ASSISTED PERFORMANCES
WHAT TO EXPECT.

Discover what resources, guidance and information we provide for each assisted performance

AUDIO DESCRIBED AND TOUCH TOURS

Audio Description is a live verbal commentary of the visual elements of the performance. This service can be beneficial for audiences who are blind or have a visual impairment.

There are 3 parts to our Audio Described shows: Audio Introduction, Touch Tour and Live Audio Description.

Touch Tour

Touch Tours are an opportunity for audiences to experience the set, props and costumes prior to the performance. This tour is guided by the Audio describers involved in the show. Touch tours usually happen 2 hours before the performance and last no more than 30 mins.

Audiences signed up to our access scheme who use Audio Description will be automatically enrolled for our Touch Tour.

Audio Introduction

A pre-recorded audio file will be available on the event page and sent to audiences. Our Audio Describers describe details of the set, costume and characters. Listen to an example.

Live Audio Description

The description is delivered live in tandem with the performance to audience members wearing headsets.

Headsets, along with large print and braille cast lists are available at the Welcome Desk.

We recommend testing headsets when collecting them.

RELAXED PERFORMANCES

Relaxed performance is for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment.

What does this mean? 

  • Open door policy. You can come and go from the auditorium as much as you would like or need to 
  • Preshow information packs. These packs will provide you with information about the performance. Included is a synopsis with accompanying pictures, trigger warnings and a sonic story  
  • Trained FOH staff who are happy to help you at any point.  
  • A respectful and encompassing attitude within the theatre. 
  • A dedicated quiet space should you need some time away from the performance.  
  • Preshow announcement that may include a sharing of some of the more sensory elements of the performance.  
  • Gentle lighting will be consistently on in the SWP to ensure you can enter and exit safely.   

For the venue, we have:

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED

We offer British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted performances for specific shows. The interpreter will translate from spoken English into BSL. Audience’s recommended seats are automatically applied for those signed up to our Access Scheme.

In The Globe, the interpreter is usually positioned Down Stage Right (to the left of the stage).

In The Playhouse, the interpreter will be in different positions depending on the performance.

We are working to integrate BSL interpretation into our performances to provide better access. Some performances will also be both BSL interpreted and captioned.

CAPTIONED

Captioned performances provide the show text on screens for audiences to read live during the performance. D/deaf or hard of hearing audiences may benefit from this service.

In the Globe Theatre, open captioning units are hung from Box B and P in the middle gallery.

In the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, individual tablets are used for captioning and are available at specific seats. Please ensure you have booked a tablet prior to the performance starting.

RELATED PAGES

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UPCOMING ASSISTED PERFORMANCES

A useful list of all future assisted performances taking place at the Globe Theatre and Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

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ACCESS

This page provides more detail about our facilities, provisions and the types of assisted performances we have

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In an indoor wooden playhouse, an actor wearing an Elizabethan costume guides two people through touching props on a wooden table

ACCESS SCHEME

Find out more about our Access Scheme which aims to assist you in booking tickets

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