London Palladium, London
I am starting with the first theatre we went to this year and one that we often go to.
The wheelchair spaces are at the end of some rows at the left hand side in the stalls. Which rows depends on what is actually on at the theatre.
The entrance is a bit of a slalom, as you come in at the side of the main entrance, near the box office. You have to go via the bar so beware there are lots of people about and the ramp, between the bar and the theatre is somewhere that people congregate. They do provide an Access Host to help you on the way in to your seat.
Once you arrive at the auditorium be careful, as the floor is ramped. You have to negotiate going along the back of the stalls, from the centre to the left hand side and the ground it ramped so it really difficult, some of the staff may be able to help you. I know that once they provide a staff member to push my husband along and another to steer the front of his wheelchair, so he didn't go into the back of the stalls. In the interval again beware, as people congregate behind the stalls and it is difficult to get out.
If there is a downside to this it is that it is virtually impossible to get merchandise or drinks. You pass both on the way but at that time you just want to get to your seat or to the Accessible Toilet. If you want a drink or merchandise please remember to get them on the way in if you can. The Access Hosts don't do this for you, as they do at some theatres.
The seats themselves have a good view, although a side view and are pretty good value.
We did think at one stage we would never to back because of the raking at the back but to be honest they have such good shows on there we put up with that bit of pain.
Overall there is a good view, a good Accessible toilet and if you have someone with you to go to and fro for merchandise and/or drinks you have it made.
I would give this a 7/10 rating