Yesterday Arden and I went to see Hairspray, a musical based on a film that has itself become the inspiration for a new film. We had a royal box, velvet chairs, sculptural mouldings, a spectacular view of the stage and a private door. Cheap tickets too.
The show was at the Shaftesbury Theatre, a listed building and not a model of accessibility. But it was interesting to see what they did to make things better. Staff welcomed us as soon as we got through the door. Long stretchy ramps were put down a side staircase, especially sectioned off for us. It was steep and I needed guidance but we got there. Yes, technically what they did was not within the strict criteria of proper access. However, I saw the show. Many listed buildings say there's nothing they can do to make themselves accessible. They should go along to the Shaftesbury.
