Why Is It So Important To Make Theatre Accessible?
Arts Access Consultant and passionate theatre enthusiast Katie McConnell understands the importance of accessibility in theatres. The discussion surrounding theatre accessibility is something we’ve seen grow in publicity a lot over 2023, which has been a long time coming. There is a lot that theatres across the UK are doing better but there’s still a way to go so Katie is going to share her experiences and role as an Arts Access Consultant, why is it so important to make theatre accessible?
People enjoy watching or partaking in theatre for many different reasons; as a way to learn new things, enjoy different stories, or lose themselves in the plot for 2.5 hours and escape from the real world. We should also note the logistically positive side of theatre, like the fact that the UK theatre sector generates £2.39billion and supports 205,000 workers*.
Unfortunately, many disabled people are still unable to enjoy or benefit from this because the shows in question aren’t actually designed for them. To explain what that might actually look like…
No disabled characters within a piece meaning that audience members, or aspiring disabled performers don’t see themselves represented.
A lack of disabled artists on stage, often caused by a lack of accessible opportunities, or casting teams not going for these people due to needing to adapt the role for them (which wouldn’t be so much of a problem if we addressed point one)
A lack of disabled crew or creatives working on a project (again, a representation issue, but it also means that the concept of ‘access requirements’ isn’t being considered ANYWHERE within a production).
Shows with no embedded access provisions such as audio description, live captions, sensory-friendly adaptations, or BSL interpretation.
No level or step free access. Or changing place facilities. Or wheelchair spaces with a view of the stage.
One of the most popular ways to combat these issues is by utilising disability arts networks to ensure a diverse team or having assisted performances which is when the aforementioned access provisions are added to the existing version of the show (this is often as infrequently as once a year, even for the long running staples). Although these can sometimes work to an extent, they have very obvious flaws and limitations - like time, money, and the fact that they aren’t particularly effective at reaching a wide and varied audience as they often fall on the same days, or are only available at big theatres and not smaller, local venues. We could go on to discuss how travel in the UK is also inaccessible and how these 2 things create a bit of a vicious circle with each other, but I think I’ll save that for another blog post!
The venues themselves are only half of the conversation, though, as the other half is the producers and ticketing teams who pose so many more barriers such as:
Inaccessible websites (that have often not undergone an access audit)
No flexible price bands for those with access needs that can only be met in areas of the auditorium that are marked as the most expensive
Not offering a free carer ticket, or having very strict limitations around doing so
Excluding ‘access rates’ or the complimentary essential companion from offers like student discounts, early bird price drops, or cheaper previews.
So what’s the solution, and why hasn’t this been addressed yet?
Well, a big element to consider is the funding, and the cuts that have been made recently which have had such a huge impact on the industry as a whole, and another is the fact that many listed buildings are restricted with what they can do in terms of physical accessibility. In saying that, over the last few years, we have seen so much growth for arts charities, inclusive theatre companies, and disabled led organisations but, as Queen Latifah says ‘we’ve come so far but we’ve got so far to go’. The fact that these groups are still seen as an entirely separate sector of the industry is a concern, as I feel this is part of the reason why ‘mainstream’ theatre isn’t getting so much better - they don’t feel as though it’s their responsibility to do so because there are places who are solely dedicated to it instead.
This is why access consultants are so vital, as their role is to liaise between all departments of a show and ensure everyone is catered for as well as possible, and any reasonable adjustments are being put in place. This could include working with the writer to add lived experience of disability to the script, running disability equality training with front-of-house staff so they know how to best facilitate guests, or helping make the content of the show itself more accessible so that people don’t have to rely on assisted performances to see the production. Listening to (and fairly paying for the contributions from) disabled voices when making new theatre is the only way forward that guarantees better accessibility and inclusion.
If you’re currently reading this then you must have some interest in helping achieve this goal, which you can do by amplifying disabled voices, calling out ableist behaviour, and actively asking theatres to do better.
“Let's all work together and make this industry a sustainable home for everyone. “
Here are a few places that I’ve visited recently that have absolutely mastered accessibility (for the reasons mentioned above and more!)
National Theatre, London
Southwark Playhouse, London
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
Here are some places I would encourage to improve their access policies and procedures, especially as disabled people within the theatre community have already spoken out about the challenges they face here:
Charing Cross Theatre, London
Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich
Dominion Theatre, London
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Alexandra Palace, London
Keep up to date with Katie’s work by following her on Instagram. We’d also love for you to share your experiences of accessibility in your visits to the theatre so tell us in the comments of places where they’ve done a fantastic job - we want to shout about them!
