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Post by profquatermass on May 10, 2016 10:10:39 GMT
As I don't pay a lot of attention to disabled facilities in theatres, may I just ask which theatres you feel have over sized bars that could be easily accessable toilet facilities? "None could be done that easily. As pointed out earlier in the thread, the majority of west end theatres are Grade II listed buildings. And very old. Cameron Mackintosh is praised on here for refurbishing his venues to a high standard. That's wholly different to completely renovating the space to redirect all the plumbing and put in loads of toilets. Also, one of his venues, the Wyndhams, is unable to accommodate large electric wheelchairs if the customer is unable to transfer to a regular theatre seat. They are prevented from making the necessary venue changes rectify that problem by their listed status. Being a listed building trumps everything, including disabled facilities. " Listed buildings aren't exempt from having to provide disabled access. However it's a civil law not a criminal one so I guess it would be up to Westminster Council to take legal action again the millions of businesses in central London which ignore it
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 10, 2016 10:44:17 GMT
"sorry we can't install more toilets because that would require plumbing"
I mean, really?
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Post by DuchessConstance on May 10, 2016 11:38:31 GMT
He makes an extremely good point. Seats that are restricted view due to things like balconies are one thing, but I've seen shows where I could not see the actors purely because of the set design or the positioning of the actors. For example "My Mother Told Me I Never Should" at the St James, I could only see half the stage from my front row seat due to a giant suitcase (which is not even used in the play, it's purely decorative) being plunked on the edge of the stage directly in front of my face.
That's just terrible directing, and directors who direct solely for the expensive seats should be called out for it.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2016 12:18:04 GMT
And a thousand times 'yes' to the point he makes about lighting. As someone whose migraines are triggered by bright light, far too often in the theatre I've sat blinking away a burst of light from the stage, or have had to shut my eyes entirely during scenes/scene changes heavily cued by lights, or in the case of strobe (really, who needs that?!) having to put my hands over my eyes as well to block it out. It can be a very uncomfortable experience - as well as making you look like a complete weirdo to the person sitting next to you, who is probably inching subtly away at that point...
I'd add to it that if bright lights are aimed at the stage when there's a reflective surface on there (usually a mirror, occasionally picture frames/clocks), that can annoy the audience, too. I seem to remember being dazzled several times during Bakersfield Mist - and not just by Kathleen Turner's star wattage! So it would be good to check the angle of that sort of thing as well, whenever possible.
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Post by kathryn on May 10, 2016 16:10:59 GMT
I hate it when they shine bright lights into the audience.
I tend to close my eyes to avoid being dazzled too, but if you're just sat in *that seat* getting overspill from the stage lights you'll miss half the show.
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Post by littleflyer on May 10, 2016 20:52:43 GMT
I'm just not sure some people understand what a listed building is and the actual lengths they would have to go to, just to simply apply for the rights to make the changes, it then has to then go many different people before a decision is made. It's not as simple as going to the owner and going 'hey I'm just gonna knock through these few walls and cause absolute havoc through the entire building and stick this toilet block in'
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 10, 2016 21:41:10 GMT
I'm just not sure some people understand what a listed building is and the actual lengths they would have to go to, just to simply apply for the rights to make the changes, it then has to then go many different people before a decision is made. It's not as simple as going to the owner and going 'hey I'm just gonna knock through these few walls and cause absolute havoc through the entire building and stick this toilet block in' I do understand what a listed building is, and that many thousands of them have been sympathetically updated so that they are of use today and not falling into disrepair. But thanks for patronising me! Presumably these buildings are are going to be in use as theatres for decades, if not centuries to come. At some point they are going to have to modernise. Why not do it now?
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Post by littleflyer on May 10, 2016 22:31:07 GMT
I'm just not sure some people understand what a listed building is and the actual lengths they would have to go to, just to simply apply for the rights to make the changes, it then has to then go many different people before a decision is made. It's not as simple as going to the owner and going 'hey I'm just gonna knock through these few walls and cause absolute havoc through the entire building and stick this toilet block in' I do understand what a listed building is, and that many thousands of them have been sympathetically updated so that they are of use today and not falling into disrepair. But thanks for patronising me! Presumably these buildings are are going to be in use as theatres for decades, if not centuries to come. At some point they are going to have to modernise. Why not do it now? I am not trying to be patronising, I am simply saying that such alterations cannot be made that easily. Also I can imagine such alterations would not come cheap and theatre being pretty cut throat at the moment and shows closing early, I see Show Boat is the latest victim, are they making enough money to even do the changes needed?
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Post by Jon on May 10, 2016 23:23:58 GMT
The Trafalgar Studios isn't a new theatre like the St James so likely is affected by listed status.
