Planning a trip to a West End show

A West End show is a night out that people often plan around. The show comes first. Then come the date, the seats, and how everyone gets there and home.

Booking with access needs

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) lists access information through its Official London Theatre site. Official London Theatre advises anyone with access needs to book directly with the theatre, because, in its words, they know the venue best.

SOLT lists audio described, captioned, British Sign Language interpreted and relaxed performances across London.

Official London Theatre publishes an Access Performance Guide four times a year. It lists upcoming access performances in and around London.

A printed copy can be sent by post, or another format can be asked for, by calling 020 7557 6700. SOLT says the information comes in print, PDF, braille, audio and rich text format.

What each theatre offers

Official London Theatre's Venue Information Guide sets out access details for London theatres, one by one. For each theatre it gives:

• the access phone number and email address;
• where the accessible toilets are;
• how many wheelchair spaces there are, and on which level;
• the sound amplification system;
• how to get from the street into the foyer;
• how many stairs lead from the foyer to each level of seats.

The stair counts can differ a great deal between one part of a theatre and another. So it helps to choose the seats with the guide open.

Changing plans

Official London Theatre notes that exchange policies vary from theatre to theatre. Check the theatre's policy before booking, in case the date has to move.

Buying a resold ticket

Some people buy tickets from someone reselling them. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says what the buyer must be told when a ticket is resold through a resale website.

• Where the ticket is for a particular seat, enough to identify it, such as the area, block, row and seat number, and any unique ticket number.
• Any restriction on who can use the ticket.
• The face value, meaning the price printed on the ticket.

The seller has to say so if they are the website's operator, are linked to it, or are the event's organiser. All of this must be given clearly before the buyer is bound by the sale.

Getting there

Transport for London publishes accessibility information and a planner for step-free and other accessible journeys. Official London Theatre links to it from its access page.

Useful links

• Access, with the performance and venue guides (Official London Theatre)
• Access performances (Official London Theatre)
• Access (Society of London Theatre)
• Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 90 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Transport accessibility (Transport for London)