King's Theatre

After a previous bad experience with staff who didn’t understand or assist me, I went to a theatre performance in June. During the break in performance, I asked staff where the accessible toilet was. On turning my wheelchair in a small lobby area to enter the toilet, I noticed a large A4 handwritten sign stating “Inclusive toilet”. In entering, I couldn’t get into the toilet. A small area at the side of the WC was cluttered with three large plastic waste bins. The baby changing station put in the accessible bathroom had a large Nappy Bin that also excluded any disabled person from reaching the sink, if they were mobile disabled. I went back into the theatre stall asking for another WC as their Inclusive toilet was completely inaccessible for wheelchair users. None was available! I have emailed the Theatre and a month later, I have no reply.

I hate having to write a poor review about one of Glasgow's best architectural and cultural places ..... however, disabled access at the King's Theatre is not good. Accessed via the side door entrance, you enter a small space which has the disabled toilet, the ladies toilet and access to the bar. A fire exit door leads in to the disabled access are -- basically a few rows of seats with some space made for wheelchairs (next to the sound booth). View of the stage is restricted, the space itself feels like an afterthought. Being so close to the back brings problems during the interval when that space becomes a sea of people getting to the bar or the loos. Also, because it's at the back entrance, it becomes the natural point for smokers to congregate ... think the smoking arae should be moved! The disabled toilet is tiny, no space for a power chair to rotate or turn and the door (a concertina type) was hard to open. Also, disabled toilet was being using as an overflow from the ladies (I totally get that not all disabilities are visible).... but I have to question some of it's use. Overall, a really disappointing experience which means no more visits to the Kings for me. Needs a wee bit of thought, money and time spent on it. Ending on a positive not though, the staff covering that spot were fantastic and very helpful.

Another excellent trip to this theatre. Now a wheelchair user we booked seats in row U in the stalls which is the very back row but there were only four seats on our row meaning we could sit there with no one needing to squeeze by. My chair was placed just beside me at the row end. Access here is great as you enter by the side door in Elmbank Street - ring the bell which is clearly marked for access - and in through a double door which the ushers open for you. The disabled toilet is right here too. From the door we were just through the theatre doors - open until the show started - and past the bar - level footing. The theatre do order in advance so you can order drinks/ice cream/sweets to be brought to you before the show starts as well as during the interval. There is a car park right beside the theatre with disabled bays. You can get discount off the price of parking if you pre book it as a theatre goer. The staff are superb with the best humour