A trip to the panto can be a magical experience and a highlight of the festive holidays for many families. But for some people, including those venturing to the theatre for the first time, the thought can be as equally overwhelming and stressful, as it is exciting.
BH Live is pleased to share that this year there will be relaxed and captioned pantomime performances taking place across theatres in Bournemouth and Croydon.
Starring comedic legend Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen, a relaxed performance of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs will take place at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth on Tuesday 12th December at 10:30am. It’s captioned performance runs on Saturday 9 December at 2.30pm.
For Croydon’s Aladdin at Fairfield Halls, starring Davood Ghadami and local panto favourite Charlie Guest the relaxed performance is on Tuesday 19 December 2023 at 10:30am, and the captioned show is on Saturday 30 December at 3pm.
Relaxed performances are adapted to welcome people of all ages. These include people who may have sensitivities to loud noise, sudden movement, and bright lights. The performances may also suit people with learning difficulties, sensory communication disorders or who are neurodivergent.
Steve Turner, Associate Director for BH Live said;
“We know that many aspects of coming to a theatre can be very challenging for some people. Crowded places, unexpected music, loud noises, special effects, changes to lighting, and applause can all be unsettling. Even the interval can cause confusion because it disrupts the flow of the show.
“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the magic of pantomime and we have been working closely with our pantomime producer, UK Productions, to include some subtle show changes that will make a big difference without impacting all the fun and thrills panto is well-known for.
“The sound levels will be lowered, the house lights will be on but dimmed, stage smoke will be reduced, and audience members will be free to come and go as they please throughout the show.
“A relaxed performance may also benefit younger preschool-aged children who want to get up and move about freely during the show.”
Martin Dodd Managing Director, UKP added;
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the excitement of live performance and the magic of festive panto.
“With a few minor adjustments, our relaxed performance is far more accessible to an audience that may have otherwise overlooked a chance to go to the theatre.”
The captioned performances may benefit those who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. They may also be of benefit to those who are neurodivergent, have auditory processing conditions, or if their first language is not English.
Playing Wicked Queen, Su Pollard leads a fantastic cast in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs with Noel Brodie, as ‘Muddles’, with Jamie Steen as ‘Dame Dilly Donut’, ‘Snow White’ played by Jenny Huxley-Golden and Jake Hankey as ‘The Prince’. With a beautiful princess, a jealous Wicked Queen, seven fabulous dwarfs, a panto dame and a hilarious jester – not forgetting a poisoned apple and a magic mirror, it’s absolutely not to be missed!
Davood Ghadami is to star as ‘Abanazer’ in Fairfield Halls’ Aladdin alongside Milkshake favourite and Croydon local Kiera Nicole as Jasmine. Staring alongside Davood and Kiera is panto favourite Charlie Guest. An enchanting tale of magic, mayhem and misunderstandings live on the famous Ashcroft Theatre stage. Aladdin is a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, musical hits, fabulous costumes and amazing special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bournemouth Pavilion 2 – 31 December 2023
Aladdin, Fairfield Halls, Croydon 16 December 2023 – 7 January 2024
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, dances and fashion shows throughout the year.
Its facilities complement events at Bournemouth International Centre and for corporate presentations, product launches, and smaller conferences and exhibitions.
Bournemouth Pavilion is also home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion at AUB rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
For more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Get social with us: LinkedIn, Facebook @BournemouthPavilionTheatre
About BH Live
Fairfield Halls is managed by BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.
BH Live is a charitable Trust and leading operator of event and leisure venues.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
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