Eden Court Theatre and Cinema

I had only been to one event at Eden Court since the Pandemic due to shielding and it was in a marquee so I was really looking forward to an indoor performance but also a bit apprehensive at the same time. I felt that the entrance has a subtly different feeling to it; it had a real buzz and had the reception area had some new events screens to watch while people waited there. The theatre is still just as accessible as before, in fact, I felt that it was easier to get inside the theatre and to my space. I also found an accessible programme at Reception listing all the embedded access performances too so I was really impressed. The play (James IV, Queen of the Fight) was sensational as were all the actors and I would definitely recommend it if anyone else can still catch it on its tour. Rona Munro’s script really shone out as the star for me though and I can still remember certain lines from it, so it must have been good! I particularly loved the last scene which really emphasised one of the central messages of the play; our history is complicated and things haven’t changed for people of colour as much as we would like to hope they have.

We attended this fantastic event as part of a belated birthday celebration; it was part of the 'Under Canvas' summer festival of events at Eden Court Theatre and Cinema and the event that we attended was a 'global music D.J.' set, held in a marquee adjacent to the theatre. This was the first live music event I've attended since Lockdown began and I can't stress how well worth the wait it was. I was feeling nervous about mixing with people at an event like this but the Covid safe system that the staff employed, along with being in a tent and having an open air dance area, made me feel as reassured as I could have been at a public event. Capacity was limited and distancing was maintained around tables but this didn't affect the atmosphere at all and actually made it better for our party. It was just the perfect balance with music with universal appeal which crossed all age barriers. We had delicious pizza and drinks and the table service was really good too.

In addition to what the previous review has highlighted I just wish to point out that staff organised for me to be able to re-charge my electric wheelchair during the two events I recently went to. In the accessible 'box' in the cinema there are two 13amp sockets - you will need to ask for one of the standard seats to be removed if you wish to use your chair in this box. In the theatre 'box' that I used they ran a protected cable to beside my chair so that I could recharge.