Ambassadors Theatre

The Ambassadors Theatre was opened in 1913 and has a capacity of 444 making it one of the smaller West End Theatres. It is located in the heart of central London opposite the original Ivy Restaurant to Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. It is operated by ATG.

BOOKING

LOCATION

ACCESS

SEAT

Now Showing

Previous shows

booking

Booking was easy and made by online using the ATG website.

I had already registered for their carer scheme. They link to a Nimbus account so for easiest access you should register for a Nimbus card if you haven't already. All Nimbus application information can be found here .

Once you have a Nimbus card you can register with ATG and link your card, then when you sign in to your account your access needs will be automatically identified and you will be able to book seats online which suit your needs. The ATG access page can be found here.

Once your account is linked just access the ATG booking page select the show you would like to see and log into your account. Wheelchair accessible seats are shown with a wheelchair icon. Once selected the seat will appear with a tick, and then you just reserve and check out.

In the Ambassadors Theatre the dedicated wheelchair spaces are in Row G and E of the stalls. Row E is suitable if you wish to remain in your chair and Row G is often listed as a transfer only seat when booking

If you are eligible there is a free carer ticket and an access rate so the ticket prices were very reasonable.

If no wheelchair icons are present try another date or call ATG Accessibility assistance line on 00333 009 5399 but not that you will have to have joined the access scheme to book tickets,

ATG also offer a variety of adaptations and assistances when booking tickets and visiting the venue. Full information can be found here

Accessibility

Access Overview

When accessing the Ambassors theatre the easiest route is via Upper St Martins Lane onto West Street. Approaching down West Street from Shaftesbury Avenue the pavement is narrow and often blocked by rubbish, similarly with Litchfield Street where tables and rubbish make access difficult.

Once you arrive access to the theatre is via the main entrance which has flat level aceess.

The wheelchair spaces are located in the stalls accessed via a platform lift. The Ambassadors Theatre website states that chairs need to be 85cm wide x 120 cm long with a maximum weight of 400kg. The access host will then escort you in the lift to the lower stalls level. It is important to note that when you enter the lift facing forward at the exit you will need to rotate the chair 90 degrees to the right (see the wheel with me tab to view this.) If you are concerned you can contact the access helpline or visit the theatre to check out the lift requirements before booking.

At this level there is a bar, accessible toilet and a corridor to the stalls. At the interval this corridor can become very busy with people queuing for the bar.

The theatre itself is on a slight incline but very manageable. We were advised to either leave very promptly or wait until most epople had left before attempting to leave. We chose the latter and had no issues leaving.

Toilet Facilities

The toilet was located in stalls bar of the theatre.

You don't need a radar key to access it which meant that there were several people queuing who did not need to use the access toilet. Staff made sure that I had priority over these other users but I felt quite awkward asking them to move for me.

The toilet is a good size and there is enough space to side transfer.

Access Host

The access host was very helpful, they greeted us upon arrival, and helped us access the lift down to the stalls. We were checked on during the interval and they were also very helpful when we needed to exit.

Seat & View

There are two dedicated wheelchair spaces in Row E and Row G although Row G is often listed as a transfer only seat when booking and Row E of the stalls. For the space in Row E, the end seats in Row E and Row F are removed to accommodate wheelchairs. The seats in Row H remain and it is not uncommon for the person in this seats to accidentally kick your chair during the show (this has happened to me on two previous occasions!).

The view is generally good because the stage is very high meaning which also means that even high backed chairs won't block the view of others behind. The only downside it that you are looking towards towards the stage which could be problematic for anyone with neck issues. Another slight point is unlike other theatres there in no levelling wedge which means if you remain in your chair you are on a downward slope. This is not unmanageable but worth nothing. Finally because the chair is situated at the end of two shows during the interval you will find yourself having to move considerably if you chose to remain in the auditorium and unlike larger theatres there is no where out of the way to park.

Click here to view seat plan