The term 'Assisted performances' describes the various ways in which a performance can be made more accessible to a sensory disabled audience. These different ways include signing, captioning and audio description.

Audio Description
What is audio description?

Audio description in theatre is a live verbal commentary that provides information on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds. From sets, costumes and props to the actors' facial expressions, body language and movements, the description is delivered during the silent moments on stage. It offers only essential information that a person with a visual impairment might otherwise miss, helping to complete the experience. Audio Description is usually preceded by a Touch Tour.

Deaf Debating Dance (DDD)

DDD is a way for deaf people to find out more about ballet and modern dance by offering a programme of selected dance performances which are supported by BSL interpreted pre performance talks.

For more information
please contact Sarah Howard
sarah.howard@sadlerswells.com

Captioning

During captioning an LED screen displays the entire text of the performance, simultaneously with the actors speaking and singing. This means that the whole performance becomes accessible to anyone with any form of hearing loss.

Unless otherwise stated on the individual show pages, there will be two captioning boxes on either side of the stage. For the best view, you should sit either in the middle of the stalls (row F and back) or the front of the first circle. If you sit too close to the front of the stalls or to the side, it will become difficult to see both the performers and the captioning boxes at the same time. For more information and advice on where to sit, please call the ticket office on 0844 412 4300 or email ticket.office@sadlerswells.com

Signing

During signed performances, a British Sign Language interpreter will stand on stage, and give a sign interpretation of the text sung and spoken by actors and singers on stage. Unless otherwise stated the signer will usually stand on Stage Left (at Sadler's Wells), which means you need to sit auditorium right in order to get the best view.