Matilda at The Cambridge Theatre
Booking
Booking was made via LW theatre booking line. I did have an online account where my access needs were registered which is required but currently wheelchair booking is unavailable online. I have been informed that the website is in the process of being upgraded to enable this functionality in the future.
The ticket agent was very helpful and the process was easy.
Ticket cost access rate £67 and I received a free essential carer ticket.
Theatre Location
The theatre location is fantastic. Right in the center of the West End with plenty of accessible dining options around.
The area around the venue has cobblestones so extra care is needed when arriving and leaving particularly if it has been raining like it did during our visit.
It was tricky getting a taxi after the show (mainly due to the rain) so pre-booking or going to a taxi stop would be good options.
Click to view location
Theatre Access
Access to the theatre is via a side door which means you miss the lobby. The entrance itself is flat and the access to the seat was via a gently sloping ramp.
However, we got there half an hour before the show and the auditorium was not yet open. This meant we were instructed to wait inside the main corridor area where I was in the way of most people.
There is a bar which can be accessed but it is small and gets very busy. The queue also blocks some stairs so be prepared to move backwards and forwards a lot whilst you wait.
Access Host
The access host service we received was not the best. The host greeted us outside which was great. He then left me parked in a busy hallway (because the auditorium was not yet open) and I was either in the way of doors or the rack with child cushions (which was very busy).
He did show us to our seats but did not check on us or offer assistance at any other point during the show including during the interval where assistance accessing the toilets through the crowds would have been helpful. We only saw him again when we passed him on the way out.
Seat and Staging
We sat in N34 and N33.
The wheelchair space (N34) was great. I could stay in my chair and I had a wonderful view. I was also not obstructing anyone else's view as there is no seat directly behind you.
The carer seat was also fantastic.
The staging of the performance meant that everything was visible.
Click here for seatplan
Toilets
The toilets were located in a busy corridor opposite a bar and next to an ice cream stall which made it very congested and difficult to access during the interval.
The toilet is an average size which can fit a power chair face on but not large enough to turn around in or transfer from a side on position.
I visited in April 2024 and all views expressed above are my personal opinion.
It was my first visit to Cambridge Theatre