Surrey's professional Shakespeare company, the Guildford Shakespeare Company, has this week been announced as recipients of the Mayor's Award for Access Through the Arts.
The award, for efforts made to promote and create opportunities for people with disabilities in the borough, has been given in recognition for the audio-described performances GSC make available for blind and visually-impaired theatre patrons, and in particular for the performance of The Importance of Being Earnest in June this summer (in partnership with Surrey Association for Visual Impairment SAVI).
Company producer Matt Pinches said, "this is a tremendous honour for the company and we are thrilled to be the recipients of this prestigious award.
"Making great theatre available to as many people as possible is at the heart of everything GSC does, and the audio-description of open-air and site specific theatre is very rare providing a unique opportunity also for those taking part to experience the immersive approach GSC takes to its performances."
Witih a specially written script by escriber Kerry Elkins (who has worked with GSC since January 2012 when the first description was offered for Richard III) audio-described performances also include a free touch-tour before the show where patrons can handle costumes, props and furniture whilst on stage. Audio-described peformances in 2013 were made possible by a grant from the 96.4 Eagle Radio Trust.
GSC's next production, Othello, in February 2014 at Holy Trinity Church will be its 20th and will continue to feature an audio-described performance. Tickets go on public sale 11 November, schools bookings are already being taken.
Presentation of the award will take place at the Park Barn Centre, Guildford at 6:30PM on Tuesday 29 October. The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Diana Lockyer-Nibbs, will be presenting the awards.