Pavilion Theatre

This wasn’t my first visit to the Pavilion as a wheelchair user so I knew what to expect. Nevertheless, the ramp to access the only accessible seating, in the stalls, can best be described as kamikaze in nature. For me in my manual wheelchair it was a genuinely frightening experience. I seriously doubt it meets guidelines for accessibility. After that, there is only ONE wheelchair space that allows the wheelchair user to sit beside their companion. If you haven’t managed to book that space then you’ll be sitting BEHIND the person you came with. I was the lucky person this time, we booked early. But the whole area of the Stalls is so steep that my brakes couldn’t handle it so I had to rest my knees against the seat in front of me. At the interval I wanted to use the disabled toilet, which is situated just behind the wheelchair spaces at the back of the room. It has a strange set up with two doors to go through to access the toilet. On the plus side the main door is operated by a push button. However, the main issue was the height and location of the toilet flush handle - too high and on the opposite side to the transfer side of the toilet. See photo. Why do theatre designers so often put wheelchair users at the back of the room? When there’s a standing ovation, or the show includes any sort of dancing, there’s nothing to see but the rear of the person in front. Clever design, like the Usher hall in Edinburgh, or the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, can place wheelchair users at the front of the Circle or near the front of the stalls. The only saving grace at the Pavilion (apart from Harry Hill himself who was outstanding) was that the staff were very good. But they might like to introduce a food and drinks service so that carers wouldn’t have to wait in lengthy queues.

Wheelchair accessible but the wheelchair spaces are right at the back. Wheelchair spaces are on a slope and back of chair is higher than front . Went with someone but couldn’t sit with them as the non wheelchair wheelchair seats were in the row in front . Very traditional looking theatre with boxes etc Accessible entrance is near the main entrance, but a bit further along. But beware-VERY STEEP!

The accessible entrance is double doors to the side of the main entrance. We had to knock to gain entry but make sure that you have your ticket scanned at the main entrance first! The ramp is really steep up the way then really steep on the way to the accessible seating. I was escorted to the wheelchair space by a friendly member of staff. The accessible space is on a slope and I felt like I was falling forward all night. In the end I turned my chair sideways to find a comfortable spot. It does have a good view of the stage though. The accessible toilet is small for a powerchair, there was not enough room to close the door. Unfortunately the toilet is busy all of the time as it is seen as the only toilet on that floor.