The theatre is a magical place to escape and see your favourite performers, shows or musicals. However, it can be a daunting experience to navigate if you haven't been since your pre-wheelchair days. Logging on to Ticketmaster/Ticketek and being unable to sit where you want can be soul-crushing. Unfortunately, most venues have accessible seating with views you may not be accustomed to.

As a lover of theatre and cinema, I have hesitated to return to the theatre in a wheelchair as there is a lot of uncertainty. I get nervous and anxious and like to do things at my own pace without the feeling of holding up a crowd of people trying to take their seats.

Recently, I put my fear aside and jumped back into the theatre scene, overcoming significant hurdles in navigating a crowded space. Let's talk about the Sydney Lyric Theatre. When the hit Broadway musical WICKED, one of my all-time favourite musicals, was flying back into Sydney again, I knew I had to go and put my anxiety aside.

Thankfully, I didn't have to worry about my anxiety. The Sydney Lyric Theatre allows you to self-select your wheelchair-accessible seats online. You can shuffle through the days and times to find your seat at your own pace without having to call the box office and do it all over the phone. You can also select whether you have a companion card or not.

On show day, you can access your digital tickets on your mobile without seeing the box office to collect them. The foyer is open about an hour before the show time, and my best advice is to arrive as early as possible so you can get acquainted with your surroundings, use the bathroom if needed, and grab something to drink or eat.

For the Sydney Lyric Theatre, as a wheelchair user, everything you need is on the ground floor. There is a long but easy-to-wheel ramp with a low incline for easy access to the foyer entrance. Even if your pushing strength is down or weak that day, it's an easy push-up. The box office, food and beverages, merchandise, bathrooms, and theatre entry are on the ground floor. There are several lifts within the complex, going down to the car park and public transport. It's genuinely a fully accessible theatre, and a bonus is that it's all smooth surfaces, too - no uneven pavement.

I have since been to WICKED more times than I care to admit, and every experience has been the same. On arrival, plenty of front-of-the-house staff are available to help and guide you. I have been flagged down every time to ensure I know where everything is to make my visit as smooth and comfortable as possible.

If you are still unsure about going back to the theatre after your injury or just going for the very first time disabled, some little tips and tricks to help could be:

- Please get in touch with the theatre using your preferred contact method - phone, email or social media. I personally love social media as they are always very active on most channels, and it also gives the person replying to your question the ability to check your personal situation out if you have any public photos on your profile - like, do you have a big electric wheelchair, or do you have a super slim rigid chair?
- Check out Google Maps to research the venue or theatre beforehand - how will you get there, where will you park? If you're not parking at the venue and picking on-street parking, I like to use Google Street View to check out my path to the theatre. There's nothing worse than taking a route you're unfamiliar with, and you're almost at the theatre and encountering a big flight of stairs with no ramp. It's added stress you don't need.
- Speaking of stress, arrive early. Most performances have lockout periods, and you would hate to miss the show's opening and add extra pressure on yourself.
- Take a little snack bag/drink to keep you going. Also, remember your medications, eye drops for smoke effects (you can thank me later), and some earplugs if you get overwhelmed easily by loud music or sound effects.
- Pay attention to signs posted at the theatre doors that will list if the show contains any special effects that might make your experience uncomfortable.
- Overall, my biggest tip is to have as much fun as possible. Take some photos and selfies to remember your special day out.

The theatre and art world is fantastic for everyone of all ages and abilities. Enjoy!

About me:

I'm living in Sydney and suffered a spinal cord injury in 2014. I'm a proud member of the LGBT and disabled community. I like documenting my journey and adventures on social media, trying to keep as much information updated as possible on Google Maps/reviews from a wheelchair user to help others navigate more safely. When I'm not in the theatre or cinema, the outdoor escape I love to do is trail riding with my wheelchair e-bike. My wheelchair setup is TiLite ZRA, Matrx MX2, and Matrx Libra cushion.

Instagram @Kennasyd