Mikey attended his first Fringe show this week! His amazing support worker took him along for a fun filled afternoon of splish splash circus fun!
I thought I would share some info in case you’ve also been considering popping in with your kids.
As for the show itself Mikey had a great time! As soon as he came out of the tent he asked for more! The performers were super energetic, silly and had the whole audience, laughing, clapping and dancing along. It was VERY loud. You also get to meet the performers after the show and get photos if you wish, they were super friendly and fun. Our support worker also thoroughly enjoyed the show and was super impressed with their circus skills!
More info about the show from the Fringe website: “Splash Test Dummies are here, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into a brand new hour of circus filled hilarity for the whole family. See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous. Join the Dummies and come dive from bathtubs to beaches in this new aquatic adventure.”
BOOKING TICKETS
First things first, booking tickets. While it is super easy to book via the Fringe app or website, If you are attending with a person who has a disability it’s best to call or email the team at (08) 9227 6288 or access@fringeworld.com.au
We booked via the app but ended up calling to ensure there would be space allocated for Mikey’s chair – in case things needed moving around. The team were awesome! They make notes on Mikey’s booking and informed us to reach out and make ourselves known when we arrive so they could get him through at the start.
The Fringe team recommends calling if you will be attending in a wheelchair as some venues have limited spots for wheelchairs.
COMPANION CARD – if your child holds a companion card the person/carer attending the show with them is eligible to receive a complimentary ticket to the same show.
ACCESS
There are loads of different Fringe venues around Perth and accessibility varies from venue to venue. There is a really great page on the Fringe website with lots of info about accessibility here.
The show Mikey attened – Splash Test Dummies was at the Woodside Pleasure Garden in Russel Square, Northbridge. There are ramps around this pop-up space and spots set aside for wheelchairs within the different venues. We had no issues getting Mikey in and around. I also found this handy map of the Woodside Pleasure Garden with some accessibility info.
The silent disco which looked like so much fun was up on the raised Pavillon which has about 7 steps up to it.
RESTROOMS
We didn’t actually need the restrooms for Mikey so I can’t give too much feedback on this. But I did call and get some info.
There are disability toilets at Woodside Pleasure Garden. There is also a baby change room next to pram parking – I’m sure you could store wheelchair/walker etc. there if required. The baby change facility is designed for babies (believe it or not haha) so not suitable for changing kids and adults.
The nearest place to access a larger change table is the Changing Places toilet in Yagan Square. It is located on the ground floor of the Market Hall.