Theatre by the Lake

Theatre about the lake has won awards for accessibility recently, on I most recent visit to the theatre by the lake, I wholeheartedly agree, they have a loop system they have three accessible toilets, and they also have audio description, relaxed performances BSL. Among all the things they are doing. They have a range of different things that they are doing and I was genuinely impressed. The surfaces are really easy to walk and glide on they have a new cafe complex as well, which was nice, except for the fact that there was limited choice for myself on the menu. I am vegan. I really appreciate it. The enthusiasm of the staff when I brought out the three euans guide cards. I loved the helpful attitude of the box office manager. There is a very important reason that I am rating this as good. However, rather than excellent. If you are a wheelchair user, you need to book two weeks in advance rather than just being able to show up which for me isn't acceptable? If this changes and you can show up as a wheelchair, user Then I will renew my review and rate it excellent

We went to see the Christmas Play, a favourite with us, for the first time since my accident. I knew the building was accessible but I rang the theatre to ask advice for booking, which I recommend, as I was given a reduction on the ticket price and advised on accessible seats, with great care. The play was very enjoyable, the cafe attached less so (and also rather expensive). The Theatre does its best to be accessible and the staff are terrific. We were in the main theatre. Different advice might be needed for the studio theatre. We will definitely be back to another play when we are in the area.

I love this theatre and the fact that the staff are so disability aware and inclusive. I arrived in my wheelchair with my assistance dog and was faced with a sea of people milling about in the foyer. A member of staff came over and got my ticket for me, and asked if I would like assistance to get through the crowd. I get really anxious in busy areas, and accepted her offer of help. She walked in front of me, politely asking people to step back to allow room for an assistance dog to pass, and when random people started patting my dog she quickly explained that they should not touch working dogs. I was shown to the lift and advised she would take the stairs and meet me at the top. We were then shown to our seat and I was asked if I would like to remain in my chair or transfer to a seat, and I opted to stay in my chair. I was provided with ample space for my assistance dog to be next to me and we enjoyed the show.