Like theatre? Could you accompany a disabled theatregoer?

[Plain Talker 11]

I love the theatre. I used to do a lot of am-dram.

 

I adore going to productions at the crucible and Lyceum.

 

small problem................

 

"Sheffield threatres" say that I can't go to a production alone, as a wheelchair user, I have to have an "escort" (No! settle down there! not that type of escort! ) to accompany me. (fire regs)

 

hubby HATES theatre, so I am stuck for someone to accompany me.

 

could anyone help?

 

reply here or PM me, please.

 

thanks

 

Plain talker

[Rich 12]

Hmm, how often do you go to Theatre?

 

And would I get any expenses for taking you? Such as bus fare, price of getting in and that?

 

Not that I'm a tightwad or anything, contrary to popular belief, I was just wondering.

[Plain Talker 11]

okay, Rich,

 

well, the main benefit you would get out of accompanying me is the half-price entry to the theatre.

 

And if you consider that some productions (the big-name, or prestigious ones, particularly, like your Branagh's and your Jacobi's) can sometimes command up to £20/27 for a general ticket, that is quite a considerable saving.

 

Basically, how it'd work is that we'd be splitting the full entry-fee between us.

So you gain, by saving 50% on the cost of the ticket. and we both gain by getting to see a production that we want to see. I gain by actually being allowed into the theatre.

 

There's no "donkey-work" involved, at all, in that you don't have to "dance attendance" on me. I use a power-wheelchair, so you will have no pushing or anything to do.

 

As I said in the PM, I am forced to bring an "Attendant" with me to the theatre for "safety", which is, frankly a total PITA. I cannot attend a production at Sheff-theatres unaccompanied, and my husband doesn't like the theatre, so I an somewhat hampered. i cannot get to anything like as many productions as I wish to go to because of their rules

 

That's when I had the idea of advertising on here, in the hope that another aficionado of the theatre (like yourself) would fancy a half-price ticket, in return for acting as a companion.

 

All that is required of you, really, is to be a companion/ escort for me for the couple of hours of the production, for the purposes of the annoying theatre regulations.

 

I can't really run to a lot by way of expenses... (I am on benefit) but I can certainly stand us drinky-poos in the interval, as a thank-you.

 

I don't think that it's a bad deal... a cheap-ish night out, and a chance to grab a show...

 

what do you reckon? entry to the theatre for, on average, under a tenner...?

 

PT

[Rich 12]

Hmm, let me think about that and get back to you.... it's certainly a tempting idea.

[Moon Maiden 10]

I have to say I like it too. My husband hates the theatre and I haven't been in ages.

 

I love the Ballet too, but likewise no chance on getting the hubby to go.

 

So babysitters and money willing I would come.

 

Moon

[Rich 12]

Ooh Ballet! Fit young birds in Tutus!

 

Nah, not really my scene either.

[designbunny 10]

i'll go

 

i've been meaning to go to the theatre but having no one to go with has been a problem, as i don't really fancy sitting there on my own! + i'm into most things so could accompany you + fit in with what you'd like to see.

PM me if you want my email address.

[Grissom 10]

Just had a look at this page

 

http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/access.asp

 

and it says they recommend that wheelchair users visiting the Crucible Theatre are accompanied - doesnt actually say you have to be. You might wanna check their policy again or insist they word things better on their site as it is misleading if you do have to take someone with you...

 

------------

 

Taking your seats

 

There are seats available for wheelchair users and their guests in all three auditoria - the Lyceum Stalls, Crucible Main House and the Studio Theatre. If you are not a wheelchair user but have a mobility difficulty, our ticket office can advise you on the most suitable areas in all three auditoria for individuals or party bookings.

 

We recommend that wheelchair users visiting the Crucible Theatre are accompanied. Please check with the ticket office for advice and any special discount offers available by calling 0114 249 6000. (Please note that discounts do not apply for the World Snooker Season).

[Jamie 10]

me 2 ... i wouldn't mind escorting you PT ... will keep you safe and entertained :-)

[Plain Talker 11]

Originally posted by rtapper

Just had a look at this page

 

http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/access.asp

 

and it says they recommend that wheelchair users visiting the Crucible Theatre are accompanied - doesnt actually say you have to be. You might wanna check their policy again or insist they word things better on their site as it is misleading if you do have to take someone with you... (snipped)

 

 

Rtapper,

 

Every time I have tried to buy tickets, they have refused to let me go unaccompanied. I *have* to bring an "attendant" with me, is the "party-line" I am given, no matter what.

 

And yes, I agree that the wording of that statement on their site is a bit ambiguous.

 

I have been unable to book a "wheelchair seat" at either of the theatres just for me.

 

They have insisted that I cannot attend alone. They cite "Fire Safety issues" (As I mentioned above) for this rule.

 

I don't know if it's a case of them "saying one thing, and doing another", or what. All I know is that it is very frustrating, and inconvenient.

 

If I could get the tickets, and attend alone, I would not have to put out a plea such as this thread.

 

But, if we turn this on its head, and look for the positive in it:- looking on the brighter side, the fact thaat someone has to act as my "atendant", means that whoever accompanies me gets the benefit of a half-price seat.

 

PT

[cloudjuice 10]

i'd love to sometime, let me know. it sounds great

[Jared 10]

Interesting reading, Do you have this in writing from them? As a disability rights activist and advocate of over a decade's erxperience in the field I'd reccommend that you phone the Equality and Human Rights Commission on 0845 604 6610 for legal advice as if they're insisting you cannot attend alone I'm certain they're in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act.