Disability discrimination at its worst
Having organised many previous trips for our residents to enjoy performances here in the past, our Activities Coordinator called this afternoon to book concessionary tickets for the matinee performance of Wind in the Willows on 24/10/26.
The published prices on the website indicate:
Standard: £18.00
Concessions/Under 16s: £12.00
Family Ticket: £50.00
We were first advised that a CEA card was necessary to obtain an elderly or disabled concession. We have never been asked for this previously, and for information the CEA card is designed for cinemas not theatres with "the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) and its members expressing they want to make visiting the cinema an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all".
We were then advised that without a CEA card the residents (of whom all would qualify for a disabled blue badge) would pay the full adult price but this would now cost us £19.50 (not £18 as quoted on their website), and each accompanying carer would also have to pay full adult price.
We were also asked if our residents were "properly" and permanently wheelchair bound! The fact that they are residents of a CQC registered nursing home should speak volumes to anyone with an ounce of common sense.
It seems the Gladstone Theatre have changed their ticketing and pricing policies to the detriment of disabled visitors who will clearly now feel a theatre visit is beyond them.
How sad! Particularly when the Floral Pavilion and many other venues across the Wirral and Merseyside offer to fully fund Carer's and Disabled Seats free or at least at concessionary rates.