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

Opera Seria's Anna Bolena @ The Royal Northern College of Music

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for supporting Access for All to the Arts. Today's post is a little different as it looks at a venue and performance outside of London. Occasionally I post on Arts venues outside of the Capital if I feel they have particularly good Access and facilities for those with disabilities.

"Opera Seria is a semi-professional, Manchester-based, chamber opera company, formed to put on a series of high-quality productions of lesser-performed operas (and a few favourites) in their original language for Manchester and the North West of England."

This June, Opera Seria will present their debut production, Donizetti's Anna Bolena, at The Royal Northern College of Music. Performances will be on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June 2012.

"The opera portrays the final days in the life of England's ill-fated queen driven to insanity by her unfaithful husband. The production features an international cast of emerging operatic professionals and a chorus of talented community members and local music students."


I recently spoke with Rochelle Hart who will be playing Anna Bolena in the production and who is also a founding member of the Opera Seria company. Here's what she had to say about Opera Seria and its debut production...

AL: Can you tell us more about who Opera Seria are?
RH: Opera Seria was founded with the interest of giving emerging artists more opportunities to sing roles they might otherwise not get to sing early in their career. We sing everything in its original language, which gives our soloists not only valuable stage experience, but also experience in performing in foreign languages. This will help them as they emerge into the professional world.

We also aim to be accessible to the community. It’s unfortunate that opera has been branded as high brow in the past, and that people are not as interested in going to hear opera (particularly if it’s in a foreign language). We feel that people are missing out on beautiful music, so aim to perform the productions in creative and engaging ways. We’ll also be holding pre-show talks for anyone interested in learning more about the performance they are about to see, running workshops for babies and tweens to get them interested in classical music, and invite local community members to join the chorus or help out backstage. This keeps the operas we produce engaging for not only the soloists, but the community as well.


AL: As a founding member of Opera Seria, what led you to the decision to become involved with this new company?
RH: As an emerging artist myself, I look for any opportunities to build up my experience and to just sing. Opera Seria seemed like the perfect opportunity to utilise my ‘office’ skills but also to get out there and share my love of singing with audiences in Manchester. I also saw there was a hole for a good professional company based in Manchester, and thought it was time that there was one. There are lots of great amateur companies, and Manchester is lucky to be on the touring list for great companies like Opera North and Heritage Opera, but as far as having a ‘home’ opera company, outside the RNCM and the local amateur groups there just isn’t one.


AL: Anna Bolena marks Opera Seria's debut production. Why this piece?
RH: To be honest, we chose Anna Bolena before we realised the Met was doing it and didn’t know there would be a lot of hype about it. We wanted to do something that wasn’t often performed in the UK, to make us stand out from the other companies. The idea was to do something not in the standard rep for smaller groups, staying away from things like La Traviata and Carmen, which are done to death. We wanted something fresh and new, knowing it was a risky move. People go to see La Traviata because they know it, they recognise the music, they can relate to it. People won’t know Anna Bolena in the same way. I think the Met having done it recently will help our cause, as it will be in people’s minds and it’s not been done in the UK recently, but it will still be a hard sell as the music isn’t going to be familiar to people. There is no Queen of the Night aria for people to nod along to, no Brindisi to have them tapping their feet. What they will get, though, is beautiful music by a fabulous composer, sung by some exciting young soloists. There is lust, betrayal and beheadings – what more could an opera goer want?


AL: Are cast members current/founding members of Opera Seria or were auditions held?
RH: Cast members are a combination of founding members and soloists that were found during auditions. While the founding members are experienced soloists in their own rights who want the opportunity to perform, we also want to give the same opportunities to other aspiring opera stars, so do hold auditions to share the love and give others the same opportunities.


AL: What are the most enjoyable aspects of putting on this productions? And, what are the most challenging ones?
RH: Marketing and fundraising is a massive challenge for an unknown opera company doing a less-than-popular opera, but the excitement of the creative process in seeing it all come together is extremely exciting. I think the end product will be something we can all be proud of, and will put Opera Seria on the map as one of the one-to-watch smaller professional companies in the North West.


AL: What can audiences expect from Anna Bolena?
RH: Like I said above – lust, betrayal and beheadings! Beautiful music, a lot of drama and an interesting and creative retelling of the final days in the life of Anne Boleyn. It’s a pretty fantastic story, and we get some excellent costumes to boot!


AL: What can we expect from Opera Seria after June 2012?
RH: We’ll be doing a run of fully staged productions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in November, followed by a costumed concert of Roberto Devereux at Manchester Cathedral in January 2013. We’ve got some other pretty big ideas lined up for 2013 – watch this space!


