The Playhouse Theatre

vixthestar

13 Nov 2023

The Playhouse theatre/Kit Kat Club

4

4

Date of visit: November 2023

I am a disabled person and a carer or friend of a disabled person and a general supporter of disabled access. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment and moving around.

Overall Rating

Good

We went to see Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The show was phenomenal. The wheelchair space was with a great view. The staff were amazing. There were a few access issues for me as a powerchair user, not everyone would experience. It’s worth going if you can manage those.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

There’s a separate access queue, which was helpful. The venue had used this area to store a number of boxes and umbrellas. I did have to ask for them to be moved so I could get in. The route was step free into the stalls. I was able to see some of the pre show acts in the bar area which was great. I could not access the merchandise and once people arrived it got very busy in the bar area. Entry into the auditorium was sloped and was difficult to tell how sloped due to carpet. Not too steep though. The wheelchair space was in an excellent position for viewing the theatre. It was plenty wide enough, but a little tight for a powerchair length ways. If you needed to gave your legs raised it would be pretty tight. The staff looked after us well and we utilised the pre order, deliver to seat options which made things much easier.

Parking & Transport

Excellent

I don’t know about parking, as I rarely drive into London these days. I’m sure the venue would have more information. It’s a short walk/roll from Waterloo station (or Westminster tube or Charing Cross station). The walk to Waterloo only works if the Jubilee bridge lifts are working both sides. There’s bus routes nearby too. We enjoyed the walk and we’re pleased lifts we’re working for Jubilee bridge.

Accessible Toilets

Poor

This is where the venue fails on access in my opinion. The door to the accessible toilet is not widened. This means many powerchairs or wider manual chairs would struggle to enter. The inside of the loo is very small. No space to turn my chair, no space for a PA and very limited transfer space. I understand it’s a listed building but the toilet is not accessible as per building regulations and this should be made clearer. I managed using it one time, but opted to wait until we got back to the station rather than use it again. There is changing places in the locality, but not that you could pop to in the break for example.

Staff

Excellent

The staff were brilliant. Looked after us really well. Really kind and aware of how to manage someone struggling with access barriers. So couldn’t fault them for trying hard.