A wheelchair user who has been asked by a theatre to book her tickets in advance has said her treatment is an example of how disabled people do not yet have equality.
Marie Markey tried to book a show called The Wacky Witch and her Magic Cauldron at Hawk's Well Theatre in Sligo when her young daughter and nieces were off school for half-term.
When she was unable to book a wheelchair seat online, she called the box office and asked to book four tickets.
“I had to call them and said I was looking for three children and myself,” Ms Markey told Lunchtime Live.
The staff member on the phone told her that was “no problem” - until she mentioned she was in a wheelchair.
“The only tickets they could give me was where I was down in the stalls and the three girls would have been up in the balcony,” Ms Markey said.
“I asked them was there any other option [that would allow us to sit together and] she said no that that really was the only option.
“I even asked, could I have maybe two of them away from me and one with me.”
The staff member said they would have to “physically remove seats” in order to facilitate that.
Ms Markey asked if they could go instead the following day but was told the family would still not be able to sit together if they came on that day as well.
In the end, the family decided they would rather not go than have to sit apart during the performance.
'I appreciate that'
In a statement to Newstalk, Hawk's Well Theatre said they were disappointed to hear about the Markey family’s experience.
“We’d very much like to ensure Marie’s needs are met in all future events at our theatre,” a spokesperson said.
They then suggested that people who have specific access requirements book well in advance.
“I appreciate that,” Ms Markey said.
“But I suppose it’s not really equality if someone who is in a wheelchair has to book something so far in advance.
“There are venues where you can book a wheelchair space online.”
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Main image: A woman in a wheelchair. Picture by: Alamy.com
