West End MATILDA stages "relaxed performance"

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 9:43am

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-27856845

Taking children with learning disabilities on a theatre trip can be a challenge for families.

The restrictions of sitting quietly in a dark auditorium can be difficult and stressful for everyone involved.

The Royal Shakespeare Company presented their first "relaxed performance" of Matilda: The Musical at The Cambridge Theatre.

Noise levels were reduced and lighting adjusted to soften the impact on the audience.

Before coming to the show families were sent a visual story to help them get to know the plot, characters and setting.

BBC News went to see how the musical was staged - and how it went down with the audience.

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One of the actresses mentions it'd be a good idea for other theatres and shows to take on this idea and have performances for these particular audiences. What do you think?

[tazber]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 9:56am

This is a great idea. It makes me happy that they're doing something like this.

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:24am

Pantos in the UK have been doing it for a few years, I dont see how it can be anything but a great idea

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:38am

I've heard of it being done before. It's a great idea....but its tough to plan it far enough ahead so that no other ticket holders (without concerns) also have tickets and soon enough for a family/school/organization to go.

Good for them.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:38am

Fabulous idea. Broadway are you listening?

[ShakinBaconGirl]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:44am

Didn't Broadway's THE LION KING do something similar?

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:47am

The Disney shows, Spiderman, and Wicked have done this. Nothing new here Kathy.

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:50am

I love this. TDF is leading an initiative to bring "Autism Friendly" performance to Broadway. You can learn more about this fabulous program here: http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=128

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:52am

I went to an Autism-friendly performance last year and it went over pretty well too. Glad the families get to enjoy these shows with their children.

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 10:59am

Normally they are extra performances that are held off sale, maybe earlier in the day too.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 11:19am

This is a beautiful idea.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 11:55am

Yes, this is really great. Thanks for sharing.

[rjm516]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 2:08pm

Yeah several Broadway shows have had 'autism-friendly' shows for years, I think often associated (or at least plugged) by Autism Speaks? It's great that the West End is finally doing it too.

Posted: 6/20/14 at 2:40pm

The West End has had these before too. Like Broadway not that many but they have happened.

The new thing is the RSC doing it and the approach they took.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 3:07pm

I'm currently performing in an original children's musical and we're doing the same thing next weekend! I'm glad to see more shows doing this- anything that exposes more people to the theatre is a good thing in my book.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 4:47pm

Now you brought Matilda up, I just read on Tumblr that in the UK, there was a contest to write a scene for Matilda and have it be in the show for a night. This is the winner.

Congrats to Isabella! :) So great that a little girl has accomplished a huge thing like this.
Isabella Thomas, eight, with her extra scene for Matilda the Musical Updated On: 6/20/14 at 04:47 PM

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 4:51pm

^^^ I know they have done it before at other shows. I was just saying I hoped Broadway Matilda did it here as well. Sorry I was not clear.

[NeverSoShy]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 7:00pm

The West End's Mamma Mia also did this in November last year
MAMMA MIA! London hosts its first Relaxed Performance - 26 November 2013 [video]

[JBroadway]

Posted: 6/21/14 at 1:02am

I have actually had the privilege of performing in multiple shows that included "relaxed" performances, as they put it. It's a really interesting and very rewarding experience. It can be slightly distracting at times, but you really feel the love from the audience, including the caretakers of disabled individuals. It can be really difficult for individuals with mental disabilities to go to the theatre, and it seemed like they really appreciated the opportunity. I'm glad that there are a good number of shows that do this.

Updated On: 6/21/14 at 01:02 AM

[StephieElise]

Posted: 6/21/14 at 8:02am

They did an autism friendly performance of The Lion King in Sydney last week. Fantastic idea.