Autism-Friendly Panto Performances
Halloween is over and the Christmas countdown is ON. And while everyone is in a Christmas rush to find the perfect gift, it is the perfect time for festive family fun. And what better way than a Christmas pantomime performance for the whole family to get into festive spirits? Those caring for people with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication disorders may be glad to know that many large theatres now offer relaxed panto performances.
These relaxed performances aim to create a more relaxed environment for those with additional needs or anyone who might benefit from a relaxed show.
What does relaxed performance mean at a pantomime?
Usually, pantomimes are loud and noisy, with special effects, flashing lights and dedicated seating, which could be overwhelming or unsettling for some. Relaxed panto performances offer a calmer environment with volume reduced, reduced loud noises and flashing and pyrotechnic effects, keeping lights on low throughout the show and moving around the auditorium is encouraged to lessen any anxiety.
Many of the theatres will provide a quiet zone where you can take your loved one if they become distressed and overwhelmed during the panto performance, and you are allowed to enter and leave the performance whenever you like to.
At the beginning of the relaxed show, some venues might come on stage to introduce themselves and the character they will be playing within the show to ease the anxiety and describe what is going to happen during the performance.
Here is a list of local relaxed pantomime performances including many classic titles and stories for you and your loved ones, designed to create a welcoming and enjoyable relaxed environment: For full information on their accessibility and facilities, contact the theatres directly.
Blackburn:
Snow White – Christmas pantomime– Blackburn Empire Theatre, Saturday6th December, 6:30 pm, price – £19 adult, £13 child, £54 family
Blackpool:
Beauty and the Beast – The Grand Theatre Blackpool, Sunday, 28th Dec at 5 pm, all tickets price £25
Bury:
Rapunzel– Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Sunday, 14th December 11am & Wednesday, 14 January at 10:30am
Chester:
Beauty and the beast– Storyhouse Theatre, Sunday 28 December at 12pm
Crewe:
Jack and the beanstalk – Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DA, Tuesday, 30th December at 1pm
Lancaster:
Snow White – Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre, Saturday, 29th November at 10:30am
Liverpool:
The Rock ‘N’ Roll panto: Jack and the Beanstalk – Relaxed performance (Tuesday, 6th January at 5.30pm), Liverpool Everyman Theatre
The Rock ‘N’ Roll panto: Beauty and the Beast – Relaxed performance, Thursday, 14th January at 1.30pm at Liverpool Everyman Theatre
South Lakes:
Keswick – The Wizard of Oz– Live in Theatre by the Lake (Main House), 27th Nov at 11:00
Keswick – A Christmas Carol – Live at Theatre by the Lake, Tuesday, 24th November
Southport:
Beauty and the Beast – The Atkinson, Sat 13 Dec at 13:00 and Sunday 28 Dec at 13:00
Trafford:
Robin Hood– Opera House Manchester, Tuesday 30th Dec at 13:30, tickets available from £15 subject to a transaction fee of £3.95
Warrington:
Beauty and the Beast – Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1BL,Saturday, 10th January at 9:45am
Wirral:
Sleeping Beauty– Theatre,Floral Pavilion Theatre & Blue Lounge, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS, Sunday, 4th January at 1pm
