The Sound Of Music & Kilworth House Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You for continuing to support Access for All to the Arts. Today's post focuses on a venue outside of London...Kilworth House Theatre, Leicestershire and its forthcoming production of The Sound Of Music.

"'The Sound of Music' is quite simply one of the most popular musicals of all time. As their final collaboration Rodgers and Hammerstein have created a true classic of musical theatre based on the heartwarming, true story of the Trapp Family Singers. Maria, a young nun in an Austrian convent regularly misses her morning prayers preferring to go to the hills to sing. Deciding that Maria is too high spirited and needs to learn something about the real world before she can take her vows, the Mother Superior dispatches her to serve as a governess for the children of the widowed Captain Von Trapp. Rodgers and Hammerstein's unforgettable score delivers some of the most memorable songs ever written for the musical stage including 'Edelweiss', 'My Favourite Things', 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain' 'Do-Re-Mi' and, of course, the title song. 'The Sound of Music' originally opened on Broadway in November 1959 and since then has gone on to touch the hearts of all ages around the world. Uplifting , fun yet always moving 'The Sound of Music' is an unmissable treat for all the family."

Running at Kilworth House Theatre, set in the beautiful grounds of Kilworth House, this is a show not to be missed this Summer. The Sound Of Music runs from the 21st August until the 16th September 2012. Evening performances start at 7.30pm Tuesday-Sunday, with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and some Sundays. The fabulous cast for this production includes.... Helena Blackman (Maria) @helenablackman Rebecca Caine (Elsa) @RebeccaCaine Ian Knaur (Georg) Russell Wilcox (Max) @russwilcox Dom Hodson (Rolf) @DomHodson Jan Hartley (Mother Abbess) Hazel Gardner (Liesl) @IAmHazelGardner

Access Information: "The whole of the Kilworth House Theatre site including the car park is accessible for wheelchair usersand those with mobility difficulties. Within the auditorium there are four spaces on Row A reserved for wheelchair users. In each case there is a seat next to the wheelchair space for an accompanying person. We prefer to speak directly to the customer about their specific needs and allocate them the best seats available to serve these needs. There are reserved parking spaces for wheelchair users only and we have our own wheelchair available on request. Access between the Hotel and the Theatre: There is a well marked path between the hotel and the theatre suitable, if necessary, for a wheelchair. For clients with mobility difficulties we can provide transport by golf buggy between the hotel and the theatre entrance and vice versa, commencing one hour before and immediately after the show. Hearing Impairment: The theatre has installed an induction loop system for those who use a hearing aid. It is necessary to set your hearing aid to the T position before the performance starts. Assistance Dogs: Kilworth House Theatre welcomes assistance dogs and is happy to cater for their needs when attending a performance. Please notify the box office when booking to enable us to allocate the best seats available to serve their needs.

I found box office staff dealing with Access bookings to be extremely helpful. The Sound Of Music's Access tickets policy allows for a free companion ticket to be booked alongside the Access ticket. Access tickets need to be booked via the box office directly on 01858 881939 (Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm). For more information about Kilworth House Theatre, please see their site at www.kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk *Some text and images taken from Kilworth House Theatre website. Additional images from Rebecca Caine

Sweeney Todd & The Adelphi Theatre

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

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

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

The 39 Steps & The Criterion Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for taking the time to support Access to the Arts for All.

>"Playing both the West End and Broadway, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated as the smash hit Olivier Award Winning Best New Comedy. This blissfully funny show follows the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women. This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action." The Cast: London Criterion Theatre ANDREW ALEXANDER: Richard Hannay CATHERINE BAILEY: Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret STEPHEN CRITCHLOW: Man IAN HUGHES: Man SABRINA CARTER: Understudy Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret LEE RANNS: Understudy Hannay TOM WALKER: Understudy Man

The Criterion Theatre can be found in the centre of the West End, on Piccadilly Circus. The theatre is located below street level and so the main entrance only has Access to the auditorium via steps. However, there is a separate entrance at the back of the theatre, on Jermyn Street (next to the Stage Door), that provides step-free Access to the Upper Circle. Simply show your tickets to someone at the front of the theatre on Piccadilly and they will direct you to the Accessible entrance where someone will meet you. Inside the Accessible entrance there is a slope down to the Upper Circle, there is also an Accessible WC just before you get into the auditorium. There are spaces for 2 wheelchairs in the Upper Circle and also transfer seats for wheelchair and scooter users. Transfer seats do have 1 step up into the row.

