Making Panto Accessible For All

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing more inclusive theatre experiences and removing barriers to access, and supported by funding from Bridgend County Borough Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund, we made sure hundreds of families could enjoy the much-loved tradition of pantomime with a range of accessible performances at Maesteg Town Hall over the festive period.

Children, young people and adults with additional needs and disabilities were able to enjoy Scott Ritchie Productions’ Rapunzel, produced in partnership with Awen, through a variety of accessible formats. These included closed captions, audio description, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, pre-show touch tours and relaxed performances, ensuring that no-one missed out on the panto fun.

Closed captions provided a text version of all spoken and sung dialogue, alongside descriptions of sound effects such as laughter, applause and the ominous music that accompanied the appearance of the panto ‘baddie’, Gothel. This support enabled audiences who are deaf or hard of hearing, have auditory processing conditions, or benefit from reading text alongside the performance, to fully engage with the show.

A dedicated BSL performance featured interpreter Stephen Brattan-Wilson, who brought the story to life on stage, ensuring that everyone could follow every moment. The audience included 20 members of Bridgend Deaf Theatre Club. Live audio description was delivered by trained audio describer Michelle Perez, who provided commentary on visual elements such as scenery, costumes and facial expressions via headsets for blind and partially sighted audience members.

Audience members were also invited to take part in a free touch tour before the audio-described performance. The tours offered the opportunity for individuals to explore the set, handle props, feel the textures and details of the costume fabrics, meet members of the cast and receive support with setting up audio description equipment, to familiarise themselves with the space and story ahead of the show.

In addition, a relaxed performance was specifically designed for those who may find traditional pantomime environments overwhelming. With reduced special effects, lower sound levels and an open-door policy allowing audiences to move freely in and out of the auditorium, the performance was enjoyed by a diverse audience, including members of Special Families Maesteg. Sensory packs, including ear defenders and fidget toys, were also available to borrow.

Pictured: Bridgend Deaf Theatre Club at Maesteg Town Hall