Church Hill Theatre

As the name suggests, this one time Church converted into a theatre some 50 years ago sits on the crest of a hill. Although it’s small, it produces excellent performances, many child and family orientated. There is ramp Access to the front and side of the building with lift access to the upper floors, The front vestibule serves as a refreshment area during performances and during the day is a cafe, with outside seating to the public, very popular with children and families during the Summer - it is also a fringe venue for the Festival. Disabled Access and specific seating is in the Centre of the Hall, assistance dogs have plenty room without fear of being trodden on and the staff offer to water, relieve the dogs if need be. The staff were very aware of not only our needs but others as well. The theatre is on a main bus route in and out of the City and leads into Morningside Road services 5, 11, 15, X15, 16, 23, 36 and 101 Edinburgh - Biggar - Dumfries stop on either side of the road, be careful where you park as on Morningside it’s the steep part of the drop from Churchill and it’s a challenge for a chair and someone pushing, there are limited spaces in front of the entrance and more available on the street. Plenty room inside and spacious. Car parking restrictions are from 15.45 till 18.00.

Since refurbishment, the Churchill Theatre is open and welcoming. However, the theatre is on the first floor so you should arrive in good time to use the lift. The cafe is downstairs so you can't easily get down for a drink in the interval - that's not a disaster. There are no discounts for disabled people or seniors and there is no phone number on the booking page.

We attended an event with about 10 people (two wheelchairs, one mobility scooter) plus PAs and we were very impressed with the welcoming attitude from the front of house staff at the theatre. We felt like getting the red carpet treatment, the performance was delayed and we were kept updated about it, some space in the café allocated to us so that we can wait together. Also, we got access to the auditorium before the rest of the audience, staff pointed out lifts and helped with guiding us through the crowd, putting the mobility scooter away etc.