Madam, - Last Saturday week I was to attend, with my personal assistant, the matinee performance of Doldrum Bay at the Peacock Theatre.
I am a wheelchair-user and have been going quite regularly to the Peacock for nearly 30 years.
As usual, when we arrived at the theatre, my PA went downstairs to ask for assistance. He came back shortly, accompanied by a member of staff whom I know quite well.
Much to my amazement and disappointment, this man told me that staff are no longer able to offer assistance to wheelchair-users. Full of apology, he said that this was on the advice of the Chief Fire Officer.
I came away with the promise of a refund on my next credit card statement, but greatly saddened that this small and intimate theatre is now out of bounds for me.
I have no doubt that the board and management of the Abbey Theatre are campaigning vigorously for extra funding from the Government, Arts Council and various others organisations for its centenary celebrations next year. I suggest that all such funding be withheld until the matter of access has been addressed.
It is completely unacceptable in the 21st century that a national institution receives public money without ensuring full access for everyone.
This is not a complaint against the front-of-house staff in the Peacock Theatre. In fact, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and the backstage staff for their assistance in humping me up and down those stairs for all those years.
I would, however, ask the press and marketing department not to send me any more invitations to become a patron until all public areas of our National Theatre are fully accessible! - Yours, etc.,
DECLAN O'KEEFFE.
Ferrard Road,
Dublin 6.