MUSCULAR dystrophy sufferer Paul Mace can now afford to enjoy shows at the Palace Theatre – thanks to the intervention of the Redditch Standard.
The Tredington Close resident is dependent on a ventilator to breath and so needs a carer with him at all times.
His father Ron contacted the Standard because unlike other theatres in the region, the Palace didn’t offer a discounted or free ticket to a carer.
“Paul goes to 30 to 35 concerts a year and we got concessions at every single one except the Palace Theatre,” said Ron.
“He can’t breath without his ventilator and someone has to be there in case something goes wrong.
“The thing is if he wanted to go to the Palace he had to pay twice, because he had to pay for a carer who might not actually want to see what he wants to go to.”
The 44-year-old has an eclectic taste – a Sophie Ellis Bextor gig last Saturday to Aida at Symphony Hall on Tuesday.
He’s also a member of a disabled access group at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
The family had tried contacting the Palace management without success and so turned to the Redditch Standard.
We put Paul’s case to Rubicon Leisure, the council’s arm’s length company which has recently over the Palace.
John Godwin, managing director of Rubicon Leisure said: “Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
“Clearly our disabled users are very important to us and where a carer is needed we should be doing all we can to assist.
“We have now reviewed our policies and how we promote this concession and I am happy to confirm we will offer free access to carers for all new bookings taken as from July 13, 2019.
“For full details please see the Palace Theatre’s website.”
A delighted Ron said: “That’s great news, fantastic, the Palace is a brilliant little theatre and we really appreciate what you and Rubicon have done. Thank you.”
