"The shows are designed for anyone who would enjoy a gentler theatrical experience, including individuals with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or other conditions that may make traditionally strict theatre etiquette challenging. The performances keep the same storyline and magic of a pantomime but introduce thoughtful adjustments such as softer lighting, lower sound levels and fewer sudden effects."
""At the start of the show, the actors will come on and explain who they are 'My name's Sam. I'm playing the enchantress. I'm not really a baddie. I'm just pretending,' she explains. 'It's all those sorts of things you might take for granted. You know they're pretending, but some people may get lost in it and think there's a real threat.'""
Packed auditoriums, booming sound effects and glaring lights can overwhelm children and adults with sensory or learning differences, turning theatre stressfully inaccessible. Venues across London and elsewhere offer relaxed pantomime performances adapted to be gentler and more accessible. Shows preserve storyline and pantomime magic while implementing softer lighting, lower sound levels, fewer sudden effects, and no pyrotechnics. Actors introduce themselves and clarify character roles to reduce confusion about pretend versus reality. Audiences may move freely, talk or make noise, and use breakout spaces for pauses. These adjustments welcome people with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, learning disabilities, and others for whom traditional theatre etiquette is challenging.
Read at www.bbc.com
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