A huge Thank You once again to Rochelle for taking the time to answer some questions. To keep up to date with all of Rochelle's news, see her website www.rochellehart.com . You can also follow her on Twitter @raketje

For more information on Opera Seria, Anna Bolena and their other productions, see their website www.operaseria.co.uk . You can also follow the company on Twitter @OperaSeriaUK


ANNA BOLENA IS AT THE ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC ON 16TH AND 17TH JUNE 2012. TO BOOK ACCESS AND OTHER SEATS, CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON 0161 907 5555.


Access Information for RNCM:

"For events listed as ‘Promoted by RNCM’ disabled patrons can purchase tickets at the concessionary rate. Where a personal assistant is required to enable them to attend they can purchase two tickets with 50% off the full price. Wheelchair users can purchase up to two tickets with 50% off the full price. Please call the box office on 0161 907 5555 for further information.

The RNCM offers a range of facilities to disabled patrons. Please call Reception on 0161 907 5300 to reserve a disabled parking space. Wheelchair access is available, via lifts, to all performing venues and public spaces and we have low-level counters available at the Box Office and Bar. There are disabled toilet facilities on all levels. Guide dogs are admitted, please advise the Box Office when booking your ticket if you are bringing a guide dog.

The RNCM Concert Hall and RNCM Theatre are fitted with Sennheiser infra-red hearing assistance systems and receivers. They are available from Front of House staff on request. Receivers can be used in conjunction with a normal hearing aid (which should be switched to the ‘T’position) or an earpiece available at the venue. Studio Theatre, Carole Nash Recital Room and Lecture Theatre are fitted with induction loops (hearing aids should be switched to the ‘T’ position). Large print and audio versions of this brochure are available from the Box Office (also on disc or by email). Please call the Box Office on 0161 907 5555 for all other detailed information for disabled visitors."

For more information on The Royal Northern College of Music visit www.rncm.ac.uk

Jersey Boys and The Prince Edward Theatre

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

The Hit Musical, Jersey Boys, plays at The Prince Edward Theatre, located on Old Compton Street in Soho.

"YOU KNOW THE SONGS...NOW DISCOVER THE STORY!!

JERSEY BOYS, The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is now playing at the Prince Edward Theatre, London. Discover the rags to rock to riches tale of four boys working their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of international pop-stardom.

Featuring all the classic hits: SHERRY, BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY, CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU, BYE BYE BABY (BABY GOODBYE), WORKING MY WAY BACK TO YOU, WALK LIKE A MAN, DECEMBER 1963 (OH WHAT A NIGHT) and more."





Access for wheelchair/scooter users and those who cannot manage stairs to the Prince Edward auditorium is via a double exit door on Greek Street, to the right hand side of the theatre's main entrance on Old Compton Street. There is disabled Access to the theatre foyer from Old Compton Street where the box office is located but, from here, there are stairs into the auditorium. Simply ask someone at the entrance and they will escort you around to the Accessible entrance.

Inside the Accessible entrance, there is a short ramp up into Box 1 where there is space for 2 wheelchairs and companion seats. The entrance is Accessible to scooter users but the Box isn't really geared up for it so you would be better to transfer from your scooter into a theatre seat in the Box. Staff are happy to take and store your scooter during the performance. It is also quite a tight turn from the Accessible entrance doors into the Box and some scooters may struggle with this - my advice, transfer, if you can! There is also some transfer seating available in Row A of the Dress Circle.

The theatre has a Loop System fitted and headsets are available from the Access attendant for a deposit of £5. Up to 2 Assistance dogs are permitted into the auditorium for any one show or, the Access attendant can sit with them during the performance, if you would prefer.



The only bar that is Accessible is the one in the foyer. To reach this during the interval, you would need to go back out onto Greek Street and around to the main entrance on Old Compton Street. However, staff at the Prince Edward are extremely helpful and the Access attendant is more than happy to go and bring drinks/programmes etc to you before the performance or at the interval. The only Accessible WC in the theatre is again in the foyer, so this means a trip back out onto Greek Street and around to the main entrance if you need to use this during the interval. Staff are happy to assist with the trip round though but my advice would be, unless you really want/need to go the bar or toilet at the interval, try to avoid doing so.

There are concessions available on the Access rate for disabled patrons and 1 companion. To book Access seats to see Jersey Boys, please call the Access line on 0844 482 5137. This is the main Access line for all Delfont Mackintosh theatres so simply select the option for the Prince Edward when prompted and it will direct you straight through to their box office (lines are open Minday-Friday).
You can also send Access enquiries via email to petbox@delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Billy Elliot The Musical & The Victoria Palace Theatre

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

The award winning musical Billy Elliot plays at the Victoria Palace Theatre and has been entertaining audiences since 2005.

"Set in a Northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever."



Victoria Palace Theatre is a short distance from Victoria Station and on the North side of Victoria Street. The main entrance has a very small (3cm) step up into the foyer and box office area. From here, the most accessible area of the auditorium are the stalls which are down 4 steps from the foyer. The steps have handrails either side.

