At the RSC we offer a range of assisted performances for all our productions.
This includes BSL-interpreted performances with integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, where the interpreter wears a costume and is directed as part of the action onstage.
Captioned performances, where the character names and what they are saying are displayed on large screens next to the stage. The subtitles run at the same time as the lines are said, along with sound effects.
We are also trialling hand-held caption devices for some of our performances.
Click the link below to see our integrated BSL-interpreted and captioned performances in more detail:
https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/#&gid=1&pid=3
Audio described performances, where commentary is delivered via radio headsets, available from the cloakroom desk in the theatre.
Click the link below to hear our audio-described performances in more detail:
https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/#&gid=1&pid=2
Relaxed and chilled performances. A relaxed performance is where the atmosphere of the auditorium and theatre ‘rules’ are more relaxed. The performance may also be adapted to support people’s needs; for instance, loud noises and music might be turned down. These performances are ideal for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
A chilled performance takes a more casual approach to noise and movement in the auditorium, but the performance itself is unchanged. This performance is ideal for people who feel more at ease knowing they can go in and out of the auditorium during the show. This performance is for everybody and babes in arms are welcome (not walking or requiring their own seat).
Click the link below to hear about our relaxed performances in more detail:
https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/#&gid=1&pid=1
Access across the theatre
We offer Touch Tours ahead of all audio-described performances. These give you the opportunity to experience the set, costumes and props used in the play.
Audio enhancement is permanently fitted in all our theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon – the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan Theatre and The Other Place. Simply press your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position to be able to hear more clearly.
As well as having wheelchair seats for all shows and lift access to all levels of our theatres, we keep front-row seats free for people who are partially sighted or hard of hearing.
Watch the video below to see access features in place across the theatre:
Disability access rate:
Our disability access rate means that for anyone with a disability their ticket is only £16, whenever they visit and wherever they choose to sit. If you require the services of a companion, their ticket will be free.
How to book:
- By Email: access@rsc.org.uk
- By Phone: 01789 331275
- On our website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/assisted-performances
- In Person: Visit our Box Office in Stratford-upon-Avon to book tickets in person
To make sure you’re in the best possible seats for BSL-interpreted and captioned performances, please use code 10408 when booking online.
September performances:
Macbeth:
- Performance
- Thursday 21st September 2023- 1:15PM, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Audio Described, Captioned, Relaxed and Integrated BSL Interpreted Performance
- Tuesday 26th September 2023 – 7.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Hand-held Captioned
- Thursday 28th September 2023- 1:15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Captioned, Chilled Performance
Upcoming assisted performances:
Find murder and mystery with Macbeth, an epic story which takes you from the rugged gangways of Tilbury docks to the grandeur of Queen Victoria’s Palace with The Empress; a new retelling of The Merchant of Venice with Tracy-Ann Oberman, which relocates Shakespeare’s classic play to 1930s London; or escape to the Wild West with bandit Jack Cannon in our rollicking queer cowboy show, Cowbois.
We also have our fantastically festive production of children’s classic The Box of Delights from the 31st October 2023 to 7th January 2024, a treat for all the family; and for something a little different pull up a stool and grab a pint for The Fair Maid of the West, a music-filled, comedic, Elizabethan romp from 2nd December 2023 to 14th January 2024.
Further ahead
Looking further ahead to 2024, book for one of Shakespeare’s most enduring and loved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or travel back in time to the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II with Ben and Imo.
For more information
For a full list of Assisted Performances across all productions in Stratford-upon-Avon until March 2024 please use this link:
https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/assisted-performances
