This week I went to see Matthew Bourne’s Ballet, Nutcracker ballet, at our local Hippodrome. I went with Star and we had a lovely evening. It was my first night out in a very long time. Of course, you are not allowed to take photo’s of the performance, I did take a photo from my seat though.
My seat was actually my wheelchair. The theatre has special zones for wheelchair users which are really nice. They have their own little entrance and each time I have been there has never been more than four people in the area, including myself and my companion for the performance.
You can read my post about the actual ballet from the link above if you haven’t already. So I won’t talk about it here, except to say it will remain with me for a long time. I do love ballet and Matthew Bourne’s interpretations.
We are off to the Hippodrome again in a couple of weeks. My friend should be free from Covid then, I hope so because I bought the tickets especially for her. We are going to see Don Quixote and we have been promised fun, laughter and sunshine from the performance. It’s going to be great.
I managed to get front row tickets this time. They also have a little area at either side at the front with room to park one wheelchair and a chair for your companion.
Sometimes being in a wheelchair can be an advantage. It’s a bit scary though when they lead you to your seat and explain that if the fire alarm goes off we are to stay where we are and will be escorted to a fire proof room. I try not to imagine what it would be like to stuck in a fire proof room while the building burns down around me….ooops! I though about it.
We also had issues leaving the show. Being on the lower floor the exits have to by lifts (hence the fire proof room because you can’t use lifts in a fire.) When we left the ballet both lifts were out of order. We had to leave by going back stage and using the staff lift. A couple of elderly people, who were not in wheelchairs but using walking sticks, decided to attempt the stairs instead. It would have been a very long walk for them. We didn’t actually see anything exciting backstage.
Do you like ballet or going to the theatre?
I am so glad you had a lovely time. It sounds like the theatre is set up really well for wheelchairs. The fire proof room does sound a little scary. x
Isn’t it wonderful to enjoy a night out again! I hope you enjoy Don Quixote too :o)
#MMBC
ah, it’s been too long since I went to a ballet. Glad you had a wonderful time. #MMBC
Glad you enjoyed the ballet. The Nutcracker is always beautiful to see. That sounds like an exciting exit!
How lovely to go to the ballet. Nothing quite like an evening at the theatre. Makes me want to book something. I’m with you on the fire proof room. I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable trusting it, so if we ever go to the ballet together and there is a fire, get ready to be thrown over my shoulder, because we are walking out! #mmbc
haha Cheryl, thanks x Maybe I should choose my companions better, but I find it difficult to believe that a big fireman would be into the ballet. 🙂
I’ve missed the theater since COVID. Glad to hear you you’ve been back.
Ooo what a treat to see a performance live ,looks amazing X #myaundaysnapshot
How lovely to go to the ballet! It must have been so nice to get out after so long. I bet you are looking forward to your next theatre trip already.
The lack of a lift isn’t good though – and I don’t like the thought of the fireproof room!
The idea of being in a fireproof room would also rather freak me out. So glad you got to go out though! Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.