A Q&A with Animal Farm audio description consultants Vicky Ackroyd and Esther Irving

What is audio description?

Vicky: Audio description is a translation of a visual event into an aural/heard event. We think of it as something used primarily for blind or visually impaired people, but in fact it’s really useful for lots of people who might benefit from a little bit more explanation.

The audio description for this production is performed live, in character by actor Everal A Walsh at every performance. How does that change the process and the delivery?

Vicky: It changes things massively, and in such great ways! Having audio description at every performance means blind and visually impaired audiences have the same access as sighted audiences. They don’t have to wait for a scheduled audio described show to enjoy it.

Having Everal in character doing the audio description also means the audience remains in the world of the play. He was an absolute natural from the start so it was really exciting to get his character’s take on what’s happening. Traditional audio description can be quite neutral. This definitely isn’t that and is the richer for it!

What difference does audio description make for blind and visually impaired audiences?

Esther: It makes such a big difference. It can feel very isolating as a blind or visually impaired person to sit amongst a sighted audience knowing you’re not being given the same chance to experience a performance as they are. Hearing people around you laughing at a visual gag and not knowing why feels like you are being intentionally left out of the joke. If a show is very visuals-focused it can be hard to follow, but audio description ensures everyone is able to enjoy a show regardless of how much of it they can physically see.

Vicky: It opens up the creative world and means theatre can be enjoyed by more people. We tell stories in many different ways, and while spoken words can be heard, we use our bodies and facial expressions to communicate so much, and all that would be missed if audio description wasn’t available.

Why is it important for blind and visually impaired people to have access to theatre?

Esther: It’s hugely important because theatre is all about telling stories and stories should be accessible to everyone. Being part of an audience experiencing the same live performance, knowing that it will never happen again, is a really magical feeling and something everyone should be able to enjoy. I can understand why a lot of blind and visually impaired people think that theatre ‘isn’t for them’ as we often feel like an afterthought or inconvenience. But there are some wonderful blind and visually impaired theatre-makers who are working hard to change things, which fills me with hope. I look forward to hearing all the incredible stories they will tell.

What more can be done to make theatre accessible to everyone?

Vicky: Spending time considering what the barriers are, and then thinking of ways to remove them is a great start. This needs to happen throughout the creative process, rather than access being bolted on at the end. If it’s woven in, then nothing feels like a compromise and there are creative discoveries to be made that enhance the performance for everyone. This applies to all aspects of theatre making from the performance to how we engage with communities.

Esther: I would love to see a much higher frequency of accessible shows being offered in theatres. The world is changing slowly but audio description is usually still only available at one or two shows in a run that could last months. Theatres of all sizes need to recognise that access tools are there to enhance a show’s creativity and storytelling. I would also encourage everyone to engage with accessible performances regardless of whether you think they’re ‘for you’ or not. In my experience, you often find that access tools enhance your own understanding of a show even if you wouldn’t consider yourself to be someone who needs them.