Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Visited the Yvonne Arnaud theatre one evening recently to watch a play. It has been recently refurbished with improvements made that include disability/wheelchair access. The tickets had been booked at the front desk the week before. There are two points in the theatre stalls that can be accessed by wheelchair users. One set nearer the front of the stalls accessed by a separate entrance to the left side at the front of the theatre rather than through the main lobby. The other wheelchair space is at the back of the stalls, accessed by using the lift (added during the refurbishment) to the first floor. Used disabled parking at the nearby Millbrook car park which is free for Blue Badge holders. Level access from car park to the theatre. The theatre entrance is level access with electric doors. There is a cafe on the ground floor. Refurbished separate toilet facilities for men’s, women’s, baby-changing and disabled. There are toilets available on the other floors, including a disabled toilet on the 3rd floor and one close to the access for the lower stall wheelchair seating area (2 wheelchair seat spaces). I chose to sit at the upper stall wheelchair seating space where there is room for two or three wheelchairs. This was my first time in this space and found the view from here is very good and easy to get to. The staff were helpful and on hand to assist where needed. An enjoyable evening at the theatre.

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre was not just accessible but for a change the wheelchair spaces were located just 6 rows back in the stalls with plenty of space and a good view. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the disabled entry and toilet located just a few metres away. Disabled patrons receive £5 off per ticket and a carer goes for free.

Parking is limited outside but there's level access to the box office and cafe via automatic doors. The accessible entrance to the auditorium is reached by going back outside (luckily it's covered should it be raining). There's an accessible loo just inside the second entrance. This is only unlocked for performances so I'm not sure how visitors to the cafe or restaurant would access the loo. It's a bit chaotic in the foyer area when there's a performance - difficult for a wheelchair user or someone with walking difficulties - there's limited seating in the foyer/cafe when it's crowded and everyone's concentrated in a small area.