The Grand Opera House York will be celebrating the Relaxed Performance during the run of this year’s panto, Beauty and the Beast, and this year with additional symbol-friendly resources.
The Relaxed Performance, which takes place on Thursday 2nd January, has elements of the pantomime adapted to reduce anxiety or stress. It’s especially popular with audience members who prefer a less formal atmosphere, such as those who have an autism spectrum condition, those with a learning disability, and very young children who have never visited a theatre.
During this performance, adjustments will be made including lighting remaining at a low level in the auditorium, flashing and strobe lighting removed, sound levels lowered and loud bangs removed. The atmosphere in the auditorium will be relaxed and audience members can feel free to move around and make noise. In addition to these adaptions, there will now also be the symbol-friendly resources, launched this year. These resources include flashcards with symbols that help identify characters and objects found in the production and the visit to the theatre
ATG Entertainment (owners of the Grand Opera House) has collaborated with Widgit Software to create symbol resources to support pantomime audience members who can access and download these resources via the website prior to their arrival at the theatre.
Megan Conway, ATG Group Access & Designated Safeguarding Lead, who has been at the forefront of this initiative says: “I am thrilled to be rolling out our Sensory Resources across ATG Entertainment venues. Widgit Symbols provide a great communication tool for our guests and staff, and ensure that their voice is heard and understood. Having started my career at the Grand Opera House, the Pantomime Relaxed Performances were always a particular highlight. I am aware that for some, the idea of attending a show might be daunting or induce anxiety. I’m hopeful that this is another way in which ATG Entertainment can alleviate these feelings and have a magical time watching Beauty and the Beast”
In addition to the symbol resources, the Grand Opera House will be ensuring the relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast is accessible for all, with a chill-out room available too, for those who require some time out from the auditorium.
Lauren McMillan, Grand Opera House Theatre Director, says; “The Grand Opera House York is committed to providing performances that are suitable and inclusive for all and we hope the relaxed performance of this year’s pantomime will encourage audience members to feel at ease. Previous relaxed performances have been very popular and it’s wonderful to see so many people experience pantomime, knowing they are completely comfortable in their surroundings”.
Beauty and the Beast pantomime is showing from Saturday 7th December 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025 with performances most days including morning performances for schools.
In addition to the Relaxed Performance on the 2nd of January, there is also a BSL signed performance and Audio Described performance on Friday 27th December.