Meet Volunteer Access Usher, Penny Mergler

Meet Penny Mergler , one of our Volunteer Ushers here at HfC. As well as working as one of our Heritage Volunteers, Penny is a trained Access Usher. We caught up with her to learn more about what that involves.

Image by Hugh Hastings

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into volunteering at HfC

I was born and raised in Cornwall, went away to train as an Occupational Therapist, qualifying in 1983, and returned to Cornwall to raise my 4 children. I have worked for the NHS for 40 years, the last 25 in a Mental Health Unit in Bodmin. I have always had a passion for theatre and have been a keen amateur actor for most of my life. My husband and I met in the theatre and worked together in many plays. We both joined HfC in 2015 as Volunteers, which we found a wonderful experience. 

My Husband died in 2020 and when HfC was asking for Volunteers again, I decided that I would like to continue, partly in his memory, but mostly because I have a passion for theatre and great pride in Hall for Cornwall. I believe we all need to give back to the communities we live in. 

What exactly does an Access Usher do? 

An Access Usher is part of the team that ensures that all audience members have the best possible experience, including offering support for any additional access requirements they have. The aim is to offer help wherever it is needed and wanted. We have information on where wheelchair users have booked seats, we can give information about the hearing loops, can provide ear defenders and the house wheelchair. We are able to support patrons with sensory overload, with the use of the breakout space. This is in a quiet area, away from the auditorium, with soft furnishings and a TV link to the show. The team have had training across many areas including Dementia Friendly training and training with Sighted Guides, and more is in the pipeline. Many of us come from care professions and are able use our previous skills and experience. 

What makes an Access Usher different to a regular Usher? 

The Access Ushers differ from regular Ushers in that we are not static in one place. The nature of the team means we are able to move freely, to ensure that patrons have support throughout their journey in the theatre. For example, we will often meet a wheelchair user at the door and accompany them to their seat. 

During the interval, the team will check on our patrons and ensure all is well with them. After a performance we will make sure they are able to leave the theatre safely. We all have patience, good humour, and a positive, can-do attitude.  

What do you enjoy about being an Access Usher? Has anything surprised you? 

The aim of my whole working life has been to ensure that people are able to optimise their experiences, live life to the full, and to break down stigma. I feel that working as an Access Volunteer is an extension to that. Making sure that everyone has the best possible experience regardless of the challenges. Seeing the joy on a young wheelchair user’s face as they sang along to MAMMA MIA! was wonderful.

Nothing has surprised me, but I have been struck by the determination of some people.

Where are your favourite places in Cornwall? 

On the beach in the sunshine. 

Anything else you'd like to share? 

Being an Access Usher is something that I really enjoy. We have a good strong team who truly believe in the ethos of HfC, that every single person who walks through our doors matters. I’m grateful to be able to do this in such a wonderful place with amazing people.

From Heritage Volunteers running backstage tours, to Access Volunteers trained to help support our audience members, our Volunteer Ushers are a vital part of what keeps Hall for Cornwall moving. For more information on Accessibility, please see our dedicated web page.