Overview

'One of Two' was more than just Jack Hunter's performance in the Edinburgh Fringe; this was an immersion in his recollection of his family's experience of something that many of Euan's Guide will recognise: that of some of us being forced onto the fringes of society, particularly in education. In Jack's case, difference was even more significant as he lived with the impact of the difference between his own disability and his sister's disability and the way that society dealt/deals with that. It made a statement which I felt needed to be made and it was so moving to hear it from him in both his and his twin sister Bec's words; it was also so uplifting to know that they have both broken down the walls of the boxes society tried to contain them in and have lived their own lives on their own terms since.

Transport & Parking

There isn't any specifically allocated disabled parking at Summerhall, however, Blue Badge holders are directed to park on single yellow lines in Summerhall Square where the wheelchair access is. It's probably easier to park when Edinburgh Festival isn't on as there wasn't any available parking when I visited but I found single yellow lines on the next street along. The venue is also fairly central so is easy to access by bus or taxi; Waverley station is a bit too far to wheel but it can be done in a powerchair.

Access

Summerhall couldn't really control this but I had a real problem negotiating the pavement outside leading to the ramped access into the courtyard as the pavement was blocked by a bike on one side and a car bumper was overhanging the other side. A passer-by very kindly helped move the bike further back and helped me pass through. We reported this to Summerhall Reception and they said they'd get a manager to fix it, so that was really impressive. The courtyard outside was fairly easy to access but it is cobbled in parts too; I managed fine in my powerchair though. This is an old building but they have made a great effort to make it accessible with ramps, etc; the corridor I passed along was wide and there is a lift available to access other floors of the building. The performance space was small with a great view from my seat; access was well-embedded with BSL interpretation embedded in the performance, Creative Captioning and Audio Description were also embedded in the play in dialogue/duologue. There was also an induction loop available on request and relaxed performances of the play available. I've given 4.5 stars as the embedded access was so good and I was really impressed by the efforts made.

Toilets

There was a disabled toilet on the first floor; I would have had to leave the ground floor, go outside and up a ramp to access it. It was basic, fairly clean, and had grab rails . There is another disabled toilet at The Royal Dick Bar but I didn't see that so I can't comment.

Staff

All staff were friendly, helpful and welcoming.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I couldn't see any Covid precautions such as hand sanitisers on my visit but maybe there were in other parts of the building; some audience members wore masks. This is a great venue with a lovely courtyard bar to sit in outside if you want to feel safer. I would definitely go back and I loved this amazing performance.

Photos