Architects, involved in Auckland’s Civic theatre’s major restoration, deserve a slap on the back, for a job well done. Thanks to their brilliantly innovative design, wheelchair users can enjoy the offerings of this “grand old lady” of the stage, hassle free.

Of course I had read about this $42 million restoration when it was under construction in 2000. However my past experiences, with similar projects, had left me dubious if serious thoughts would be given to wheelchair access.

All my negative thoughts were blown away as my companion and I passed through the theatre’s entrance, to attend the Phantom of the Opera. We were immediately welcomed and told that we would be escorted to our seats. We were invited to wait in the bar for our escort.

Because we were the type of people who are rather partial to the odd tipple, we gladly accepted the invitation. Before long we were acquainted with our escort who took us to the lift which delivered us to our seats.

The seating arrangements were brilliant as the luxurious chairs were removable. This meant the wheelchair user could actually sit next to the person they came with, an important point which is often overlooked by people who design theatres.