Audio Described performances offer a live verbal commentary via a headset, explaining the visual elements of a production as they unfold. Before the performance, you receive an introductory description, often along with a full touch tour of the set.

Our trained describers are with you in the theatre. They speak into a microphone via a live feed which reaches our personal assisted hearing equipment. Always well prepared, our describers study the script in advance and often watch the performance a few times to familiarise themselves with the rhythm and timing of the action. They liaise with the production team throughout the process to ensure any edits to the script are incorporated.

Audio Described performances vary per production we have at our venues, all audio described performances are listed in each event page. When searching in our What’s On, you can filter by access provision to show all audio described productions.

To book tickets for an audio described performance, please call Box Office on 0151 709 4776 and let us know that you’d like to use the service. We can then reserve you a headset and ensure that you’re booked into the best seats for receiving the sound reception. We’ll also let you know about the touch tour which usually takes place 45 minutes before the performance.

If you have any questions about Audio Described performances, please email boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com.

Our trained interpreter stands on stage, sometimes involving themselves in the action, and interprets dialogue and sounds heard both on and offstage into British Sign Language. They familiarise themselves with the script and the production beforehand. The interpreter liaises with the production team throughout the process to ensure that any edits to the script are incorporated.

Yes. If you let us know that you’ll be using the service, we’ll give you the seats that have the clearest view of the interpreter. Then, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

BSL performances vary per production we have at our venues, all BSL performances are listed in each event page. When searching in our What’s On, you can filter by access provision to show all BSL interpreted productions.

As the view of the interpreter is better in some areas than others, it’s best to check with Box Office as they can offer seats with the clearest view. For those who find themselves unable to or indeed do not wish to book over the phone or in person, or have someone do so on their behalf, we can arrange booking via email at boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com.

Captioning is the theatrical equivalent of television subtitles. A display unit is placed either above or to the side of the stage, with the actor’s words appearing as they are spoken on stage. Character names and sound effects both on and off stage are also displayed.

Words are displayed on a captioning unit in English. One of our trained captioners prepare the captions in advance so that they follow the rhythm and timing of the actors’ dialogue and events heard on and off stage. They liaise with the production team throughout the process to ensure that any edits to the script are incorporated.

Yes. People tend to follow captions in a way that works best for them. Some prefer to focus on the bottom line of text, reading it as soon as it appears, others prefer to take it a few lines at a time, glancing back and forth.

Captioning makes theatre more accessible for people who are D/deaf, hearing impaired or hard of hearing. Those who have difficulty following dialogue can be guided by the captions for a better understanding of the performance. While captions are displayed in English, they can also benefit people who don’t have English as their first language, as text is often easier to follow than dialogue.

Captioned performances vary per production we have at our venues, all captioned performances are listed in each event page. When searching in our What’s On, you can filter by access provision to show all captioned productions.

As the location of the Captioning unit can vary from performance to performance, it’s best to check with Box Office which seats will offer a clear and uninterrupted view. For those who find themselves unable to or indeed do not wish to book over the phone or in person, or have someone do so on their behalf, we can arrange booking via email at boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com.

Relaxed Performances provide a welcoming, supportive and non-judgemental atmosphere for people who may find visiting a theatre daunting or may find it hard to be in an unfamiliar, crowded or loud environment. We welcome individuals and groups living with conditions such as autism, dementia, learning disabilities, mental health concerns, those who may make involuntary noises or anyone who could benefit from a more informal, relaxed environment.

We work with the creative, technical and Front of House teams to make some adaptations to the performance:

• Auditorium lights only slightly dimmed, so no one will be in complete darkness
• Everyone is free to get up and down, come in and out of the auditorium and make noise when they please
• Extra staff on hand
• Pre-show information pack including a plot summary, lots of photos, when to expect anything particularly noisy and how to get around the theatre (usually available around a week before the performance)
• Quiet “Chill Out” area Front of House for those who need some quiet time away from the auditorium
• Stage lighting is slightly dimmed to reduce contrast
• Extreme sound and light effects are softened or removed if necessary
• Flexible pricing with free companion/carer place available where needed
• Opportunity to visit the theatre prior to attending to familiarise yourselves with the surroundings
  Earlier 5.30pm start time

People who live with conditions such as autism, dementia, learning disabilities, mental health concerns, those who may make involuntary noises or anyone who could benefit from a more informal, relaxed environment, or those with friends or family that identify as such, may have had negative experiences of theatre in the past. Either the action and visual/sound effects of the production, or the constraints of theatre etiquette have impeded the enjoyment of the performance. If you are one of these people, a Relaxed Performance could be exactly what you’re looking for.

At the moment we aren’t able to offer relaxed performances for all productions. Where we are able to offer relaxed performances, they’re listed on each individual event page. When searching in our What’s On, you can filter by access provision to show all relaxed performance productions.

Relaxed performances are available to book over the phone on 0151 709 4776 or in person at Box Office. As we’d like to talk through any specific access requirements and offer the free companion/carer seats, relaxed performances can not yet be booked online. Email boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com for more information.