How accessible is theatre for disabled people?

Many theatres were built hundreds of years ago, without accessibility in mind. It’s true that a lot has changed in recent years, but disabled people still face many barriers both off and on stage.In this episode, we speak to access consultant and activist Shona Louise about the work she’s doing to drive real change in the industry. We also hear from actor, singer and radio presenter Sandra Gayer about her experience of accessibility as a performer.So whether you’re a disabled person who wishes trips to the theatre were easier, or you work in the industry and want to know what changes you can make to improve accessibility, this episode is for you.You can read the transcript here: www.natashalipman.com/theatre-accessibility-disabilityRead Shona’s Open Letter here: https://bit.ly/3FyvMw2Here’s more information about Sandra’s work: www.sandragayer.comAnd here’s where you can catch her in the TV series Inside No. 9: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000g1b2/inside-no-9-series-5-5-thinking-out-loudThanks to The Old Vic for sponsoring this podcast. You can learn more about their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol and their Access Scheme: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2021/watch-at-the-theatre/a-christmas-carol-5 https://www.oldvictheatre.com/your-visit/access/access-membership-2Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/NatashaLipman and Twitter: www.twitter.com/NatashaLipmanIf you'd like to dive deeper into any of the research I've highlighted in this episode, check out the links below. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/may/06/young-vic-to-livestream-all-future-productions-says-artistic-director https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/disabled-woman-furious-gets-sat-21998580 https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/oct/15/we-know-they-can-do-it-when-it-suits-them-theatre-became-more-accessible-during-covid-will-it-lastAnd here’s some access information for theatres in London. https://actdrop.uk/access/access_information https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/theatre/theatre-accessibility https://ablemagazine.co.uk/guide-to-accessible-theatres-in-london/#:~:text=It%20encompasses%20over%20230%20theatres,waves%20in%20the%20theatre%20industry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natashalipman.substack.com