Access Welcome @ 7.30pm

• There will be an access welcome including a touch tour and introduction to sensory triggers:
  The brightest, darkest, quietest and loudest moments will be introduced to the audience. A section of the music will be played. The audience are welcome to walk around the space, look into the mirrored floor and the canopy overhead. There will be opportunities to explore the costumes and fabric elements of the work (organza, silks, leathers and canvas).

The access welcome is open to all audience members, with particular focus on the needs of blind, visually impaired, D/disabled and neurodiverse audiences. After the access welcome, audiences will be guided back out of the auditorium briefly so that the set can be prepared for the show to open.

Access Information about Many Lifetimes

• Audio description: There will be audio description throughout the work delivered via headset. Headsets can be booked in advance and collected from the ticket office. Ushers will also have spares to hand out as you enter the auditorium.
• Light: The light will be bright enough at all times to move safely through the space. There will be brighter and darker moments with slow light transitions.
• Sound: There is recorded music throughout the piece (including banjo, electronic drones, spoons, accordion and electric guitar). There are occasional drone sounds that can feel sudden. These do then quickly blend into the track. There are two moments where performers speak into a headset microphone.

Other sensory triggers:

• The floor is mirrored and so very shiny and reflective.
• This can be intense at times. Sunglasses will be on offer for audiences to borrow.
• There will be dripping water on stage. This is contained to the dancing area and not over the audience seating.
• There are small blocks of ice at floor level which melt throughout the show.

• Content: The work deals with themes of loss, change and bereavement both through text, symbolic images and abstract movement.
• Audience seating: There are three banks of seating placed in a U shape. There are various seating options: chairs with backs and armrests, wheelchair spaces, beanbags, cushions on the floor and stools.
• Participation: In some sections, the audience will be invited to interact with the performers by following gentle somatic prompts e.g. ‘place your hand on your heart’ or move in their seat. The participation is voluntary. Sometimes, the performers will be moving through the audience. Sometimes they will ask audience members to put their hand on a performer’s heartbeat. Again, this moment is voluntary.
• Relaxed performance: This performance is a less formal theatre experience for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a show. We support noise and movement within the auditorium during a show, re-entry when needed so house lights are left on throughout, and a separate chill-out space for anyone who might need it at any time during their visit. We also provide a Visual Story so people can familiarise themselves with the theatre and key details about the show in advance.

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