Access Performance Types

The theatre offers Audio Described performances designed to improve the experience of visually impaired and blind attenders.

As well as listening to the dialogue on stage, the visually impaired customer wears a headset and listens to a live description of the action on stage, provided by a fully-trained Audio Describer.

The Audio Description supplements the voice of the performers by explaining the emotions and actions of each scene, with descriptions only taking place in between dialogue.

The Royal Exchange Theatre Audio Description is provided by Minds Eye.

The information is relayed using a wireless system and headsets. When booking online, please firstly complete our access form, or check the ‘Other preferences’ section of your account to make sure you have the ‘Audio Described performance’ box selected.

Then when buying tickets for the Audio Described performance, certain seats will show as stars (rather than circled dots) – these seats are in an easily accessed area, although the headsets will work in any seat in the theatre. Before checkout, you will have the option to select how many headsets your party will need.

We have one Audio Described performance for each of our Theatre productions. Details of the dates for each production can be found on individual event pages under What’s On.

The Theatre will normally offer a Touch Tour one hour before the Audio Described performance. These tours are an opportunity for customers to familiarise themselves with the set and costumes.

To help us plan for the right number of customers, please select the ‘Touch Tour’ box under ‘Other preferences’ on your online account if you wish to attend the Touch Tour.

If you need to attend with a Guide dog, a member of staff can care for your dog. Alternatively, it may be possible for you to take your dog into the performance.

To help us know how many dogs to expect, please select the ‘Guide Dog’ box under ‘Other preferences’ on your online account if you are bringing a Guide Dog.

A signed performance features a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter who interprets the shows for D/deaf audiences.

We have one BSL interpreted performance for each of our Theatre productions. Details of the dates for each production can be found on individual event pages under What’s On.

When booking online, please complete our new access form, or check the ‘Other preferences’ section of your account to make sure you have the ‘BSL’ and/or the ‘D/Deaf’ box selected.

Then when buying tickets for the BSL interpreted performance, certain seats will show as stars (rather than circled dots) – these seats are the ones which will give the best view of the interpreter.

Captioned performances give audience members access to the actors dialogue via text displayed on screen, which are situated all around the front of our First Gallery Level. Captions also include sound effects and offstage noises.

We have a matinee and an evening Captioned performance for each of our Theatre productions. Details of the dates for each production can be found on individual event pages under What’s On.

When booking online, please complete our access form, or check the ‘Other preferences’ section of your account to make sure you have the ‘Captioned’ box selected, this will ensure that the Access discount applies to your booking.

Relaxed performances are designed to welcome anyone who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment and who might be anxious about attending the theatre for a range of reasons.

These include people who are neurologically diverse, people with dementia and parents with babies.

For each Relaxed Performance we make small changes to the staging, there is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and we have breakout areas for use during the performance.

Everyone is very welcome to attend our Relaxed Performances, regardless of whether or not you ‘require’ the special conditions that they offer. They are an inclusive, enjoyable experience for all.

All tickets for Relaxed performances are Pay What You Can, starting at £15.

“Relaxed performances are just a brilliant idea. As a teacher I try to get my students as involved in the community as possible, no matter how complex their needs, and it’s great to know that they were comfortable in the theatre and also that the theatre was comfortable with them! Theatre is exciting, and awe inspiring – and I’m so glad our students didn’t have to miss out on seeing this great show just because they might not sit perfectly quietly for a few hours…”