There is a portable induction loop available at the Box Office and a Sennheiser infra-red hearing system in all parts of the auditorium. Headsets are available for patrons from the Cloakroom (if you are using the step-free entrance, please ask a member of staff to collect one for you). Occasional sign language interpreted performances are also played - please contact the Box Office for dates and more information on 020 7839 8811. Assistance dogs are not allowed into the auditorium but staff can dog-sit during the performance - a maximum of 2 dogs per performance. There is no step-free Access to a bar at the Criterion. However, drinks can be brought to disabled patrons. To book Discounted Access Tickets for The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre, please call the theatre directly on 020 7839 8811 and ask to be put through to the Box Office. Discounted Access Tickets are usually £15 each for disabled patrons and 1 companion.

Singin' In The Rain & The Palace Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for helping to support Disabled Access to the Arts.

Following its critically-acclaimed, sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, Singin' in the Rain is currently running at London's Palace Theatre.

"It's the roaring 20's and silent movie stars are the biggest names in the world. Don Lockwood has it all, a string of hit films and a studio-engineered romance with the most beautiful actress in town. But with the new phenomenon of the talking picture on the way and a chance meeting with a talented young chorus girl set to steal his heart, things are about to change for Don and for Hollywood forever.

With all the charm, romance, comedy and tinsel town glamour of one of the world's best-loved films, Jonathan Church's brand new production features a glorious score including the classics Good Morning, Make 'em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the legendary Singin' in the Rain.

Adam Cooper, Daniel Crossley and Scarlett Strallen are a joyous trio, dazzling in the roles made famous by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds. They lead a multi-talented cast which also features Katherine Kingsley as the hilarious blonde bombshell Lina Lamont, Michael Brandon as the highly-strung studio boss trying to win Hollywood's biggest prize, the first hit 'talkie' and Sandra Dickinson as gossip columnist Dora Bailey.

With stylish, soaring choreography from Andrew Wright and Simon Higlett's sumptuous set design, Singin' in the Rain will shower you with everything you could ever want in a hit West End musical!"



Performances are Monday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. There are also Matinee performances at 3.00pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.




Access into the theatre: If you are able to negotiate some steps then, there are two steps up to the foyer, through a set of double swing doors. The Box Office, however, has level access through the first door on Shaftesbury Avenue. The Box office also has a lowered counter for easy wheelchair access. All of the stairs in the theatre have highlights and handrails on both sides. There are 3 steps down from the foyer to the Stalls, 30 steps up to the Dress Circle, 56 to the Upper Circle, 77 to the Balcony, which is very steep. The theatre opens 45 minutes before the performance.

For wheelchair and scooter users and for those who cannot manage stairs, there is an Accessible entrance through a side EXIT door on Shaftesbury Avenue. Please contact a member of staff at the front doors on arrival and someone will open this door for you. This entrance has One 3cm step into the theatre and a slight incline to the Stalls. A ramp can be placed over the 3cm step for you, simply ask the Access Assistant who opens the door. The stalls have 2 wheelchair spaces in W26 and W27 with companion seats too. Transfer seating is available to aisle seats within the stalls. A maximum of 4 wheelchairs and 1 scooter can be stored at the back of the stalls per performance.

There is an adapted WC near the Accessible entrance at the back of the stalls. There is an infra-red system operating in the auditorium and an induction loop in the Box Office. Headsets are available from the theatre foyer. If you cannot manage steps, please inform a member of staff who will bring a headset to you. Assistance dogs are allowed into the auditorium. Alternatively, staff can dog-sit during the performance. A maximum of 4 dogs are permitted into the theatre per performance.

There is no level access to a bar at The Palace. However, drinks can be brought to disabled patrons in the auditorium.

The next Signed Performance is on Thursday 21st June 2012.
The next Audio Described Performance is on Tuesday 11th September 2012.
The next Captioned Performance is on Thursday 13th September 2012.

To book discounted Access tickets to Singin' In The Rain, please call the Access booking line on 0844 412 4648.

The Lion King & Lyceum Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for your continued support for Disabled Access to the Arts in London.

The Award Winning show Disney's The Lion King is in its 13th year at the Lyceum Theatre. Based on Disney's animated film by the same title and featuring music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice and musical score by Hans Zimmer, the show has proved to be a hit in town!

"Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains to the evocative rhythms of Africa, this spectacular production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music to tell the timeless story of Simba and his epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands."

Performances are on Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinee performances on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.




The Lyceum Theatre is located on Wellington Street, Covent Garden and just off The Strand making it central and near to transport links such as Charing Cross Station. If arriving in a wheelchair, please be aware that Covent Garden piazza is cobbled (although there is a paved walkway around most of the perimeter) and also dropped kerbs are lacking in some side streets. If you are arriving via The Strand, you should have no difficulty. If driving, there are 2 blue badge bays outside the theatre. There are also 3-4 blue badge bays opposite the Opera House. However, due to recent works in the area, these ones do seem to be closed on occasions so I can only advise that you ring Westminster Council before you travel to find out if they are in operation or not. There are also several other bays dotted around the Covent Garden area.

