Today I’m headed to the Capitol Theatre. It’s in Sydney’s Chinatown precinct. I’m taking my portable mobility scooter. The best way to arrive is via the light rail getting off at the Capitol Theatre stop. You travel a block and you are there.
Portable mobility scooter
Find a small portable mobility scooter for this adventure. From taking public transport or putting it in a car, portable is the only way. Even at the theatre you will need a smaller scooter with a good turning circle as the disabled toilet is not very wide so you need to reverse rather than turning around to get out.
A portable mobility scooter is best
Check that the venue is accessible
The Capital Theatre provides detailed information on choosing accessible seating. I have put their website at the bottom of this post. You need to keep an investigative mindset to stay social. I always check with the venue before I go.
Take someone with you to assist
From getting your scooter to the venue through to having someone assist you getting in and out of the toilet, you need someone with you.
I found it really helpful for the light rail this time too. It was crowded and I didn’t want to run over any feet when trying to reverse out. My carer alerted the driver about needing a ramp brought out. I wouldn’t have been able to do that.
Get there early
I like getting to venues about an hour early. You can get the lay of the land and make any tweaks that may be needed before the show starts. I enter as soon as the doors open so my portable mobility scooter isn’t in the way of anyone else trying to take a seat.
Get there early and avoid the crowd
Select the most appropriate seat
Never book your tickets online unless you know the venue inside out. Sometimes you may need staff to assist. Today I have my partner with me. We chose the wide aisle that is available at the Capitol Theatre at the entry. It is halfway back on the ground floor. I scooter over to the chair and my partner reverses the scooter and places it at the side near the exit. Here is a staff member tagging scooters meant to be there.
On with the show! Such a gorgeous venue I’m glad I got here early.
Travels with my Scooter 