The Access Review : Secret Cinema - Stranger Things 2019/2020

Daisy Brookes/Ekko Cosplay

A couple of weeks ago I travelled back to the 80’s to experience Secret Cinema’s newest installation set in the world of Stranger Things, and let me tell you, it was absolutely incredible.

I know this is a little step away from my usual reviewing of comic cons but I thought, what the hell, it’s still an event I’m attending so why not review it on its access? I’m even tempted to write mini reviews on certain concert venues like the O2 or Wembley Arena, so maybe you’ll see me talking about those in the future too! Anything that might bring to light how events can properly plan and organise themselves to be the best they can be for their disabled patrons.

Anyway, let’s go back to the summer of 1985.

For those of you who have never attended, Secret Cinema is an interactive film (and now TV) experience that’s held multiple times a year in different secret locations. The premise is fairly simple, specifically this time for Stranger Things, a location was transformed into a set from the show (I don’t want to give too much away, it is SECRET Cinema after all), actors are hired to play titular roles from the show to act out scenes, all the while involving attendees and helping them out on missions set by the organisation. With the film centred ones it all ends with a screening of the movie but with Stranger Things being a show, this year was a little different. It’s a super fun experience, I’ve attended quite a few now and can’t wait to go again!

Secret Cinema have always been great with extra help passes and carer tickets. A quick email to the access team and you’re assigned a carer pass and added to the extra help list. Between booking the tickets and your actual attendance of the show, the team stay in contact, emailing you with extra advice and links on how best to attend the show as well as what they can offer, help wise. They even emailed and helped me get parking at the venue this time, which I really needed as I’ve been battling a bug that has left me quite weak, so not having to fight with public transport made a huge difference. They’re well trained, able to answer near every question you can imagine; absolute pros when it comes to access in my opinion!

Rocking the 80s vibe!

As soon as we arrived, a wonderful accessibility assistant, Tiffany, from Secret Cinema was there to help us. After some convincing from my sister, I decided to take one of my crutches in with me - just in case I got tired or achy as there isn’t always tons of seating. Tiffany showed us in, helped me past all the manic queues and security before stopped to help Rose and I get a quick snap of the only part of the show you’re allowed to take photos of! Once inside she showed us where to go, pointing out who to talk to should we need assistance. It was so reassuring to know she was near by and that everyone was trained and ready to help at a seconds notice.

My sister and I wandered about, bumped in to the rest of our group, doing our best to really get involved every way we could. I am still, even now two weeks later, in awe of how respectfully everyone treated me. When dipping in to little rooms to hear talks, I was always offered a seat. People who passed me and noticed my crutch made sure that I knew who in the room or area would be able to help me. I felt so reassured and looked after whilst still feeling like I could get fully involved in the whole experience. My crutch didn’t stop the actors from pulling myself and a friend in to a competition, or from jamming out at karaoke with everyone else. 

The whole experience was laid out across one floor with toilets and exits easily signposted. There were 3 disabled toilets spread out as well so I was never worried about where id need to go should Kevin decide to play up (luckily he didn’t). To my surprise there was also ample seating, at times I still wished I hadn’t brought my crutch as I still get nervous about being seen with it, but I know deep down that it helped me get through the evening. Even being able to perch and rest, it was good that I took it with me. You’d think by now I’d have gotten over the anxiety I relate to it but nope.

My sister is always there for me

The anxiousness I feel around using my crutch in public still stems from this whole “but you don’t look sick” thing. I just want to be able to take part and get on with stuff like it isn’t there, but I know people notice, and then I can’t stop thinking about what other people are thinking. It’s a damn mess of a spiral, isn't it? I got especially wound up and anxious at Secret Cinema after bumping in to an old school friend I hadn’t seen in near 10 years and all I could think is “great, I still look like the washed up sick girl”. It’s a hard mind set to kick but I was very lucky to be surrounded by friends and my angel of a sister, who always looks out for me.

Once I’d gotten out of my head and allowed myself to enjoy the show again, I stopped thinking about my crutch all together. I joined in in the dancing and joked about with it, the actors involved all encouraged me to use it best I could and it made me feel a little more secure. After about 3 hours of exploring everyone was shuffled in to the next section to experience the show (in a film based Secret Cinema this is when you would go to watch the movie). Tiffany was stood at the side with a sign to help anybody with Access requirements find somewhere to sit, as this particular experience had the majority of attendees standing. She guided us to some reserved seating and we got to experience a wonderful showcase for Stranger Things, I won’t say anymore about it but it really blew my mind away!

At the end of the show we were once again guided out and walked back to our car. I was so amazed by the level of care Secret Cinema supplied to its accessible guests. It made a huge difference to the whole experience and I don’t think I could have had a better time of it. It really was amazing to see what a big company with a specific Access team was able to do, and I really think it’s something other events, especially conventions, would benefit from. Secret Cinema go above and beyond when it comes to making their events accessible to all and I really can’t recommend them enough for a truly incredible evening out. I can’t wait to see what else they have up their sleeves, I personally have my fingers crossed for something Nolan!