Entertainment in London
The best theatres with disabled access
London's Theatreland consists of around forty theatres in the heart of London's West End, mainly located in Covent Garden and Soho. Alongside Broadway in New York, London has the highest concentration of commercial theatres in the English-speaking world.
There was a boom in West End theatre building during the late Victorian and Edwardian period (late 1880s - 1910) and later in the 1920s and 30s, and this is when most of London's historic theatre dates from. The older theatres have limited step-free seating or wheelchair spaces, and popular shows can sell out months in advance, so our advice is to wherever possible to book ahead, especially if you have access needs. West End theatre tickets can be expensive, so a cheaper alternative may be to attend a fringe theatre in central London.
For a list of current shows check out Official London Theatre also check out their access page Access London Theatre for information about Audio Described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and relaxed performances.
We've a list of some of our reviewers' favourite accessible theatres.
Palace Theatre is a large West End theatre, currently showing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. One visitor said that “it was easy to get in on my scooter. I could see the show well from my seat.”
Adelphi Theatre is located on Strand and was popular with one reviewer who said: “Highly recommended as a show, a venue a for the customer service.”
Soho Theatre is a smaller theatre which focuses on contemporary theatre and stand-up comedy. It has “4 small studio theatres all accessible with lift in place. The toilets were accessible on each floor.”
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a modern reproduction of the original Globe Theatre, which is only partially roofed over, and provides an authentic historical, theatrical experience. However, a review said: “Access is simple, it is step free and there is an elevator inside. There are two options for people with disabilities, you can be amongst the crowd at the front of the stage on a platform or you can be in a booth upon the side with a small number of other people.”
Bridge Theatre is a modern, accessible theatre on the Southbank next to Tower Bridge, and mainly features new, exciting productions. One reviewer gave it five starts and said: “The staff actively sought me out to offer help. It was done in an appropriate and genuine way. The river lit up at night and the staff kindness made it a magical evening."
Sondheim Theatre is the current home of the ever popular Les Misérables. A five-star review commented on its step-free access and helpful staff which made it “a fantastic trip."
Lyric Theatre in Shaftsbury Avenue was noted by one reviewer as having great access and “We were greeted at the door and taken straight to our box, the lady showed us where the toilet was and offered to go and get drinks for us, she couldn't have been more helpful."
The best cinemas with disabled access
London has impressive, large flagship cinemas belonging to international chains in Leicester Square, famous for hosting star studded, lavish, red carpet film premieres. For dates of upcoming premier screenings, film festivals and award ceremonies check out Premiere Scene's film calendar There are also lots of smaller chain cinemas that show new releases and independent cinemas that host foreign language and classic films. Most cinemas have a few wheelchair user spaces in each of their screens and some step free seating. Some have screenings with audio description or are relaxed.
Here's a list of some of the most accessible cinemas in London.
BFI Southbank the British Film Institute shows contemporary, screen classics, and foreign language films with special events and film festivals. One reviewer said that autistic wheelchair user who has chronic pain and fatigue, this is my favourite place in central London to relax”
The Garden Cinema small two screen independent cinema close to Covent Garden, showing new release international films and repertory seasons. It has bar with some small booths. One reviewer noted that “the venue is lovely and accessible”.
Prince Charles Cinema is a two screen independent cinema just off Leicester Square offers recent releases, classic films and sing-a-long films. They have now installed an accessible toilet in the basement. One reviewer said “The cinema limited step free access but if you have a mobility impairment and can manage some stairs, this is a possibility for you”.
Crouch End Picturehouse is one of the popular Picturehouse chain cinemas showing new releases. One wheelchair user said “The theatres ALL have level access and slopes to the seats rather than steps. The wheelchair seats are mostly located in the middle row so you get a great view”
The best music venues with disabled access
London offers a wide range of live music venues from huge, iconic, historic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and modern, purpose built arena to smaller concert halls and pub venues. The city host international artists and favourite bands covering ever music genre, including classical, jazz, rock, reggae, country and pop. Popular performers' shows sell out quickly, and accessible seating is limited, so our advice is book early.
These are some of our reviewers' most accessible venues.
Royal Albert Hall is the iconic concert hall hosting classical and popular music, most notably its annual Proms. One reviewer said “heir wheelchair area seemed like it could accommodate whomever on no permanent seating so if you wanted to be sat with more than one companion it looked like this was going to be possible.”
The O2 Arena hosting concerts from the world's top stars and elite sporting events for up to 20,000 people, making it the largest arena in London. One powerchair user said “I am very happy with the experience I had, I found the facilities to be very accessible: staff were also very attentive and accommodating.”
Abba Arena is home to the Abba Voyage show which sees the group performing as digital avatars alongside a live band. The purpose-built stadium is very accessible with a Changing Places toilet. One powerchair user said “Brilliant experience from start to finish”. Also find out more in our blog Abba Voyage is Phenomenal – Including Disabled Access!
The OVO Arena Wembley is a music and sporting venue with room for 12,500 people. One visitor said “Very happy with all provisions.”
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