While going to the theatre is a pleasant experience for some, it can quickly become too stimulating for others, with all the sounds, lights and people around them. And this is precisely why the relaxed performance movement was launched in the 1990s.
Designed for people who may find visiting a theatre daunting, relaxed performances are all about welcoming people, especially those on the autistic spectrum, those who may make involuntary sounds, or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. Depending on the show, slight alterations are made to the performance though the overall content will not change.
The venue’s lights are generally left on low, loud noises or explosions are suppressed or reduced, the audience is free to enter and leave as they please… everything is done to make the public feel as comfortable as possible. And as April marks Autism Acceptance Month, here at , we’ve rounded up all of the relaxed performances taking place in the capital this month.
I Wish, Unicorn Theatre
I Wish is about a wish giver who journeys into a fairy-tale world of hopes, dreams and unintended consequence…This fantastical, playful, song-filled solo show tells a new tale of self-discovery, acceptance and joy.
There’ll be two relaxed performances of I Wish on Friday, April 12 and Thursday, April 18 at the Unicorn Theatre (147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ). Prices from £15.50 per person, book tickets here.
Nachtland, Young Vic
Set in modern day Germany, Nachtland tells the story of Nicola and Philipp as they clear out their late father’s house. But when they find an old painting stashed in the attic, things get heated.
The painting is a quaint street scene from 1920s Vienna, the work of a failed artist who abandoned his original vocation for Nazism. This play is a satire about marriage, legacy, the rise of the new right, and the terrible impulses buried deep.
There’ll be a relaxed performance of Nachtland on Friday, April 12 at the Young Vic theatre (66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ). Prices from £10 per person, book tickets here.
The Odyssey, Unicorn Theatre
Telemachus was just a baby when his dad Odysseus left to fight in the Trojan War, now he’s almost grown he sets off on a quest to find him, even if his mum is not convinced. Join him on an epic adventure through stormy seas and strange lands, filled with mystical creatures, dangerous monsters and enchanting sirens – plus two talking sheep – and discover what really makes a true hero.
There’ll be a relaxed performance of The Odyssey on Friday, April 19 at the Unicorn Theatre (147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ). Prices from £10.50 per person, book tickets here.
OUT, Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Challenging homophobia and transphobia across communities, OUT is an interdisciplinary performance inspired by ongoing global struggles for LGBTQIA+ rights. It’s a duet, a conversation between two bodies, which carves out a new kind of space, reclaiming Dancehall and celebrating queerness.
There’ll be a relaxed performance of OUT on Friday, April 26 at Sadler’s Wells Theatre (Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TN). Prices from £17 per person, book tickets here.
The Cord, Bush Theatre
The Cord is an evocative and surprising new play from Olivier award-winning writer and director Bijan Sheibani (Netflix’s One Day). Offering a brutally honest insight into the truths of family dynamics, it delves into the challenges of being a parent and a child, no matter how old you are.
There’ll be a relaxed performance of The Cord on Saturday, April 27 at the Bush Theatre (7 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 8LJ). Prices from £15 per person, book tickets here.
Frozen The Musical, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
When Queen Elsa’s hidden powers plunge the land of Arendelle into an eternal winter, her sister Anna sets out to find her and save the kingdom before it’s too late… Set the magic free with Disney’s award-winning musical, bringing to life a world of beauty, humour and music in a jaw-dropping production to melt hearts of all ages.
There’ll be a relaxed performance of Frozen The Musical on Sunday, April 28 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF). Prices from £20 per person, book tickets here.
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