Facilities and Access at the Open Air Theatre
3
3
Date of visit: September 2015
Overall Rating
Average
Wheelchair accessible venue with provision for accompanying carers and dedicated booing hotline for special access requirements.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Excellent disabled access via a wide pavement with plenty of room for wheelchairs. Queues are long for entry but there is a dedicated booking phone line for people with special access requirements so a fast track system may be operated to avoid queueing. There is specific seating for wheelchair users and carers on the decking area at the very front of the seating area, with a ramp on the approach and an excellent view of the stage across the water. The bar and food stalls on the far side are also ramped with level access. The box office has a low window to assist wheelchair users.
Parking & Transport
Good
There is a drop off point on the main road for cars carrying a disabled passenger. Northstead Lower car park is recommended for parking (approx. 200 metres from venue), but spaces here are limited. Alternative recommended parking is on Royal Albert Drive, though it is emphasised that this is a good 10 minute walk away.
Accessible Toilets
0Unable to locate the disabled toilet on this occasion though the website lists accessible toilets on site.
Staff
Average
The site was visited independently of a concert and staff were not in situ at the time. However, the website information regarding disabled access and the dedicated booking line indicate that the venue is extremely welcoming and supportive of disabled concert-goers.
Additional Information
The hatches in the bar and food area are potentially high for wheelchair users. The website does not mention whether the venue operates a hearing loop or BSL interpreted performances. People with walking difficulties are advised to purchase seats in the lower rows due to the number and steep gradient of the stairs at the venue.
