Assisted performances
What to expect when you visit
Audio described performances
What is an audio described performance?
Audio description makes it easier for people who are visually impaired to experience a performance. It uses live verbal commentary to explain the visual elements of a production as it happens.
How does it work?
During a performance, a professional Audio Describer explains what’s happening on stage. They talk through all the visual information, like sets, costumes, facial expressions and visual jokes. You can listen along to the description through a headset, available at the Ticket Office.
Touch tours
Before the performance, you can go on a Touch Tour. The Audio Describer will take you backstage, or onto the stage itself, to feel costumes and pieces of the set and learn more about the production.
Booking
Upcoming audio described performances
You can also experience our audio described films on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage
If you have any questions, or you’d like to book an audio described ticket or pre-book a headset, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket Office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances
What is a BSL interpreted performance?
Our BSL interpreted performances are interpreted by a British Sign Language (BSL) signer. The signer will stand to one side of the stage and use sign language to communicate what is sung and/or spoken by artists on stage.
Show Talks
All of our show talks are interpreted by a BSL signer who will sit amongst the artists and use sign language to interpret the questions and discussion.
Booking
Upcoming BSL interpreted performances
If you have any questions, or you’d like assistance booking a ticket for a BSL interpreted performance, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com
Relaxed performances
What is a relaxed performance?
A relaxed performance is a more laidback theatre experience for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a show.
These types of performances:
- Support noise and movement within the auditorium during a show
- Allow re-entry when needed so house lights are left on throughout
- Offer a separate chill-out space for anyone who might need it at any time during their visit
- Provide a Visual Story so people can familiarise themselves with the theatre and key details about the show in advance
- Ear defenders are available on request at Ticket Office
These performances might suit audience members with dementia, Tourette’s syndrome, or those who may experience anxiety, neurodiversity, bowel and bladder conditions – Relaxed Performances are for anyone who might enjoy a more relaxed theatrical environment. In Relaxed Performances, no adjustments are made to the show itself, so for audience members who may have additional sensory needs a Sensory Adapted Performance could be more comfortable.
Booking
If you have any questions, or you’d like assistance booking a relaxed performance ticket, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket Office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com
Sensory adapted performances
What is a sensory adapted performance?
A Sensory Adapted Performance is an extension of a Relaxed Performance. To create a less formal but supportive environment, the show is modified by:
- Reducing sound levels and special effects
- Making other technical adaptations to soften contrasts within the show
- Reduce the number of tickets sold to create more space in the auditorium
- Support noise and movement within the auditorium during a show
- Allow re-entry when needed so house lights are left on throughout
- Offer a separate chill-out space for anyone who might need it at any time during their visit
- Provide a Visual Story so people can familiarise themselves with the theatre and key details about the show in advance
- Ear defenders are available on request at Ticket Office
Sensory Adapted Performances are suitable for those who may be on the autism spectrum, have sensory sensitivities, epilepsy, learning disabilities and/or difficulties, experience neurodiversity, and anyone that might benefit from a more supportive environment.
Booking
Upcoming sensory adapted performances
If you have any questions, or you’d like assistance booking a sensory adapted performance ticket, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket Office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com
Captioned performances
What is a captioned performance?
A captioned performance includes captioning, which is text that describes what’s happening on stage. It helps people who are d/Deaf, or hard of hearing, experience a performance. It’s also helpful for those whose first language is not English, anyone who has difficulty following strong accents and students studying the text of a production.
How does it work?
At a captioned performance, the text is displayed on LED screens near or on the stage. The text appears at the same time words are spoken or sung. Extra information, like names, sound effects and offstage noises can be shown, too.
The script is prepared in advance by a trained Captioner, who manages the text as the action happens on stage.
Booking
Upcoming captioned performances
If you have any questions, or you’d like to book a captioned performance ticket, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket Office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com