Assisted performances
Audio described performances
What is an audio described performance?
Audio description makes it easier for people who are blind or partially sighted to experience a performance. It uses live verbal commentary to explain the visual elements of a production as it happens.
How does it work?
During a performance, a professional Audio Describer explains what’s happening on stage. They talk through all the visual information, like sets, costumes, facial expressions and visual jokes. You can listen along to the description through a headset, available at the Ticket Office.
Touch tours
Before the performance, you can go on a Touch Tour. The Audio Describer will take you backstage, or onto the stage itself, to feel costumes and pieces of the set and learn more about the production.
Booking
Upcoming audio described performances
You can also experience our audio described films on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage
If you have any questions, or you’d like to book an audio described ticket, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket Office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com
British Sign Lanugage (BSL) performances
What is a BSL performance?
Our BSL performances are interpreted by a BSL signer. They use sign language to communicate what is sung and/or spoken by artists on stage.
Pre- and post-show events
All of our post-show talks are interpreted by a BSL signer. And we often host a pre-show drinks reception for deaf people, where you can learn more about Sadler’s Wells and the performance.
In all our theatres, the signer will stand on the left-hand side of the stage. We recommend booking seats on the right side of the auditorium to get a good view.
Booking
If you have any questions, or you’d like assistance booking a ticket for a BSL performance, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com
Relaxed performances
What is a relaxed performance?
A relaxed performance is a more laidback theatre experience. The environment is made more comfortable for people on the autistic spectrum, or anyone with sensory or communication needs.
To create a more supportive environment, we:
- keep the house lights on throughout the performance
- lower the sound levels
- provide a designated chill out area
- create a visual story that includes details about the narrative, characters and what to expect from the performance and the theatre experience. You can find them at the bottom of the show pages
- offer ear defenders, available at the front desk
Booking
If you have any questions, or you’d like assistance booking a relaxed performance ticket, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket Office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com
Captioned performance
What is a captioned performance?
A captioned performance includes captioning, which is text that describes what’s happening on stage. It helps people who are deaf, or hard of hearing, experience a performance. It’s also helpful for those whose first language is not English, anyone who has difficulty following strong accents and students studying the text of a production.
How does it work?
At a captioned performance, the text is displayed on LED screens near or on the stage. The text appears at the same time words are spoken or sung. Extra information, like names, sound effects and offstage noises can be shown, too.
The script is prepared in advance by a trained Captioner, who manages the text as the action happens on stage.
Show talks
We use live subtitling at our show talks to make sure people who are deaf or hard of hearing can enjoy them.
A speech-to-text reporter transcribes the speaker’s words so you can follow what is said and join in the discussion afterwards.
This service is in English and provided by STAGETEXT.
Booking
Upcoming captioned performances
If you have any questions, or you’d like to book an audio described ticket, please get in touch with our team at the Ticket Office. We’re always happy to help.
Ticket Office
Open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm
020 7863 8000
tickets@sadlerswells.com