There are five top London Theatres in the Strand, and Aldwych in 2021; plus a futher theatre in Wellington street. Here they are, with as much accessibility information as I can provide. Also provided is detail of visiting here, in a wheelchair, but useful for those like me who struggle to walk miles or lots of stairs; including buses, main line stations, toilets availability, I will leave you to work out taxis if these are your preference.
There is also a bit of history about the theatre, other local landmarks, lots of pub history in general, and other useful tips as I think of them. Enjoy.
The Adelphi Theatre – currently showing Back to the Future.
409-412 Strand, London, WC2R 0NS (1436)
Facilities: Disabled toilets, Infrared hearing loop, Wheelchair accessible
The great thing about the Adelphi is the level surfaces as you enter the theatre. You can wander into the Theatre even if you have a disability, and not waiting for somenone to open a door and help you up the usual steps which abound. The Foyer is also flat, as is access to disabled toilets and the stalls section of the theatre.
The staff were very welcoming to myself, and this shows through qwhen looking for a great customer experience.
The Theatre has a bus stop immediately outside, with numbers 9 and 15 buses stopping here, plus many more. Most of the local railway stations are not particularly wheelchair friendly, or towards those who have difficulties walking and climbing stairs. Charig Cross is the closest TFL underground station which requires 20 stes and an escalator to reach platforms. Most of the main line Rail stations rae accessible, and also provide toilets, including disabled toilets.
Aldwych Theatre currently showing Tina Turner
49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF (1176)
Facilities: Disabled toilets, Infrared hearing loop, Wheelchair accessible
Tina at the Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London in October 2021
I am not sure I visited the Aldwych, but noted the wheelchair access sign on one of the doors.
Lyceum Theatre – The Lion King
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
Novello Theatre showing Mamma Mia
Orignally the Waldorf Theatre opened in 1905, and renamed the Strand in 1913
13 October 1915 the entrance to the theatre pit was bombed during a heavy Zeppelin raid when 19 bombs fell on the Strand.
In 1940 The theatre was bombed during the Blitz, the show went on.
In 1951 And So to Bed about the life of Samuel Pepys.
In 1971 No Sex Please – We’re British became the theatre’s most successful show. It finally closed in 1982
In 1995 Buddy, the life of Buddy Holly, with dancing in the aisles for seven years.
In 2005 after a major refurbishment, the theatre reopened as the Novello Theatre.
In 2009, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof transferred from Broadway.
In 2011 Betty Blue Eyes
In 2012 MAMMA MIA! transferred from the Prince of Wales Theatre, and it has been playing ever since. It has been seen by over 9 million people.
The Novello Theatre which has an accessible side entrance, but their lift is currently broken, and you need to be able to climb four steps. I think they said it may be fixed in November.
Savoy Theatre showing the Pretty Woman
Strand, London, WC2R 0ET (1158)
Facilities: Disabled toilets, Infrared hearing loop, Wheelchair accessible
I visited the Strand Theatre box office today (October 15th), and was mildly surprised by the knowledge of the box office staff about accessibility information. Much of this is available on their access web pages, but I think a personal request answers additional questions.
You clearly need to let the theatre know when booking, and also to answer any specific questions you may have. Access is step free via the Carting Lane entrance, which appears to be from a rear service road, I believe. I wandered into this Lane by walking down the side of the Coal Hole and walking down some steps.
There are more than one possible accessible seat, but only one which is entirely stepfree. The other seats / spaces require a step or two inside the theatre. Disabled toilets area also available.
Vaudeville Theatre – will be showing Celebration (November 2021)
404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH (690)
Infrared hearing loop, Wheelchair accessible, using a wheelchair stair climber – No disabled toilets are available.
This is one of the theatres which uses a fancy pancy wheelchair stair climber, if it works
I had a ong chat with the gentleman in the box office today, and I am impressed. There are about five or six steps down to the theatre which are easily managed in the NIMAX stair climber. Apparently, a number of people visit regularly in wheelchairs, and they seem to be fine with it. I am well trained in evacuation steward exercises, in similar contaptions, and am aware of the possible uncertainties.
The only downside was the fact that there is not a disabled toilet in the theatre, but they do have full use of the toilets at the Adelphi. This may be worth bearing in mind if you have a weak bladder.
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