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Post by popcultureboy on May 10, 2016 23:42:20 GMT
"sorry we can't install more toilets because that would require plumbing" I mean, really? Yes, really. The complete overhaul of the plumbing works inside a centuries old listed building is really no small task.
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Post by DuchessConstance on May 12, 2016 11:01:57 GMT
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Post by The Matthew on May 12, 2016 12:43:08 GMT
"Following the two incidents described above, an inspection has been conducted by Westminster City Council, who are satisfied that the theatre meets all health and safety requirements."
If there are multiple incidents in a short period of time it suggests that there's a problem no matter how compliant they are. Regulations are a good starting point but they're not the finishing point as well.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 12, 2016 15:15:57 GMT
*hic*
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2016 15:24:23 GMT
I mean, people fall over. The theatre could consider letting people down the stairs next to the box office desk, which I think are less steep than the auditorium stairs and are almost certainly better lit, which would ultimately deposit them at the furthest corner of the auditorium from the main entrance. From there they might then have to go up the auditorium stairs, but if I had to use some steep stairs in a semi-dark room, I know I'd feel much safer going up than going down. But even though these are two fairly nasty accidents and they've happened so close together, I'm not sure we can say the auditorium is definitely 100% to blame. After all, accidents happen, and that saying is a cliche for a reason.
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Post by DuchessConstance on May 12, 2016 21:58:26 GMT
Drunk people are one thing, but designing a brand new theatre that's not safe for people with mobility issues seems like a fairly significant failure. So many people are elderly or have disabilities, and older people do make up a significant percentage of theatre-going audiences. I'm disabled and the St James is genuinely a bit scary for me. I always make sure to arrive very early because climbing those stairs in the rush would be too dangerous. So I mostly avoid it unless it's something I'm desperate to see.
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Post by kathryn on May 13, 2016 10:52:52 GMT
Fair points, DuchessConstance, particularly for a new-build. The only question I have is that the Prince of Wales Theatre circle is far steeper, holds more people, yet doesn't generate accidents. I find that interesting. Possibly people who would struggle know to avoid/are told to avoid the circle there, but not the St James's. It might just be because it's new, or possibly it's a bit deceptive and people don't take as much care as they would at the Prince of Wales.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 15:13:23 GMT
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Post by partytentdown on May 31, 2016 15:17:42 GMT
How does he get time to print all those mugs with his face on?
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 15:31:52 GMT
Blimey, if he can afford to see Broadway shows, multiple, he can definitely afford to drop £20 for his +1 at the NT once in a blue moon.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 18:18:57 GMT
I can't wait to read his next ground breaking opus What I Did On My Summer Holidays
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 18:21:29 GMT
Yes, I must admit I couldn't really see the point of his latest blog. They might just as well have printed his diary.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2016 8:30:19 GMT
Oh woe is (insert expletive) him.
I'm so sorry that Shenton is busy in the career he chose, and frankly given the holidays he speaks about and that he affords his London residence isn't exactly paying minimum wage.
More to the point he is doing a job, in a field he (claims) to love. Something many people can't claim to. Meanwhile him, his friends and many others "employ" reviewers to do exactly what he's paid to do for nothing.
Maybe I'm projecting due to my own impending unemployment, but I wouldn't mind Shenton's job for a week if he wants a break...
ETA: I didn't quite finish reading the post in question, as I got bored and doing my actual job was for once more interesting.
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Post by Steffi on Jun 1, 2016 12:12:45 GMT
To me he comes across as wanting to show off with his busy theatrical schedule while making sure everyone knows how exhausting and demanding his job really is. Considering he is making a living with what he loves (theatre), goes on holidays regularly and owns an apartment in New York things really could be worse.
And doesn't he just love to name drop. I'm sorry, but to me he is an attention seeker.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2016 12:24:25 GMT
Yeah, it's a full-on humble-brag of an article. "YOU THINK MY JOB IS ALL FUN AND GAMES, WELL LOOK HOW EXHAUSTING IT IS *clang* OH SORRY DID I DROP A NAME *clang clang clang* NUTS TO THIS I'M GOING BACK TO NEW YORK FOR A REST (AND SOME MORE SHOWS)".
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Post by bellboard27 on Jun 1, 2016 12:25:57 GMT
I'm sorry, but to me he is an attention seeker. OMG - this thread must be just pandering to his ego!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2016 12:35:57 GMT
Totally agree Steffi. Total fame whore.
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Post by partytentdown on Jun 1, 2016 13:06:35 GMT
I'm sorry, but to me he is an attention seeker. Nonsense!
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Post by partytentdown on Jun 1, 2016 14:24:35 GMT
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Post by bellboard27 on Jun 1, 2016 14:36:29 GMT
We are all under arrest for bringing the theatreboard into disrepute. It's a fair cop!
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 1, 2016 16:16:17 GMT
Ten days in San Francisco followed by a trip to the doctor. Hmmm
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