Everyone should be able to enjoy and experience the art and culture they like regardless of any disability. One of the reasons some people don’t do the things they like or want to do is a fear of what an actual venue is like.
The purpose of this piece is to describe how I found my access and experience of attending an event at the Glasshouse on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead.
I have sight loss and need someone with me to help navigate me about any venue and in addition I’ve tried to look at obstacles others may face.
First point of call: getting tickets
The Glasshouse has a scheme which allows a person with a recognised disability to get a companion ticket free of charge – me and my helper go for the price of one. To get access to this scheme you can apply via their website. You need to supply proof of your disability; it’s all explained and it’s not unreasonable to be asked. Once you’ve been accepted you get a personal reference number along with a direct telephone number which takes you to the Box Office and a real person who will sort out your personal needs; take your money and get the tickets to you. This is a well trodden path and works well.
Getting there and what to expect
The Glasshouse is easy to see and easy enough to get to but it’s important to know what to expect. There is a big drop off point at the west side entrance and once out of a vehicle it’s a level walk into the building. There are car parks nearby including one which is sort of attached and has a lift to ground level and a slight downhill slope to the East entrance – this can fill up quickly and costs.
How to get to the venue
There are no buses directly to the venue.
From Gateshead Transport Hub it’s a downhill walk and you need to cross a couple of busy roads, including the Tyne Bridge approach road.
From the Newcastle side you can cross the Millenium Bridge on foot and either walk up a few flights of steps to the east door or if using a wheelchair there is a slope up to the venue which starts near to the Tyne Bridge (on the Gateshead Quayside Road)
Actually it’s easy to get there if you plan your journey.
Inside the Glasshouse
Once inside there are always staff about and they help, they really do and they are trained. The ground floor concourse has bars and a coffee area and can be busy with a buzz of anticipation.
The two main performance areas: Stage 1 & Stage 2 are on the first floor. Stage 1 has two higher levels. All are accessible by lift if needed. There is also a bar on the first floor.
Your tickets will tell you the door you enter the hall by, along with your seat number. At this door you will be directed to your seat, the staff will be helpful and your seat will be appropriate to your needs. If you have a wheelchair and need it a space at the end of your row will have been removed to accommodate your needs.
The next part is easy; just take a seat and enjoy the show.
Leaving the venue
Take your time. A couple of thousand people are all wanting to get home. The lifts are busy, the stairs crowded. The staff haven’t gone home and are there to help and they do.
Toilets
I nearly forgot: toilets. Plenty but maybe not greatly signposted but that might be me. Proper wheelchair access disabled toilets. Maybe at the interval and at the end when there are queues the odd person who doesn’t need a disabled toilet will use one. It’s the same everywhere.
Friendly and very accessible
The Glasshouse is one of the region’s premier venues and there is absolutely no reason why any disability should stop you going there. Simply speak with them and they will help, they really will.
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