ENO’s First Relaxed Performance

25th November 2019 in News

women with a child in her arms, holding a toy rabbit View 11 images audience members at the relaxed performance three audience members smiling three people on stage introducing the opera two audience members smiling people at the bar a group of people being shown into the auditorium a group of people outside the London Coliseum a group of people collecting their tickets from the Box Office two audience members holding up the relaxed performance guide two people in wheelchairs holding up the guide

Images taken during ENO’s first relaxed performance.

On Saturday 23rd November English National Opera held its first relaxed performance, with a matinee performance of The Mikado.

Our relaxed performance was designed to be more accessible for adults and children who may benefit from a more relaxed environment at the theatre, including those with an autism spectrum condition, sensory and communication disorders or learning disabilities.

Elements of the production were adapted to reduce anxiety or stress, including adjusting lighting and sound levels with the auditorium lights being dimmed only slightly compared to the usual blackouts. Chill out areas were set up around the London Coliseum to accommodate anyone needing space, with the audience being able to leave and join the performance throughout. There was a relaxed attitude to noise in the auditorium and the opportunity for the audience to sing-along to sections of the performance.

We look forward to offering more relaxed performances in our upcoming seasons. If you’d like to be notified of more ENO relaxed performances in the future, sign up to our Access Scheme.