Types of access performances

Audio Described performances are designed to improve the experience of visually impaired and blind attendees. As well as listening to the dialogue on stage the customer can wear a headset and listen to a live description of the action on stage. The description only happens in between dialogue and supplements the voices of the performers in explaining the emotions and action of each scene.

For some of our productions the audio description is creatively integrated into the performance. This an be achieved in a range of ways, such as through the soundtrack and sound effects and actors fully embodying their characters vocally as well as physically. We believe that the use of creatively integrated audio description can heighten the clarity and atmosphere for everyone.

Listen to our audio flyer with information of about all our access performances below:

A Signed performance is the usual full production with the addition of a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter who interprets the show for Deaf attendees who are BSL users. The BSL interpreter can often be seen stood at the side of the stage for our BSL performances.

For some of our productions the BSL is creatively integrated into the performance. This an be achieved in a range of ways, such as an actor, or actors, interpreting the speech within the scenes. We believe that the use of creatively integrated British Sign Language can heighten the clarity and atmosphere for everyone.

Watch our BSL flyer with information of about all our access performances below:

Open captioning allows theatre goers with varying degrees of hearing to view the full text as it is spoken or sung, including sound effects and off-stage noises. These appear on a scrolling screen, positioned on or at the side of the stage. Captioning can be helpful to those who use English as a second language and for most audiences when interpreting difficult dialects within shows, as well as deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

We work with groups and individuals living with dementia to make events as accessible as possible, with adaptations to technical aspects of the show, flexible seating options and a relaxed attitude to audience responses and movement in the auditorium. In our front of house space we have a quiet room, clearer visual markers and signage, and additional staff and volunteers trained to sensitively and respectfully welcome people living with dementia and their supporters to this show.

A relaxed performance is a specially selected show from our programme, with slight adaptations to make it suitable for an audience of young people or adults with learning disabilities. This may include extra lighting, additional wheelchair spaces and the freedom to move to alternative seating if required. A relaxed performance always includes a relaxed attitude to noise (voluntary and involuntary) in the auditorium.

Seating in the theatre will be socially distanced. You can book one to four tickets seated together within your group. There will be at least one empty seat between your booking and somebody else’s. Capacity is reduced and fewer seats are available be to booked at socially distanced performances, and so the auditorium may not feel as crowded or full.

Events, typically with the cast and/or creative team discussing the process and topics in relation to the show. There is often a brief interval or break at the end of the show and audience members are then invited back into the auditorium for the post show discussion.