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As well as providing support across all performances at the Bloomsbury Theatre, where possible we also aim to designate assisted or adjusted performances that are particularly suited to specific access requirements or needs.
These performances are open to everybody, regardless of whether or not you need the additional support that these performances shows offer.
As a venue that mainly shows touring work from visiting companies, rather than performances produced in-house, we are often limited by the number off assisted performances we are able to provide. We do work regularly with our regular promoters and producers to encourage the inclusion of assisted performances where they can, and is something we are working to develop on.
Some examples of these are below.
Audio described performances
From time to time, we are able to offer provide audio described performances across our programme. We work with Vocal Eyes, a fantastic organisation focussed on improving access to arts and culture, who provide our audio description services.
Alongside the performance, Vocal Eyes also lead a touch tour of the productions set. A touch tour is an opportunity for audiences to interact with aspects of a production before the performance itself. This often includes meeting members of the cast as well as being introduced to elements of the set, costume and props.
Relaxed Performances
If you are not familiar with the term 'relaxed performance', these are shows that are specifically designed to be more accessible to anybody who may be more anxious about attending the theatre or might benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. This might include those who are neurodivergent, as well as young children or those who have not been to a theatre before. These shows provide an inclusive and relaxed space for all to enjoy live theatre.
At the Bloomsbury Theatre we offer a relaxed performance for our Christmas children's show and across selected other shows throughout the year. For our relaxed performances we:
- Have visual story guides available in advance, which provide information about the cast and performance
- Offer sensory touch tours of the set and materials before the show
- Provide a welcome introduction from the cast at the start of the show
- Keep the auditorium lights on throughout the show
- Have reduced volume during the show
- Allow audience members to come and go more freely from the theatre space, and have a more relaxed attitude towards audience noise and movement during the show
Interpreted or captioned performances
For some performances, we are also able to provide BSL interpretation or captioning. We usually work with Stage Text, who have a fantastic team of interpreters and caption experts focussed on theatre specific events.
When captioning is available for a certain performance, we will typically reserve some seats from general sale where sightlines to the interpreter is likely to be best. You can either book these seats online by updating your access record on your customer account, or by contacting our Box Office team directly.
Content guidance
We work hard with visiting companies to identify any performance effects or content that may be present in the show that may affect out audiences. This information is listed on the webpages for each event, and also displayed around the venue on the day of the performance.
The information shown can often be fairly broad, however we may have more information about individual warnings internally. If you have any questions or concerns about a particular performance you are hoping to attend, please do get in touch.