| date of gig | 10/09/23 |
| access | 2/5 |
| view | 5/5 |
| staff | 5/5 |
| transport and parking | / |
| BSL | / |
| covid safety | 2/5 |
| toilets | 3/5 |
| overall | 4/5 |
At the time of the visit I used crutches and required a seat throughout the performance. I turned up with general access tickets and while waiting to get into the venue I was picked from the queue by a member of staff who asked if I would like to use the access area. When I confirmed he took me into the venue early so I had more time to navigate without the crowds. As there is no lift (there is one for wheelchairs and power chairs but not a standard lift) I had to walk up stairs to the second floor, and although this wasn’t ideal for me the staff were very patient and supportive in assisting me up. I was seated above the stage on some wooden seating and in the access area cushions are provided. The view is the best of any access area that I have been in, it is directly above the stage and the seats are layered in a way that prevents your view being blocked. The staff would then come periodically to take drink orders, payments and bring the drinks to us from the bar. They also would do trips to the merch table for anyone in the access area throughout the gig so we didn’t miss out.
The staff were great, very helpful and seemed to be knowledgeable. The toilet in the access area requires walking through the general admission crowd on the balcony which isn’t the easiest, especially during the performance. The toilet itself was very suitable for my needs and there was a member of staff posted outside of it at all times for assistance. I can see where wheelchair users would struggle in this venue, specifically the slow lift up and down the stairs and movement throughout the upper floor to the toilets, and having to walk up stairs as a person with chronic pain and mobility restrictions was difficult and needs rectifying. However the experience once inside including the staff, the view and the service was second to none. The picture uploaded is the view from the access seating
albert hall manchester – 10/09/23
crip the gig 
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