Visit the Theatre on Disabled Access Day
2016, stage & screen, Edinburgh, London, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, North Yorkshire, England, Scotland, Wales
Disabled Access Day is the perfect opportunity to try out your local theatre. We've had a brilliant response from theatres up and down the country, with almost 40 signed up so far to take part.
Theatres involved in the day will be running all kinds of events, such as signed performances, open days, tours, audio described and captioned performances and much more! Take a look at what's going on at just some of the theatres taking part:
Buxton Opera House, Derbyshire
Buxton Opera House will be staging a signed performance of the musical 'Blood Brothers'.
The critically acclaimed tearjerker tells the story of twins, separated at birth, who meet again with fateful consequences – so make sure you have some tissues handy! The production will star Lyn Paul of pop band The New Seekers and a fantastic musical score.
Rose Theatre Kingston, London
If musicals aren't your thing, then how about a signed performance of Maxine Peake's 'Beryl'? The play, which celebrates the life of cyclist and sporting legend Beryl Burton, was nominated in the best new play category at the Manchester Theatre Awards 2015.
And if you're still not convinced, Rose Theatre will be offering half price tickets for disabled people, so why not give it a go? Find out on their event page how you can get hold of the discounted tickets.
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh will be offering free accessible backstage tours between 11am and 2pm on 12th March. The tours will give you an exclusive look behind the scenes, and the chance to learn about Traverse's history, play around with props and hear about their current productions. You'll also be able to find out more about the theatre's accessibility.
Find out how to book your free ticket on the Traverse's event page.
Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
There's all sorts going on at Apollo Victoria Theatre on Disabled Access Day! They will be offering venue tours, touch tours and will have archive material on display.
There will also be representatives from different organisations talking about Wicked's assisted performances. And if that wasn't enough, the theatre will be offering complimentary teas, coffees and ice cream for anyone who attends the event and then books to see Wicked on the same day.
New Theatre, Cardiff
Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize winning play 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' is an American classic, and is being staged for the first time by Theatre Clwyd. The play tells the story of a troubled family on a Mississippi plantation, as birthday celebrations turn into disaster.
For Disabled Access Day, New Theatre in Cardiff will be putting on two performances: a captioned performance at 2.30pm and an audio described performance at 7.30pm.
Norwich Theatre Royal,Norwich
Fancy trying out the ballet? Norwich Theatre Royal will be staging an audio described performance of Mathew Bourne's 'Sleeping Beauty'.
A live audio description delivered throughout the dance piece will describe dance moves, costumes and settings. And as well as getting complimentary tea and coffee, top price tickets will be discounted 50% for visually impaired people. And if you feel like getting up on stage, the theatre will be offering an on stage touch tour before the show.
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury is putting on an audio described and captioned performance of Noel Coward's multi-award winning 'Private Lives'. They describe the play as 'an elegant evening of wit and glamour that bubbles with sex and promises to be a deliciously delectable and unforgettable classic' – what's not to love?
And if that wasn't enough, the theatre will also be offering a touch tour, sensory experience and arts and crafts session prior to the show.
Richmond Theatre, Richmond
If you're a fan of musicals, check out Richmond Theatre's audio described performance of the all-singing, all-dancing classic '42nd Street'. Set in 1933, '42nd Street' follows the story of a girl who arrives in New York with nothing but a pair of tap shoes and a dream. The score includes loads of classic sing-along numbers which will be sure to get your toes tapping!
Richmond Theatre will also be offering a free accessible guided tour with a BSL interpreter. Find out more about their plans for the day on their event page.
Sheffield Theatre, Sheffield
Sheffield Theatre is staging a relaxed performance of 'Gangsta Granny', based on David Walliams' hilarious book about Ben's adventures with his very cool Granny!
The performance will take place in a relaxed and supportive environment suitable for adults and children of all ages, especially those with learning disabilities or additional needs.
Grand Opera House, York
Wendy Cope is an acclaimed poet, known for her humorous love poems and parodies, and has been at the forefront of the British poetry scene since 1986. She will be performing at the Grand Opera House as part of the York Literature Festival, and in honour of Disabled Access Day the venue will be offering 2 for 1 tickets to the event!
These are just some of the fab theatrical events taking place on Disabled Access Day, there are loads of other theatres taking part! Check out our 'what's on' guide to see the full listings.
If you'd like to attend an audio described or captioned performance but can't make it to the theatre on Access Day, check out VocalEyes, a nationwide audio description charity, or StageTEXT, who provide captioning and subtitling services to theatres and other arts venues.