Top theatre shows Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Disney’s Aladdin are running special performances specifically adapted for autistic patrons.
Children and adults with autism are welcome to come along with their families and carers to the special shows, which will be running in August.
The productions have partnered with The National Autistic Society to create an environment that is friendly, welcoming and supportive for their fans who suffer from autism. They will have trained staff on hand to offer help to anyone who needs it and all staff, including the cast and security, will have had training in autism.
Visitors will be given a “visual story” beforehand to prepare for the experience and will be welcomed to the theatre by volunteers from The National Autistic Society.
Small adaptations will be made to sound and lighting to make the performances more comfortable for theatre-goers and quiet rooms will be available for any autistic people who need some time away from what could be quite an overwhelming situation.
This will be the second autism-adapted performance for Aladdin, as the production partnered with The National Autistic Society back in August 2017.
After enjoying roaring success in the West End, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be running their first performance in conjunction with the charity next month, but are optimistic about scheduling further performances at a later date.
“Autism-friendly performances can be a fantastic way for people on the autism spectrum to enjoy a live theatre show,” says The National Autistic Society.
“From reduction to sound levels, changes to lighting to a relaxed attitude to movement in and out of the auditorium and chill-out areas, to theatre staff and cast training, a number of adjustments are made to make the experience as inclusive as possible.”
The charity also work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Mousetrap Theatre Projects to put on access performances of Roald Dahl’s Matilda and are offering tickets to David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny in Nottingham.
