Assembly Festival at Assembly Gordon Aikman Theatre

stephrob

16 Aug 2015

Assembly George Square...some tips!

3.5

3.5

Date of visit: August 2015

Overall Rating

Good

We attended this venue to see a show at the Edinburgh Fringe. If you call on 0131 226 0002 or email them at accessbookings@edfringe.com then you can be specific about your access requirements for the particular venue. We collected our tickets from the University of Edinburgh visitors centre (east side of George Square), no steps to enter. George square is not very wheelchair friendly due to cobbles. Assembly is on the south side of George square, next to Edinburgh University library. To gain access to Assembly, there is a ramp next to the library,as you look at Assembly the library is on the right. Staff were friendly when we entered. Toilets are one floor downstairs and venue 3 flights of stairs up (approx 37 stairs). There is a lift (on left as you walk in) for your to access the bathrooms and venue. The venue itself is a large lecture theatre, however, the first 3 or 4 rows of seats are not fixed therefore can be moved to allow space for wheelchair access.

Disabled Access In and Around

Average

Venue is up approximately 37 steps. There is a lift as you enter the venue on your left. Venue is a lecture hall therefore tiered seating. First 3 rows, the seats can be moved for wheelchair access. Cobbled square therefore not ideal. Ramp at University library as there is stairs from the square to the entrance. If you do not use the lift, perhaps call ahead to reserve end of aisle low level seat. There are places to pause on your way up the stairs to the venue.

Parking & Transport

Bad

We took the bus. Nearest stops on Nicolson Street, 10 minute walk away. Taxi would be able to drop you off behind George Square. No car park but on street parking at Buccleuch Place, 2 minute walk to venue - however unsure of disability access.

Accessible Toilets

Average

No accessible toilet. Need to get lift down to bathrooms.

Staff

Poor

Very little to do with the staff however, plenty around if you were to require assistance.

Additional Information

With some preparation...i.e. calling accessibility phone line/venue to ensure seats or first 3 rows reserved then venue would be accessible. George Squares cobbles are difficult, however, there are ramps.