Matilda The Musical’s Third Relaxed Performance

We’re pleased to announce that we will be holding a Relaxed Performance of Matilda The Musical on Sunday 12 June 2016, 3pm at the Cambridge Theatre. Following two sold-out relaxed performances in 2014 and 2015, the RSC alongside The National Autistic Society and Mousetrap Theatre Projects are proud to host a further performance, making theatre accessible to those with autism and learning disabilities.

The RSC have been running relaxed performances in Stratford-upon-Avon since 2013, being one of the first companies to adopt and promote the idea of making theatre more accessible to all. The relaxed performance of Matilda The Musical will be adapted to reduce anxiety or stress by adjusting lighting and sound levels. There will also be a more relaxed environment in the auditorium allowing audience members to move around and make noise as they wish, there will also be “chill-out” areas with soft seating outside of the auditorium for those who would like to take a break during the show. The performance will also be audio-described.

Tickets for the performance will be offered at a reduced rate of £25 and £10 and can be booked through the RSC Ticket hotline or in person at the RSC box office from Tuesday 9 February. In order to be familiarised with the plot, characters and the setting before arriving at the theatre, ticket holders will be sent a visual story.

Please keep an eye on the Relaxed Performance page on our website for more detailed event and transport information.

Catherine Mallyon, Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company said:

“We hope that everyone feels welcome at our theatres and our productions.  Following the success of our first two relaxed performances of Matilda The Musical, we are so pleased to offer a third to people with autism and learning disabilities and their families, recognizing that it isn’t always easy to all come out together.  The National Autistic Society and Mousetrap Theatre Projects have provided valuable support and I am delighted that relaxed performances are now a regular feature of our programme.”

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society said:

“More than 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic. They and their families want to enjoy a great time at the theatre in the same way as everyone else, so we’re delighted to be working with the RSC again to put on a relaxed performance of Matilda The Musical. We’ve been heartened by the enthusiasm with which the RSC have taken on the task of adjusting the performance to meet the needs of this audience. This involves some technical changes to sound and lighting, setting up quiet areas for people who become overwhelmed and providing a group of trained volunteers and staff to provide a friendly welcome and support. It is wonderful to know that during this performance autistic people and their families will be understood, supported and accepted, so they can just sit back, relax and enjoy the show.”

Susan Whiddington, Director of Mousetrap Theatre Projects said:

“Mousetrap Theatre Projects is delighted to be working with Matilda The Musical and the RSC once again to offer families with children with special needs the opportunity to see this fantastic show at a relaxed performance. After a recent relaxed performance, one family wrote to say “What you create with these events are a little bit of magic and pixie dust,  memories which keep our  families afloat during our more challenging day to day lives.”