Relaxed performance of Matilda to be staged in June
A scene from Matilda the Musical, which uses child actors for lead roles. Photo: Helen Maybanks.
West End musical Matilda is to hold a relaxed performance in June, aimed at people with autism and learning difficulties.
The Royal Shakespeare Company, which produces the show at the Cambridge Theatre, has been working with the National Autistic Society for the performance, which will be held on June 15.
In a statement, the RSC said the relaxed performance would have elements that have been "adapted to reduce anxiety or stress".
"Lighting and sound levels will be adjusted to soften their impact and there will be a relaxed attitude to noise and moving around the auditorium during the performance," it said.
The RSC added that there would be "chill out areas" outside of the auditorium.
All tickets for this performance will be priced at £20 and people who book will be sent a "visual story" to help them get to know the plot and characters.
Catherine Mallyon, executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, said: "I am truly delighted to announce our first relaxed performance of Matilda the Musical, building on our commitment to offer the best environment and welcome for children, young people and families who might otherwise feel excluded from our work. Many families of children with autism or children with a learning disability can be reluctant to attend public theatre performances together."
She added: "Relaxed performances are a fantastic way of offering a warm and inclusive welcome to those families, giving them the chance to experience high quality, live theatre, often for the first time."
The event in June builds on a programme of relaxed performances the RSC has offered in Stratford-upon-Avon since 2013.
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