Much improved access and brilliant staff
5
5
Date of visit: June 2025
I have experience of challenges around: hearing and moving around.
Overall Rating
Excellent
Having read previous reviews about access at the Edinburgh Playhouse, I was very nervous about visiting. That said, access seems to have really improved since then! The staff were absolutely brilliant. Helpful, friendly, and proactive, and the show was fantastic too. Looking forward to my next visit to the Playhouse!
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
There’s only one accessible seating area, located in the upper circle, but don’t be put off by that, as it offers a very good view of the stage. Access to this area is via a ramp to the left, where there are a few wheelchair spaces with companion seating. I couldn't see anything during the standing ovation, and normally I wouldn't care too much about this (as I would also do the same - the cast were very deserving!) but it seemed like they did some "post-credits" performances during this, which I did miss out on. Oh, well! A note of clarification: on the ticketing portal, my seat was listed as a “wheelchair transferrable” seat. I phoned the access line to check and they confirmed this meant the seat can be converted into a wheelchair space if needed, rather than it being a seat designed for someone to transfer into from a wheelchair. Worth knowing to avoid any confusion!
Parking & Transport
Good
We managed to park about 10 minutes away. The theatre benefits from good public transport links. Buses stop nearby, the tram isn’t too far away, and Waverley train station is within walking distance.
Accessible Toilets
Good
There is one accessible loo, located near the bar. It was clean, easy to find, and had enough space to manoeuvre. The only downside is that there’s just one, so during the interval the queue built up quickly. I foresaw this, so I got out just as the interval started and managed to be second in line, but others weren’t so lucky. Some people gave up and presumably went to the toilets downstairs instead. There is a red cord free-hanging on the loo, and it already had a Euan's Guide card hanging on it - a bonus!
Staff
Excellent
The staff were lovely throughout. As I arrived, someone spotted me in the crowd and invited me to use the priority queue, a grateful gesture, especially as it was raining. Inside, the ushers were friendly and made the whole experience feel smooth and stress-free.
