Children and young people with autism, learning disabilities and sensory and communication disorders will be able to attend a performance of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s family show, The Mouse and His Child, on Monday 7 January.
The Mouse and His Child is a new stage adaptation of Russell Hoban’s story of escape and the search for freedom.
The matinée performance on 7 January has been chosen to as the first relaxed performance project piloted by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), the Theatrical Management Association (TMA) and The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts.
Many families with autistic children or a learning disability are reluctant for a variety of reasons to attend public theatre performances.
Relaxed performances offer families the chance to experience theatre together. Children benefit from an environment in which the performance is adjusted to reduce anxiety or stress.
For example, changes are made to sound and lighting to eliminate surprise and soften their impact.
There is a designated chill-out area for people to use if being in the auditorium becomes overwhelming.
Jacqui O’Hanlon, the RSC’s director of education, said, "It’s particularly exciting that just by making a number of small but important adjustments, we can open up the experience to young people and families who might not see live theatre otherwise.
“I’m thrilled that our production will be the first to pilot this UK-wide project—and I hope that in time relaxed performances will become a standard feature of British theatre-going.”
The Mouse and His Child runs at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford until 12 January.