A new ‘Essential Companion Scheme’ is being launched next year for people with a disability visiting the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre.

Visitors who require somebody to be present in order to assist them with accessing the theatres and their services can join the Essential Companion Scheme now, with the scheme planned to go live on 1st January 2016.

Members of the scheme will receive a complimentary ticket so that they can be joined by a companion at no additional cost. The companion is required to attend to the needs of the scheme member at all times while they are on the premises.

David Cretney MLC, the Department’s Member with responsibility for the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre complex commented:

‘I believe the introduction of this scheme will make it easier for people with a disability to attend events in the Villa Gaiety complex.

‘We have been working hard on improving accessibility to our venues and there are now also captioned [subtitles on an LED screen] performances of the major shows to allow those who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing to enjoy the fantastic range of entertainment on offer at the Villa Gaiety Complex.’

To find out more information or to join the Essential Companion Scheme, call 694551 or visit www.villagaiety.com/ where you can download an application form from the Access Information Page.