The latest play being staged in Carshalton is called the Visit but some of the most discerning theatre-goers will be prevented from visiting the auditorium next week.

Disabled people protested yesterday after discovering there will be no wheelchair access at the Charles Cryer Studio Theatre until the end of February.

Sutton Council failed to lift the curtain on essential lift maintenance work before the Torch theatre company hired the venue to mark its 60th anniversary.

Wheelchair users only learned about the difficulties when they called the box office.

They are now accusing the local authority of treating them as second-class citizens.

Maurice Giles, 80, is one of several elderly audience members who cannot climb stairs to the seating area because he is severely arthritic.

He is upset as he wanted to support his two grandchildren in the tragi-comedy about a millionairess returning to her decrepit home town.

Mr Giles said: "Will my granddaughter be upset if I'm not there? Goodness gracious, yes.

"She puts her heart and soul into acting. It's beyond a joke the way we are being treated."

Chairwoman June Voller said the Torch would know how many theatre fans were excluded only when the lights go down.

"Elderly people, not in wheelchairs, won't know about this until they turn up.

"We could find they are banging on the doors with their walking sticks."

This week Sutton Council apologised for the inconvenience to "some customers" but said maintenance work would benefit all visitors.

A spokesman added: "Our hirers have been very understanding and are working with us around the problem, which is only for four weeks.

"We have a very busy programme at the theatre, hence there is no good time to carry out these essential works.

"We are doing everything in our power to manage this situation."

Call the box office on 020 8770 6990