Stephen Joseph Theatre & Cinema

Since writing the review below many things have changed at the SJT. They are a progressive organisation and actively try to engage with the disabled community and enhance their provision for us. Recently the have improved their booking system so you can now book tickets online and do get a free carer. The website itself has been significantly improved with an accessibility bar which has many really good features. Most performances now have some dates which are captioned/signed/dementia friendly/relaxed which is a great step forward. Toilets remain an issue as does the lift but they have put seats by the toilets and lift which is great. And the staff remain wonderful, welcoming and helpful. I love this place but in terms of accessibility it could do a lot better. Firstly they do not offer free PA tickets although they will discount two tickets down to the lowest price. Secondly there are a lot of steps as it is an old building and although there is a lift this gets busy so longs waits can occur. On the ground floor there is seating near the lift which helps. The other thing I find frustrating is that in an effort to be more accessible they labeled all their accessible toilets gender neutral and because of there situation everyone uses them again meaning long waits. There are also a lot of clutter in them in the form of extra bins. There is a lowered section to the main bar but not the cloakroom refreshment area. There are two performance spaces both have areas which can accept wheelchairs but these must be booked in advance. Level access to the lower seats in the round can be arranged through back stage. On the whole the staff are extremely helpful.

The performance was very good.