It Could be You

 Laughter is the best medicine.

My second access champion reiew which follows on from my last, well, first (the ATG one). 

It’s of the show ATG made it impossible for me, a disabled person, to book. 

First of all, I must say a huge thank you to Adam Kay and Seabright Productions and the Liverpool Empire for making sure we got our tickets. 

For those of you who don't know, Adam Kay is a doctor turned comedian.  I have read 3 of his books and highly recommend them. I laughed a lot, learnt a lot and even cried a little. What I like about Adam, is that he answered his tweets. Many in his position, don't bother. 

With the covid situation we had to download the NHS app with our  double vaccination dates, proof that we're covid free ( that was a bizarre experience, made me think of the ancient Egyptians and their mumification process). My mum observed that some of the audience didn't wear a mask. This encouraged my mum and I to keep ours on. On his Twitter, Adam asks people to wear  a mask.

 Being vulnerable, I appreciate this. 

Throughout the show, we regularly hand-gelled up, kept our masks on and were as safe as we could be from our point of view.

I did wonder if I'd need the audio description headphones, but  as it was a stand-up show, my mum described the set to me. As it was a 1-night only performance, so there were no adapted shows offered. However, as it was an entirely vocal monologue (with audience participation), A visual commentary wasn't needed, but perhaps a sign language interpreter if needed, is something they can consider as the show progresses. 

My eyes streamed with laughter and I may have to see my GP about my pulled stomach muscle, I laughed so much. It was hilarious! 

When we arrived at the Liverpool Empire doors we were only allowed in after proving with the that we were double-vaccinated and covid free. I felt reassured by this security measure. The two door staff were very helpful and patient as we found our info and e-tickets. I liked the fact the theatre had a designated access person, who sought me out and offered us assistance 

Actually  getting into the Theatre,

I nearly crashed into the window that looks like a door (it was right opposite the lowest part of the entry, so I assumed, albeit wrongly that an open door lay ahead). It turns out you have to go up the slight curb  at the far left of the  doors, and make  a swift right turn  to the open doors. Once inside, I felt a little overwhelmed and claustrophobic being surrounded by so many people, after having spent much of the last 18 months shielding. I asked my mum to push me across the flat, carpeted foyer (I usually wield my blind stick whilst driving my powerchair). A few members of staff offered to help us to our seats, which was nice as it turned out we were in the wrong part. At the Liverpool empire wheelchair users who can’t transfer are positioned at the back of the auditorium.

 Being visually impaired, I am unsure what the view is like, but remember, from when I had full sight, to be ok. I didn't use the toilet this time, but have in the past and remember it to be big enough to turn, and clean as you need a radar key to enter it, but had no hoist and/or adult size changing table for those who need it. As I said though, it's been awhile since I used the Liverpool Empire loo, so this may have  changed .  Other than  this, the general access is great! A lift leads to  more toilets  and access to more wheelchair user spaces (we have found this to be too far away from the stage though). Another positive interaction was  when we had settled in our seats and were people watching when a lovely member of staff offered to get us any snacks. 

Once You are able to purchase your tickets ( as I said at the start, I gave up on ATG and asked Adam Kay and  Seabright Productions and the Liverpool Empire for help), we had a  great night out filled with laughter, and most importantly, friendly, helpful people. Considering this was our first Theatre trip in nearly 2 years, I felt quite safe  about going to see Adam Kay's ' This is going to hurt' 70 min show. It was a fab welcome back to theatres and I am looking forward to the next performance... If I can get thru to book it, that is...