There is a noticeable trend in theatre programming to include relaxed performances in the scheduling.
Bromley's Churchill Theatre gave a relaxed performance of Peter Pan earlier this month and The National Theatre of Scotland has been working with the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland to provide Scotland's first ever autism-friendly show with a relaxed performance of A Christmas Carol which took place last week.
In January the Royal Shakespeare Company is giving a special performance of The Mouse and His Child for children and young people with autism, learning disabilities and sensory and communication disorders, and in April The Lion King will be the first major West End show to provide an autism-friendly performance.
These are part of a 10–theatre wide initiative spearheaded by charity Children & the Arts, with funding from the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, to pilot relaxed performances across the country; other venues include Theatre Royal Newcastle, West Yorkshire Playhouse, National Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse. They have been chosen because of the representative range of productions they offer.
Relaxed performances are, as the name suggests, less formal than ordinary performances in a number of ways—quiet areas are made available for anyone who needs to take a break from the show and movement and noise in the auditorium is embraced.
The shows are often adapted to reduce stress such as lessening the impact of surprises or loud noises, and muting flashing or bright lighting. Venues also support relaxed performances by training front of house staff and performers and providing familiarisation visits.
The Mouse and His Child, based on the story by Russell Hoban
Relaxed performance: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon – Monday 7 January at 1.15pm
The Lion King, based on the Disney film of the same name
Relaxed performance: Lyceum Theatre, London – Sunday 14 April at 1.30pm
Further information is available from the Children & Arts web site.