Relaxing at the Panto

Following huge success last year, Birmingham Hippodrome will present a second Relaxed Performance of the UK’s biggest pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Gary Wilmot at 1pm on Thursday 29th January.

Specially created to welcome anyone with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability, or sensory and communication disorder, the Relaxed Performance gives those who might otherwise feel excluded the chance to experience live theatre, often for the very first time.

Birmingham Hippodrome has teamed up with Autism West Midlands and special needs units across the city to ensure as many people benefit as possible.

A relaxed atmosphere at the performance helps reduce anxiety levels, with some of the loud and bright elements reduced, and strobe lighting and pyrotechnics removed.

Audio description and Makaton signing will be available, and the audience will be able to come and go as they please throughout the show, with access to special sensory rooms and relaxing break-out areas.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Creative Learning Manager Liz Leck said “We are committed to providing access for all at Birmingham Hippodrome, and we’re particularly thrilled to be able to present our second Relaxed Performance of pantomime later this month.”

Birmingham Hippodrome Corporate Development Manager, Judith Greenburgh added “The Relaxed Performance was the focus of our Big Give Christmas Challenge for the second year running. Once again, thanks to tremendous support from local businesses, grant-making Trusts, and individual supporters, we achieved our target, raising nearly £14,000 to help make this happen.”

The Relaxed Performance of the UK’s biggest pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk stars Jane McDonald, Duncan James, Chris Gascoyne, Gary Wilmot, Paul Zerdin and Matt Slack and takes place on Thursday 29 January 2015 at 1pm. Tickets priced at £12.50 (inc. transaction charge) are available on 0844 338 7000 (calls from 5p per minute). www.birminghamhippodrome.com/relaxed