Cerebral LOLsy is not Lousy!
4
4
Date of visit: August 2022
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
Having been at the Gilded Balloon at the Museum to see it before I knew where it was. Upon arrival at the venue the staff showed me and my carer to a waiting area in the foyer. However, they did say that we were going to be seated first because of my chair but actually they didn't seat us first, they let the other audience members in first. With the venue being small and intimate it was quite difficult to manoeuvre my wheelchair because I was right by the stage. Having said that, because it is part of the museum we had a very very good effort to accommodate people with disabilities. They were very welcoming and attentive. The show was hilarious. At stages it was like Lee's communication aid got 'stuck' and the BSL interpreter guy had to keep repeating himself which was quite entertaining to watch! For someone that can't speak - his comedic timing and jokes were so on point it just topped it. I was very lucky to have my photo snapped with him afterwards as well.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
Very few fringe venues have signage. Unless you do research before you wouldn't know. They did have a ramp. It was all on one level. I couldn't see any seating in the waiting area. The name 'Guilded Balloon at the museum' is a bit confusing because it is attached to a back building of the museum, but isn't part of the main museum. They should rename it 'Guilded Balloon at Bristo Square' that would make more sense! I didn't see any alternative formats, the show did have BSL though.
Parking & Transport
Poor
We had to go into Potterrow and park at the back entrance of Bristo square. Parking was not the best, and it was a bit of a trek from the parking space to the venue. With the town being so busy too. I would suggest for anyone who is visiting the venue to take the bus or taxi so they don't have to worry about parking. There are lots of bus stops nearby, bristo square, nicolson st and st patrick's square. If you phone up Lothian Buses I'm sure they could also help you with which bus to take to the venue.
Accessible Toilets
Bad
I didn't see any. If there were any, they weren't well signposted.
Staff
Good
The staff were very helpful. No issues with the staff running the venue. They were competent with customers, and customers with additional support needs.
