back of the stalls and the back row (R) is one small step up. All other seats are accessed via steps (25 down to the front). Please note that there is no handrail on the centre aisle (Level 2). Circle: Level access is available to Row G. There are 18 steps down to the front at Row A. The steps are steep but there are handrails (Level 3). Assistance dogs can be taken into the auditorium or front of house staff can look after them for you.

The National Theatre's Access List is free to join for those with a disability. You can print off, fill in and post the form from the website or fill it in online and email it to them. It enables you to describe the requirements you have. Once the form has been processed, you will be given a password for their online bookings or you can ring the box office for tickets on 020 7452 3000 and will be entitled to their concessionary rates on tickets. It's well worth the few minutes it takes to fill in the form!