Taking in a show at the Fringe
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: August 2017
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
Visiting the C Venue to see the fantastic group Aquapella, playing in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. When we arrived we found the entrance up approx 3 steps and a family member had to find a member of staff to ask how we get in. The entrance for wheelchair users is round the side of the building via a platform lift. A word of warning if you are a powered wheelchair user, be aware of the upper weight limit as the platform lift may not be able to cope with larger powered wheelchairs. Somehow the lift got me up into the venue no problem but when I was leaving, the lift broke down taking me back down and I couldn't get off at the bottom. I had to go back up to the top and vacate the premises via a ramp down the 3 steps. The ramp was extremely steep but I managed to get down by using the recliner on my chair to tip me back. Had I not got that functioni doubt a standard powered chair would have coped with the steepness of the ramp. It was quite an unpleasant experience even with the recliner. When we were in the venue we were taken to a standard lift, that was quite small but enough for a powered wheelchair, and taken down to the basement level where our theatre and toilets were located. The accessible toilet was adequate. Not too much space once the chair is in. When waiting in the queue to enter the theatre, we were not waiting long when a member of staff approached us and took us into the auditorium before anyone else was allowed in and made sure we were fully settled then let everyone else in. They came to us at the end and escorted us back to the lift and to the platform lift to let us out. All the staff we had dealings with at this venue were first class.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Once in the venue access is pretty good considering the age of the building. What let's it down for me is the platform lift to get into the building and the portable ramp they have getting up the stairs at the entrance which is too short, making the gradient quite extreme and making it a scary experience.
Parking & Transport
Good
Like a lot of Fringe venues, due to the city centre location parking is difficult. There is on street parking directly outside the venue on Chamber Street although you need to be pretty lucky to get a space close by. The nearest tram stop (St Andrews Square) is about approx 15-20 min walk away. There is a good bus service passing close by with the closest stop being a 2 min walk away. Buses that pass close by that I am aware of include the numbers 31, 35, and X62.
Accessible Toilets
Average
Adequate space. Does what it has to but not much space for manoeuvring once wheelchair is in.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were fantastic. Can't praise them highly enough!!!
Additional Information
The show itself is well worth going to see.
