Teddington Theatre Club

TEDDINGTON Theatre Club are putting on their first ever 'relaxed' performance tomorrow in a bid to increase the accessibility of their theatre.

Tomorrow's showing of the club's Halloween panto, Cinderella Meets The Monsters, will take a laid-back approach to noises or movement coming from the audience.

The relaxed performance will also include a 'Chill-Out' zone for anyone who needs a break from the show and include small changes to the panto so that any potential stressors are removed.

The showing is open to anyone but will particularly benefit those who find attending the theatre stressful, confusing or overwhelming. For example, people experiencing autistic spectrum conditions, learning difficulties, sensory and communication difficulties or dementia.

A visual/social story is made available before the show so that attendees can get to know the venue and the production itself.

Teddington Theatre Club (TTC) said they are "very proud" to be introducing the initiative.

"Relaxed performances give everyone permission to relax and respond naturally," they said in a statement on their website.

"Indeed many people feel they offer a more dynamic theatrical experience, which benefits everyone."

They added: "TTC is keen to be a theatre organisation relevant to and about its community, and is in a better position to do this by extending a warm welcome and open attitude to the way it does things.

"Relaxed performances offer a way to reach new audiences and thinks about equality of experience.

"One in five people in the UK identifies as disabled so there's a strong case for taking all reasonable steps to nurture improved accessibility to our productions."

A spokesperson for the club said it was "a real team effort" to put the performance together.

"We're probably one of the first non-professional theatre groups to offer this more inclusive performance," they said.

Other ways the show will be more accessible:

- The auditorium lighting will be dimmed not dark throughout the performance.

- Some of the effects in the show may be toned down, especially if they involve sudden loud noises or flashes of bright light or someone may warn you about loud noises

- Someone will talk briefly before the show starts to help put everyone at their ease