For wheelchair and scooter users and for those who cannot manage steps, there is a level access entrance in Allington Street which is to the left of the theatre. Simply inform someone at the front of the theatre and they will open this level entrance for you. Inside, there is an accessible WC (if you haven't got a RADAR key, please let a member of staff know and they will open it for you). This entrance leads directly into the back of the stalls. Scooters can be stored and brought to you in the interval and at the end of the performance.

For wheelchair users that cannot transfer, there are 2 spaces at P36 and M36 where you can remain in your chair throughout the performance and your companion can remain close by. If you can transfer, then any aisle seat in the stalls (subject to availability) can be booked. In addition to the 2 wheelchair spaces, 4 wheelchairs or scooters can be stored per performance.

Assistance dogs are permitted into the auditorium and staff can dog sit during the performance in the Manager's office. There is an infrared system in the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets available. These must be booked in advance and a small deposit is required - please ask the access assistant on arrival for your headset.

There are sign interpreted performances of Billy Elliot on:
Thursday 9th August 2012 Matinee Performance (2.30pm)
Friday 7th September 2012 Evening Performance (7.30pm)

There are Audio Described performances of Billy Elliot on:
Saturday 1st September 2012 Matinee Performance
Thursday 6th September 2012 Matinee Performance

There are captioned performances of Billy Elliot on:
Tuesday 28th August 2012 Evening Performance
Saturday 8th September 2012 Matinee Performance

Performances are Monday-Saturday evenings at 7.30pm and matinee performances on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

To book Access tickets for Billy Elliot (currently priced at £27.50 each for you and a companion in the stalls of the Victoria Palace Theatre), please call the Access line at the box office directly on: 020 7834 1170. Access bookings and enquiries can also be made via email at access@victoriapalace.co.uk

For all other tickets, please call the box office on: 0844 811 0055.

Phantom of the Opera & Cast Interview with Simon Shorten

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 some of the Access information for Her Majesty's Theatre, home to Phantom of the Opera and located on the Haymarket. There is also an interview with cast member Simon Shorten.

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 an 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 for one (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 interview is with Simon Shorten who is Swing and covers the role of The Phantom at Her Majesty's. I'd like to once again say a huge Thank You to Simon for his time and support.

When you first went on for The Phantom, how did it feel to step onto the stage as that iconic character?

Absolutely incredible, there's no other feeling like it, terrifying but exhilarating at the same time


How do you get on with the make up process for The Phantom?

I actually really enjoy it, we normally start at 6:55pm, it takes around 40-45 mins but for me it's a great time to relax and chat with the make up and wig staff and listen to some music whilst seeing myself become this unbelievably grotesque Character.

It's very surreal to go through, but once I know the make up is on, I hardly notice it's there.


Do you have a favourite song or scene to perform as The Phantom?

Final lair without a doubt, I love it. It's just so brutal for everyone, all three of us get thrown around, there's so much passion and tension, it's an amazing scene to be a part of.


What do you think is the key to Phantom's success?

I think it's really simple. It's just one of those stories that many people can relate to, at some point, we've experienced the themes that run throughout the show, and those feelings don't go away easily. Phantom almost forces you to remember, it did for me anyway.


Her Majesty's is fantastic for disabled access, what is it like as a theatre to perform in?

It's incredible, a beautiful building with a lovely atmosphere out front and backstage, there is so much space it's easy to slip away for some quiet time should you need it.

How did it feel to be part of the Phantom 25 celebrations?

Humbling. Being quite new to the show, it was an incredible experience to meet all the great people who have been involved in the show over the years and to see the amount of support it received from the audiences. I'll never forget it.


What is your most memorable moment from Phantom 25?

Being the phantom double in the journey to the 1st lair, great to have a moment to briefly play the Phantom for such an iconic moment, (and a lovely bit of screen time on the DVD too lol) ;)


The designs for Phantom are breathtaking, do you have a favourite?

Costume - you simply cannot beat the suit. I've never had a suit tailored for me, and if you were ever going to have one, you'd want it to be the Phantom's. It feels incredible to wear, I absolutely love it.

Set - I love the simplicity of the auction, not to give too much away for those who haven't seen it, but how that seen progresses to Hannibal always makes me go wow that is cooooool lol !!


If you could play any role in musical theatre, what would it be and why?

I love to play the darker characters, Sweeney Todd would be my ultimate want, it's one of my favourite shows, that would be very special for me (fingers crossed eh)


Do you have a message for the Phantom audiences and fans?

I've met some wonderful people during my time here, I can't thank you enough for all the love and support you give me, you guys are awesome, Thank you so much!!

Also, keep your eyes peeled for updates on my website, www.simon-shorten.com as I have some great projects lined up throughout the year!!!

Lots of love

Simon. Xxx

You can also keep up to date with Simon's news by following him on Twitter @SiShorten

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