Theatre Royal Winchester Programmes Accessible Performances Of Traditional Family Pantomime

This Christmas Theatre Royal Winchester presents a programme of Accessible Performances of traditional family pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

When a vain and handsome prince rejects the advances of a wicked witch, she turns him into a hideous beast. Only one thing can save him - someone must fall in love with him before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can Fairy Fifi bring Belle and the Beast together in time, or will the evil Malevolent win the day?

Passionate about creating theatre for everyone, Theatre Royal Winchester is proud to present four Accessible Performances tailored to create a welcoming environment for all this Christmas. Opening on Saturday 1 December, Beauty and the Beast runs until Sunday 6 January and there will be Relaxed and Audio Described Performances (the latter featuring a Touch Tour) and BSL Interpreted Performances.

On Wednesday 12 December and Tuesday 1 January the venue presents Relaxed Performances of Beauty and the Beast. Open to everyone, these shows are tailored specifically for children and families with learning difficulties, special needs or Autistic Spectrum Condition. To make audiences feel relaxed and comfortable, the lighting will be dimmed and sound effects and dialogue will be softer. Audiences can leave the performance at any time and the venue's fully-trained ushers will be on hand to assist at all times.

The venue is proud to present two BSL Interpreted performances on Wednesday 12 and Saturday 15 December. During these shows a British Sign Language Interpreter will stand clearly on the side of the stage and interpret the spoken word and sound effects happening during the production. The first of the two shows is also a Relaxed Performance.

On Sunday 16 December visually impaired audience members can attend an Audio Described and Touch Tour performance. The show features a pre-show tour around the set, allowing patrons to familiarise themselves with the stage design and props ahead of the start of the production. During the performance a narrator will describe the action happening on stage via headphones.

Beauty and the Beast is the follow-up to Theatre Royal Winchester's highly successful sell-out 2017 panto Peter Pan. Featuring an ensemble cast, the production features sing-a-long songs, laughs aplenty and fun audience interaction.

Theatre Royal Winchester's Accessible Performances of Beauty and the Beast take place on Wednesday 12, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December and Sunday 1 January. For more information and to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01962 840 440.