Cambridge Arts Theatre is hosting three Relaxed Performances for this year’s family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, during the Christmas period to ensure everyone can come and enjoy the festive fun; two accessible performances for local schools and one public performance, which will take place on Saturday 16 December at 11am.
Relaxed Performances are specially designed for those with an autistic spectrum condition, learning disability, sensory or communication disorder and families with very young children. The production is adapted in subtle ways, including amending sound volumes, opening the auditorium doors and adjusting house lights, to ensure all audience members can feel relaxed and enjoy their surroundings while visiting the Theatre.
Thursday 7 December saw the first of these specially-designed performances, with hundreds of school children welcomed to watch this year’s pantomime which stars singing legend Tony Christie and Liza Goddard. Students from Castle School, who have attended the pantomime for six years consecutively, were among those who attended, and pupils thoroughly enjoyed their experience. Liz West, Assistant Head Teacher, called the pantomime ‘fabulous’, stating parents were ‘delighted’ that their children had participated in and engaged with the pant0mime. Pupils were also treated to a post-show visit from Dame Trott (Matt Crosby) and Simon Trott (Robert Rees); the stars came out in full costume to sign autographs and have photographs taken with audience members.
The Arts Theatre is committed to accommodating the needs of the public and providing a range of assisted performances in their programme. Saturday’s Jack and the Beanstalk performance marks the third public Relaxed Performance in 2017, following performances of The Gruffalo in June and Awful Auntie during October Half Term.
