Discounted theatre tickets for disabled people
Almost every British theatre offers discounted tickets for disabled people. Basically the carer gets in for free. I have seen excellent productions as well as extremely good actors via this scheme. This opportunity of discounted tickets for disabled people is available all over the UK. If you can show that you are disabled then your carer gets a seat next to you and the two seats are significantly discounted. I see a show in a London theatre with The Wife at least once a month.
My enjoyment
When the lights go down and the performance starts I immerse myself in the performance and I can forget about my MS. Add to this a feeling of excitement or frisson when watching the play being performed. I never cease to be amazed at the feat of memory that enables the actors to remember their lines. I couldn’t.
An overwhelming desire
Sometimes I do shut my eyes and have a short snooze. The Wife then prods me with her sharp elbow in my ribs and I wake up. I always protest but she knows me only too well. At least I have never been accused of snoring nor have I suffered the hideous embarrassment of my mobile phone ringing.
Discounted tickets for disabled people
Last week I bought two tickets to see The Seagull by Anton Chekhov in London for £55. I checked on the website and these seats cost about £50 each. This sort of discount is available at all major theatres throughout the UK. We always go to a matinee performance. Getting across London in the dark is stressful, it makes for a very long day and not home until about midnight. On one occasion we travelled back home from Euston on the ‘vomit comet’, we said “never again”.
The access facilities
The London theatres do vary depending upon the size and age of them. The small theatres close to Leicester Square such as Wyndham’s do have very restricted access facilities such as disabled toilets and step free access. Luckily I can still walk a short distance even though I need assistance.
It is definitely the 21st century
The theatres have had to move with the times. Just recently the Old Vic theatre had a major refurbishment and now access at this theatre is excellent. Be warned, some theatres are not good.
OK
Enough of the sales pitch, how to get discounted tickets.
- Apply for discounted theatre tickets for disabled people as soon as the tickets go on sale.
- You will need proof of disability. Send a copy of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment award letter. Blue Badge for cars is not acceptable
- Contact the theatre. This attachment is very helpful for London otherwise Google – Theatre name : ‘ Access tickets’.
- Check with the theatre when you’re booking tickets to find out ease of access and the facilities available.
- Make sure you know what you can achieve regards walking, steps and transfer to a theatre seat.
- Have a map of theatre seats when you speak to the booking office.
‘When you arrive at the theatre make yourself known to ‘front of house’. No need to phone in advance. Do allow plenty of time. The theatre will bend over backwards to ensure that your visit is enjoyable.
Discounted tickets for disabled people is a fantastic opportunity to see good theatre. Take advantage of it.
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January 2020
Hi
I was just wondering if I get this if I have enhanced rate pip? I’m hearing impaired
Iv lost 80% of my hearing. but have never known if I can benefit at all. If so what card do I need for this?
Many thanks Victoria
Hello Victoria,
There are two parts to PIP, mobility and personal care. I would suggest that you talk to citizens advise bureau and they will give you sensible advise on the benefits available to you.
Does this scheme include type one diabetes sufferers.
Hello Peter,
I’m not sure exactly if type one diabetes is treated as a disability in this case. Take a look at this websitehttps://help.atgtickets.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360017132220-Who-is-eligible-for-the-Access-Membership-Scheme
I use a mobility scooter and I am registered with ATG tickets. I have just bought two ‘Access’ tickets for £ 65 to see Sunday in the Park with George at the Savoy theatre in London. The two tickets would cost an able-bodied person £ £300 🙂
Hi Patrick
I know you love the blues, have you seen the following YT video on Sam Lightnin Hopkins – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbJiriEol44
It’s a cracker – I’ve also got a link to an Amazon Prime Video about him – about 45 minutes long – that’s really excellent as well, let me know if you want the link.
John
Hello John,
Its sounds appalling, I’ve never listened to Sam Lightnin Hopkins. That will change over the next couple of days, that’s a benefit of Spotify. I would much rather own the music than stream it but I don’t have a CD player these days despite having a fairly number of CDs.
One problem is I tend to listen to music I already know but I want to broaden my horizons. Still not too sure about rap.