Royal National Theatre, London
4
4
Date of visit: June 2014
Overall Rating
Good
I am sure that the RNT's own website will give the best information on disabled facilities in the auditoria (such as wheelchair spaces, audio-described performances etc.) so I will concentrate in this review on the general pubic areas outside of the theatre spaces. To be fair, there is an enormous amount of building work going on at the RNT presently so that is why my overall rating is 4 rather than 5. Having said that, they are ensuring that there is as little disruption to the public as possible and the ground floor is still a huge flat space easily accessible for wheelchairs.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Once again, this is a 4 rather than a 5 because of the building work. There are plenty of lifts that give access to all floors. The main open plan ground floor is still spacious and easy to manoeuvre around with a wheelchair even though the box office has been moved to a temporary table which has cut the Lyttleton cafe area down somewhat. A ramp is in place by the Lyttleton cafe allowing external access - I am not sure if this is temporary. Outer corridors to stalls of Olivier theatre are spacious.
Parking & Transport
Good
There used to be a few disabled parking spaces at the front of the building (on the riverside) which could be accessed down past the old Cottesloe Theatre - the security guards would always lift the barrier for those displaying a blue badge. However, because of the work, I am not sure if they are still available at the moment. The RNT's onsite underground car park (our Land Rover is 1.94m in height and will NOT get in) has more disabled parking spaces and has a gentle ramp up to automatic doors which lead through to the pay machines and lifts up into the main building.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Good spacious facilities at various locations throughout the building.
Staff
Excellent
I have been visiting the RNT for years and have always found the staff to be very helpful and friendly.
Additional Information
Cannot comment on Mezzanine level Restaurant as did not visit on this occasion. Similarly, did not go up to Olivier Circle level. Cottesloe Theatre is under transformation. The bookshop is currently closed - hopefully, when it re-opens it will have wider aisles and more room to move around tables!
