Disabled comedian or a comedian with a disability?
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: August 2019
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: hearing and moving around.
I use or have experience of: hard of hearing, hearing aid or cochlear implant, mobility scooter, powerchair, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Excellent
An excelent 30 minute comedy routine by Aaron Simmonds - from thee fringe website - Join the BBC New Comedy Award finalist and wheelchair enthusiast as he tells you about how his first paid gig led to him performing on BBC2 a year later, and what happens when you are being trolled online for not being disabled enough. Aaron is far better at stand-up than standing up and his unique perspective on life – usually of people's belly buttons – gives him a distinctive edge in his performances as well as a sore neck. Jewish Comedian of the Year 2017. 'A class act' (Chortle.co.uk). An easily accessible venue with great staff and a lift to the performance level. Could only have been better if the venue was larger so more people could see this act.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Getting to the entrance can take time due to some steps that have to be avoided. Once you get to the entrance the lift is just inside the doorway. This takes you down to a smooth corridor with acees to the theatre/performance area and to the disabled toilets. I was lead to a space suitable to park my scooter, but due to the samll number of seats and demand for the performance I had to stay on my scooter.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
I got the train into Edinburgh and used my scooter to get to the venue. Some areas are partially cobbled and due to hills it would be hard in a manual wheelchair. Busses and taxis are easy to access throughout the city. During the festival there are certain roads closed to cars so remember this. It is also VERY busy so give yourself extra time to get to venues.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
An excellent and well appointed toilet with an emergency bar all around the bottom of the wall rather than a red cord. High quality fixtures and fittings and plenty of time to transfer from a wheelchair on to the toilet. I was shown to it after asking where to find it.
Staff
Excellent
Very happy to help and cared well for all guests during our visit.
Additional Information
A great show in a pleasnt venue. I'd pay to see Aaron again.
