Hard work due to problems attributable to the venue
3
3
Date of visit: April 2017
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Average
I was late coming to opera, which opened up for me with the provision of surtitles, where the words sung in their original language are translated into English and projected onto a screen above the stage so they can be easily read. My carer and I had gone to see an opera in 2016 that I was thoroughly enjoying, until just after the Interval. The staff had expressed themselves unhappy about me sitting on my rollator seat in the allotted wheelchair space, in case the view of the person behind was blocked, although nobody complained. So they let me use the theatre's wheelchair, which proved lovely and comfortable, and also proved not to belong to the theatre. It was taken from me shortly after the Interval, not only upsetting me but distracting me from the opera itself. Then the surtitles failed. My disabilities are such, this, combined with the distress I had already been made to feel, left me confused and I could not get back into the story. In frustration, I E-mailed Venue Cymru to request a refund. This was initially denied, but I was eventually offered tickets for a performance of Othello (as an opera) later that year. However, it transpired I was given a wrong performance date, and couldn't go as a result. This involved me in yet more effort but the matter was eventually sorted and I and a different companion got tickets to see Le Vin Herbe, a re-telling of the Tristan legend. We attended the 4th April 2017 performance - and nothing went wrong. I have a Hynt card issued by the Welsh government that allows me to take a carer along free of charge and the Welsh National Opera are really good. However, although I keep thinking about booking for another production, the difficulties as described above were off-putting.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
There are no problem with getting into the theatre or reaching the seating provided for disabled persons and their carers. However, Venue Cymru is less accessible when it comes to understanding of disability.
Parking & Transport
Good
The Venue Cymru carpark facilities include disabled spaces. However, for anyone not coming by car, the theatre is a fair walk from the centre of Llandudno / most of the hotels.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Clean toilet facilities for the disabled, with handrails, etc.
Staff
Poor
Additional Information
I recommend the Welsh National Opera unreservedly, but as my review highlights there are other considerations besides the quality of the opera.