If you don't use a wheelchair or scooter and can manage some steps, the Lyceum's main entrance has 3 steps up to its Lower Foyer. From here, the nearest seating area is the stalls, a further 7 steps down from the Foyer. If you are a wheelchair or scooter user or cannot manage any steps, there is a level, accessible entrance through a double exit door to the left of the main entrance. There is a wheelchair sign by these doors and if you notify someone at the main entrance, someone will come and open these doors for you. I'd advise you to send your companion to ask at the main entrance as crowds tend to queue back past the accessible entrance and it can take a while to negotiate your way back through them.

Although there is lift access to all levels within the theatre, it isn't recommended that those with mobility and access needs book tickets in either of the circles - there are no designated wheelchair spaces in either circle and both require you to use steps once on those levels.

Within the stalls there are 6 wheelchair spaces in Row P and 3 in Row ZA. If you use a scooter or can transfer from your chair then any aisle seat in the stalls can be booked (subject to availability). There are also 2 adapted WCs by the accessible entrance to the stalls. The stalls bar is also accessible but, drinks can also be brought to those with access needs.

There is an Infra-red system in operation at the theatre that uses a mono receiver with neck induction loop. These are used in conjunction with a hearing aid which needs to be set to position T in order to pick up the signal. Assistance dogs are allowed into the auditorium. Alternatively, staff can dog sit throughout the performance.

- The next audio described performance of 'The Lion King' will take place on Saturday 21 July 2012 at 2.30pm, with a touch tour from 1pm in the Side Circle Bar.
- The next sign-interpreted performance of 'The Lion King' will take place on Saturday July 28th 2012 at 2.30pm.
- The next captioned performances of 'The Lion King' will take place on Sunday April 29th 2012 at 2.30pm and Friday September 7th 2012 at 7.30pm.

To book Access tickets or to discuss Access needs at the theatre, you can phone the Box Office directly on 020 7420 8113. The Box Office opening hours are 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday and 12pm-3pm on Sundays. Concessions are given to those eligible to purchase Access tickets and to 1 companion.

Matilda The Musical and the Cambridge Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for supporting Access for All to the Arts in London.

"Following a sensational sell-out season at The Courtyard Theatre, the RSC’s production of MATILDA THE MUSICAL has transfered to London’s West End.

Roald Dahl’s much-loved story bursts into life on stage in this brand new musical version by Dennis Kelly and award-winning musician and comedian Tim Minchin. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

The production is directed by Matthew Warchus and designed by Rob Howell with choreography by Peter Darling, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, musical supervision and orchestration by Christopher Nightingale, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve. The entire creative team has reassembled to create the London production."

Matilda the Musical is proving to be a huge hit at its new West End home, the Cambridge Theatre. Fun for kids, adults, the whole family.




The Cambridge Theatre is located in Covent Garden, just off of Shaftesbury Avenue. If you are travelling there in a wheelchair or scooter, just be aware that although the immediate area of Cambridge Circus is very easy to negotiate round, with all kerbs dropped, other streets in the area do have narrower pavements than others in the West End, so you may need to allow a little more time to travel to the theatre.

There are no steps into the foyer of the theatre, through two sets of double-swing doors. However, from here there are steps down into the stalls corridor and considerably more up to the dress and upper circles. All stairs have handrails either side and the steps are highlighted.

For wheelchair and scooter users and for those who cannot manage stairs, there is a level Access entrance through the third double exit door on Earlham Street. The theatre is open approximately 45 minutes before the show starts and if you notify someone at the main entrance, they will direct you to the Accessible entrance doors where someone will meet you. This leads straight into the Stalls corridor where there is also an accessible WC - please note however that this is the main corridor for all patrons to use before and after the show and during the interval. The accessible WC door opens out onto the corridor which can become extremely busy.

For scooter users and those who can transfer from a wheelchair, scooters and chairs are left in this corridor. There is a slight slope down into the Stalls. For those who need to remain in their chair, there are 2 spaces for wheelchair users in the Stalls at N1 and N34. For those that can transfer, any aisle seat in the Stalls can be booked (subject to availability). The theatre can store up to 4 wheelchairs and 2 scooters per performance.

For those requiring extra leg room, aisle seats and seats J1 and J8 have the most and also Box A, although this can only be accessed via 3 steps. The auditorium is fitted with an infra red system and the box office has a loop system fitted. There are 8 headsets available for use during the performance and these can be collected from the foyer. Assistance dogs are allowed into the auditorium. Alternatively, staff can dog-sit during the performance (maximum of 4 dogs per performance).

Unfortunately, feedback seems to show that staff at The Cambridge are not always that helpful and could be more disability aware. Although physically the theatre is accessible, please be aware that assistance there is not always that great and therefore if you do require help, it is best to take advantage of the second Access rate ticket you can obtain at the time of booking.

