Don't Make Tea Review
5
5
Date of visit: March 2024
I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, dexterity or coordination, hearing, moving around, speaking or communicating and understanding.
Overall Rating
Excellent
I had the best time here, and seeing an accessible show in an accessible venue really does make all the difference! Here is the archive link for the production: https://sohotheatre.com/events/dont-make-tea/
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
All of their provisions can be found here: https://sohotheatre.com/dean-street/accessible-performances/ The seat I was allocated had a perfect view, and there was a handrail down the steps of the auditorium. Unfortunately the signage was only in regular print English, however the staff were very friendly so if this wasn't accessible to someone they could definitely ask for help! There is a mixture of seating options in the foyer area including full back seats, stools, and booths. It did get very busy so was difficult to navigate through the crowds, but the music was quieter than most bars. This was turned down specifically as someone was Hard of Hearing and was struggling to converse due to the noise. I wanted to touch specifically on the accommodations embedded into the show, as every single performance was audio described, BSL interpreted, and captioned. This was done live and in real time by members of the cast on stage, so all audience members got the inclusive experience. I love this not only as it is more equitable, but also because it normalizes these considerations. It also shows that if a charitable company on tour can do it, so can the big west end producers!
Parking & Transport
Good
The lack of level access tube stations is no one's fault but TFL's and they are currently working to improve that however it is a long, slow, and unreliable process. Central London locations like this rarely have much parking nearby and when they do it is almost always full or very expensive. It's almost always easier to get a taxi yet it isn't fair that you'd have to pay out that much more than the few pounds off an oyster card just because you're disabled. I also find public transport a sensory hell - maybe we could have quiet coaches on the trains and the bottom level of every bus? HOWEVER, the new Elizabeth Line that stops at Tottenham Court Road made such a difference and meant I could go in my wheelchair!
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Easy to find, info on the website so you can see in advance, very spacious, and enough space to transfer! It was clean and tidy like everywhere else in the building, and well maintained. No changing place.
Staff
Excellent
So compassionate, definitely had undergone disability equality training of some description. Did not infantalise, didn't try to talk to my carer instead of me, was clearly aware of a variety of access requirements and what they could do to facilitate them best.
