We have plenty of shows to spark the Christmas spirit in even the grumpiest of Scrooges this December.
Festive fun: The Box of Delights. Photo by Manuel Harlan
The Box of Delights
Our fantastically festive family show The Box of Delights plays in our Royal Shakespeare Theatre until the 7th January 2024. After a seemingly chance encounter on a train, orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with magical powers. Caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians, Kay fights to save not just the people he loves but the future of Christmas itself. Suitable for ages 7+
The Box of Delights Assisted Performances:
- Thursday 14th December 2023, 7.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Handheld Captioned
- Friday 15th December 2023, 7.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Audio Described
- Thursday 4th January 2024, 1.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Captioned
- Friday 5th January 2024, 7.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Performance with Integrated British Sign Language with a post-show talk
The Fair Maid of the West 
In our more intimate Swan Theatre, we have our alternative festive offering The Fair Maid of the West. Thomas Heywood’s Elizabethan romp featured in the Swan Theatre’s opening season in 1986.
Now it is redefined by Isobel McArthur (Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)) in this celebratory, music-filled comedy adaptation for 2023.
The Fair Maid of the West Assisted Performances:
- Friday 29th December 2023, 7.30pm, Swan Theatre – Audio Described, Captioned, Chilled Performance
- Saturday 30th December 2023, 1.30pm, Swan Theatre – Handheld Captioned
- Saturday 6th January 2024, 1.30pm, Swan Theatre – Audio Described, Captioned, Chilled Performance
- Saturday 13th January 2024, 1.30pm, Swan Theatre – Performance with Integrated British Sign Language
Ben and Imo
In the new year, delve into the untold story of the heartbreaking drama behind the music with our brand-new show Ben and Imo, written by Mark Ravenhill and directed by Erica Whyman. Focusing on the turbulent creative partnership between two of the 20th Century’s greatest composers; Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst and the creation of the opera Gloriana.
Ben and Imo Assisted Performances:
- Saturday 16th March 2024, 1.30pm, Swan Theatre – Captioned
- Wednesday 20th March 2024, 7.30pm, Swan Theatre – Handheld Captioned
- Saturday 23rd March 2024, 1.30pm, Swan Theatre – Audio Described, Chilled Performance, Handheld Captioned
- Wednesday 27th March 2024, 7.30pm, Swan Theatre – Audio Described, Captioned, Chilled Performance
- Saturday 6th April 2024, 1.30pm, Swan Theatre – Performance with Integrated British Sign Language
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
In the Royal Shakespeare Theatre let Shakespeare’s captivating comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream transport you from deepest midwinter to the most magical of midsummer nights.
Director Eleanor Rhode returns to the RSC with a Dream that is both epic and intimate, and completely full of wonder. Featuring Horrible Histories and Ghosts favourite Mathew Baynton as Bottom.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Assisted Performances:
- Friday 23rd February 2024, 7.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Captioned
- Saturday 9th March 2024, 1.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Captioned, Chilled Performance
- Saturday 21st March, 2024, 7.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Handheld Captioned
- Thursday 28th March 2024, 1.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Chilled Performance
- Saturday 30th March 2024, 1.15pm, Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Handheld Captioned
All performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Wednesday 14th February onwards will have Creative Audio Description. This means that audiences will be able to access an additional soundscape through headsets delivered live by the ensemble.
This is primarily designed with those who may benefit from audio description in mind; however, we also want to encourage sighted audiences to experience the production in this way.
We have 50 headsets available and will have multiple on-stage touch tours throughout the run.
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