To book Access tickets to see Matilda the Musical (currently booking until 21st October 2012), please call the Access Booking Line on 0844 412 4648 - Access rates are subject to availability at each performance and don't forget the rate applies to both you and 1 companion, which equates to a fairly good discount for Stalls tickets.

The Barbican and Mark Llewelyn Evans Charity CD

Located in the City of London, The Barbican is home to an Arts and Conference Centre, Gallery and two Theatres: The Barbican and Silk Street Theatres. The venue hosts concerts, shows, exhibitions, and talks.

The Barbican is completely accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. However, it is a large venue and so for those who find walking difficult, The Barbican does have three wheelchairs for visitors' use, subject to availability; these can be pre-booked by calling the Box Office on 020 7638 8891. The main entrance on Silk Street is ramped and has lifts nearby, allowing access to all levels within the Barbican.

An induction loop is provided in the Concert Hall and Cinema. Visitors with hearing aids can make use of this facility by switching their hearing aid to the 'T' position. A radio network system is provided in the Theatre and Pit - visitors with hearing impairments may benefit from this facility. Headsets can be collected from Theatre Stalls Right prior to performance.

Assistance dogs may be taken into the auditoria or left with a member of staff. Adapted WCs are provided on Levels -2, -1, G, 1, 2, 3 & 4.

The Barbican also has its own Access Membership Scheme - this allows those with disabilities to register your requirements for free so that your needs can be met. The scheme also entitles you to the fantastic Access Rate tickets for shows and concerts. You can also pre-book a blue badge car parking space at The Barbican and park for free - to do this, book your space with the box office on 020 7638 8891 and when you arrive at the theatre, take your show ticket to the box office and they will provide you with a free exit ticket for the car park. To book tickets and find out more about the Access Membership Scheme please visit www.barbican.org.uk



Welsh Baritone, Mark Llewelyn Evans, recently performed at The Barbican in HMS Pinafore. On the 18th March 2012, Mark released a charity CD in support of the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal Fund. The Fund raises money for the Welsh Guards and their families. The CD is called 'Tell My Father' and also includes the support track 'Men of Harlech'. The CD can be purchased in iTunes and Amazon for £2.58.


Immediate - Press Release - 13th March 2012

Welsh baritone Mark Llewelyn Evans (brother of tenor Wynne; Gio Compario) joins ranks with the Welsh Guards to launch a fund raising CD to support Welsh troops and their families as they are deployed to Afghanistan again this week.

The CD - a double single - called Tell My Father - with support track ‘Men of Harlech’, the regimental slow march of the guards - has been made with the generous support of many artists and technicians, all of whom gave their time and talents for free, in order to raise funds for The Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal Fund.

The hope is to raise £50,000 by Remembrance Sunday this year. As increasing numbers of young soldiers are wounded or die, more & more pressure is put on money available from other sources and so, The Welsh Guards created their own fund to help soldiers and their families who are suffering as a result of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Soldiers like Guardsman Dale Leach who lost a leg and was flown home with a shattered spine, not expected to live. Amazingly he survived but now requires special support and care and has to live with his parents. The fund has helped them to make improvements and adjustments to their home to accommodate Dale’s injury requirements. Parents of soldiers who have lost their lives also find solace in helping the fund like the mother of Lance Corporal Dane Elson, killed in 2009, who helps to manage the fund’s website.

Mark Llewelyn Evans stepped forward after the he was approached by the Welsh Guards who had heard him singing ‘Tell My Father’. A successful soloist, Mark has performed in musicals and opera as well as with Katherine Jenkins for the Welsh Rugby Union. Last year he was asked by Guy Ritchie to appear in the new Sherlock Holmes film A Game of Shadows. The CD also features The Regimental Band of the Welsh Guards, Llantrisant Male Choir & renowned Welsh actor Richard Elfyn.


The Guard’s Colonel and patron, HRH The Prince of Wales speaks in support of the fund -
“It is vital that those Welsh Guardsmen who have given so much to this country and their Regiment know that they and their dependents will be cared for and supported should the need arise. The Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal will play a key role in providing this support in the short and the long term, as the wider Regimental family plays its part. I commend the Appeal and ask all those who can to support its admirable work.”


The Guards are also performing in a 3 night concert tour in Wales on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of March to support the appeal.


The CD, to be launched on the 18th March, is available on iTunes and Amazon at £2.58

You can read more about the appeal and charity on their official website and also donate to the fund at... www.welshguardsappeal.com

To hear sound clips from the sound and for more information about Mark and his forthcoming performances and concerts, see his website at www.markllewelynevans.co.uk

You can also follow Mark on Twitter @markllew


COMING SOON: Matilda, Singin In The Rain, Lion King