Access is not great.
2
2
Date of visit: May 2025
I have experience of challenges around: hearing and moving around.
Overall Rating
Poor
We came to watch Kim's Convenience. The show was good but during the performance, people were using the accessible toilet, which is located at the back of the theatre. Each time the door opened, the theatre was flooded with light and you could hear the toilet flushing, tap running, etc. It was quite distracting.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
Disabled access isn't ideal. There’s a very steep ramp at the entrance, not a smooth gradient but more like a sharp incline up, followed by an equally steep dip down. My powerchair could manage it, but I had to take it at speed and accidentally rolled over the unfortunate usher’s toes in the process. Inside, the wheelchair seating is at the very back of the theatre. There’s only one spot that allows you to sit beside a companion. The other wheelchair spaces are right next to it, meaning anyone using those would have to sit behind their companion, which is far from ideal. On the plus side, the view from the back was relatively unobstructed, which I’ve included pictures to show the perspective.
Parking & Transport
Average
Parking options near the Pavilion aren't great, especially if you're looking for accessible spaces. That said, being in central Glasgow does mean there are good public transport links. Buchanan Street subway is nearby, and several bus routes stop within a short distance of the venue.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
The accessible toilet is oddly designed. The doorway is extremely wide, which makes the door itself large and difficult to close behind you. I had to reverse my powerchair into the corner to be able to swing the door shut, which meant the generous space became quite cramped in practice. The flush is mounted unusually high up. I wasn’t able to reach it from my chair, so I needed assistance. Likewise, the toilet roll is situated in the far side of the wall, which makes it difficult to reach. The exit button is installed on the door itself, so once you've pressed it, the door starts to open immediately. You have to quickly manoeuvre out of the way before it swings open, which feels impractical. There is what appears to be a changing table with a red cord, but no hoist or additional equipment.
Staff
Good
The staff were friendly, but seemed unsure about how to manage access. For example, after the show ended, I had to use the ramp to exit, but they’d stacked empty glasses and trays right in front of it. It made it awkward to turn and get out safely.
