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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to suggest the front row of all threatres and cinemas are reserved for use for people with mobility issues?

53 replies

RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 18:29

Genuine question following on from a thread I started at the weekend about a threatre visit with mobility issues (I have balance problems and use walking sticks)

Replies were mixed, some posters obviously happy to stand up if someone like me needing a clear space to get past safely, others suggesting I should get there before them to avoid the situation

Each point of view has it's own merit.

But what if the front row could be used for people with mobility issues?

Would that not solve problems for both parties and make it safer all round in case of an emergency?

Daft idea or not? Thinking about it, I think this is really sensible however I'm maybe overlooking something?

Could I have some opinions on this please (I'm thinking of contacting my local threatres and asking if this could be implemented)

OP posts:
thedogwakesuptoodamnearly · 23/01/2014 18:31

Sometimes there's not much room at the front either! But it's a good idea, I think.

JustAnotherYellowBelly · 23/01/2014 18:31

Neck ache for people who may already have neck/spine problems?

LaBelleMadameManchotSansMerci · 23/01/2014 18:32

Goo

CMOTDibbler · 23/01/2014 18:32

Front row, yabu. Ends of some rows reserved for those with mobility issues, yanbu.

WooWooOwl · 23/01/2014 18:34

The front row can be used by people with mobility issues, I'd guess they'd just have to book early.

I don't think theatres would reserve them right up until the day of each show though, they'd lose a fortune and many productions probably couldn't afford it.

I think a lot of people would probably prefer aisle seats or to be further back anyway, and if theatres reserved an entire row then they would insist that anyone booking with mobility issues used it, which is taking away choice.

BadRoly · 23/01/2014 18:35

Our nearest theatre is laid out so that the front row is down some steps. 5th or 6th row back is 'ground' level with the wide aisle so presumably is more accessible?

Similarly our local cinema has the entrance at the top at the back so again the front row is probably the least accessible.

Original poster
RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 18:35

CMTDibbler why is front row unreasonable?

OP posts:
LaBelleMadameManchotSansMerci · 23/01/2014 18:35

Sorry stupid phone.
Good idead but the problem is they might not fill all the seats in the front row if only people with mobility issues can use them, so from a commercial point of view it probably won't happen.

Original poster
RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 18:37

BadRoly yes I suppoe each venue will differ so maybe the most accessible row being reserved or priority?

OP posts:
5HundredUsernamesLater · 23/01/2014 18:40

Do you mention your mobility issues when you book? We always do at our local theatre and they always do their best to make sure our seats are suitable. Easily accessable, near fire exits, toilets etc. If my daughter is with us they also remove seats to make room for her wheelchair.

MrsPresley · 23/01/2014 18:40

My mum can't walk far, so prefers the back row, aisle seat, or as close to the back as she can get.

Less walking to the front and easier when leaving.

Original poster
RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 18:42

LaBelle good point

How about reserved until 4 weeks before the showing (threatres) that would not loose them money commercially (or would it?)

OP posts:
Morgause · 23/01/2014 18:43

How long would they hold them for, though? Artists hate having the front row empty, it's quite off putting.

BadRoly · 23/01/2014 18:44

That would make more sense I think than it just being the front row. But I'm not sure how it could be implemented realistically the more I think about it.

So assuming there is a row reserved for people with mobility problems. How do you define a mobility issue/problem? What if it is temporary? And how many seats in this row can you have? We are a family of 6 so would we be able to sit together or would we have to split up? What if no one books the seats - when can they be sold to anyone else? If they have to remain reserved, who 'pays' for the seats?

Just thinking 'out loud' really, it seems a great idea in principle but I'm not sure that it is workable in a real life, profit driven business!

OddBoots · 23/01/2014 18:45

Just those with mobility issues? What about others in their group?

I have similar issues to you, I find my easiest way to cope is getting there early and not drinking anything for a few hours before. I imagine for other people it is easier to book ends of rows or go with someone who can offer physical support (my dh sometimes needs to do this for me).

I guess all I am saying is that sometimes there's no one best answer.

BadRoly · 23/01/2014 18:45

Ah cross posted Blush

Morgause · 23/01/2014 18:47

We book front row for concerts and comedians. They usually go on the first day, I'd be a bit peeved if someone booking a few days before the show got better seats than me who booked the day booking opened.

ouryve · 23/01/2014 18:47

I'd find the front row painful on my neck, these days. I'd end up with a headache and muscle spasms for several days, as a result of sitting there, in many theatres.

Original poster
RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 18:48

we did mention my issues 5HundredUsernamesLater, I might have just been unlucky as they said the only accessible 'things' they could offer was a wheelchair ramp (I have walking sticks so that was not applicable to myself), no early entry, we were supposed to have aisle seats but then didn't ....all became quite stressful

Perhaps I just was unlucky with the person I spoke to on the phone

I'm learning more now about what to say and how to explain my situation thanks to posters here and previously.

I don't want to spoil anyone else's experience and would like a nice one too Smile

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bookishandblondish · 23/01/2014 18:49

Crap idea - who wants to sit at the front row of a theatre or cinema ?

Normally middle centre stalls for traditional theatre or mid/back centre for cinema are the best seats. Front row normally means a crick in the neck.

Original poster
RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 18:52

OddBoots yip , maybe there is no solution

OP posts:
Original poster
RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 19:01

how about this?

I used to be gold card member (many years ago) which gave you priority to book the best seats within a 2 week period of the tickets going on sale (paid £25 a year for this)

What if the most accessible seats were available for those with mobility issues on the same basis?

A small window that if this would be useful you have a chance of booking them? Or something along those lines?

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5HundredUsernamesLater · 23/01/2014 19:11

Have you contacted the theatre since your visit to let them know the difficulties you had and see if they could come up with a better arrangement in future. There must be others having the same problems but if its not brought to their attention they maybe don't even realise there is a problem.

SpookedMackerel · 23/01/2014 19:12

I think theatres generally hold back some priority (aisle/accessible) seats anyway, and release them later when others are sold out - so presumably they would release them earlier to those with mobility issues if asked, but you'd prob have to phone rather than book online.

Original poster
RoseRedder · 23/01/2014 19:30

I just hate thinking I'm annoying other people by asking them if they could possibly stand up (when some posters even thought I was)

It felt a bit crap to be honest as it was the first time I'd had do it and I felt like I was a bother to some people in the row so I just thought there must be an easier way to make everyone happy

OP posts: