Opera-goers suspected of faking disabilities to get free tickets

An opera house has been forced to review its access scheme after suspecting some audience members had faked their disability for free tickets.

The Grand Opera House in Belfast, has begun a review into its ticket scheme, which currently gives a free seats to carers who accompany disabled companions.

The establishment has given away 3,000 tickets in the last year, with 1,200 people signing up for its Access For All membership scheme.

The opera house has now written to its members to give the “very disappointing” news it is considering a change to the service, in order to ensure it is “fit for purpose”.

The letter states: “The uptake of this option has been hugely successful, unfortunately there is evidence that this aspect of the Membership scheme is being misused and seen as an opportunity to avail of free tickets.”

It is understood staff had been made aware of members of the public taking advantage of the scheme, after discrepancies were spotted during performances.

The scheme, intended to ensure disabled people do not face any unnecessary barriers when attending the opera, currently relies on the honesty of ticket holders, who are not obliged to provide medical evidence of their requirements.

It is now being reviewed, in conjunction with equalities law and the opera house’s own disability advisory group.

The Royal Opera House and English National Opera in London currently have similar access schemes, but require medical authorisation or other written proof of eligibility.

The Grand Opera House letter to members states: “It is very disappointing to have to make any changes to the services we offer our customers, but regrettably, we have to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, meets the needs of those people who need it most as well as making sure that remains a viable option of reasonable adjustment for the Grand Opera House.”

A spokesman added: “The Grand Opera House has recently commenced a review of its Access For All membership scheme and has contacted all of those currently registered to use the scheme, explaining that a review is under way.

“The scheme allows those with a disability to register and to be accompanied by a carer. Whilst the disabled patron will pay for their ticket, the carer receives a free ticket. The Grand Opera House issued in excess of 3000 complimentary carer tickets in 2013-14.

“The scheme has been hugely successful in the last two years, and we hope that access for the most disadvantaged members of our community continues in the future.

“We will continue to liaise with the Equality Commission for NI and our in house Disability Advisory Group to ensure that we maximize this access for those with disabilities and will be monitoring the use of the scheme in the New Year before introducing any changes.”

It is not the first time people have been suspected of taking advantage of tickets intended for the disabled.

Earlier this year, police investigated a case of possible ticket fraud after football fans at the World Cup were spotted jumping out of their wheelchairs during a match.