What to expect from ENB’s Access Performances of My First Ballet: Swan Lake

My First Ballet: Swan Lake at the Peacock Theatre

This year My First Ballet is taking place at the Peacock Theatre, located on Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT. Holborn and Temple tube stations are located near by.

You can also see a visual guide to the Peacock Theatre here, or enjoy a virtual visit to the theatre below:

What access performances are available?

23 Apr 10:30am – BSL Interpreted performance

24 Apr 1:30pm – Relaxed performance, Audio-described performance free pre-show Touch Tour for visually impaired or blind audiences, and those with sensory needs.

Find out more about our access events here.

We also have a BSL interpreted workshop and relaxed workshop, led by English National Ballet’s highly experienced Associate Dance Artists.

These workshops are created especially for children and explore the wonderful music, iconic swan-inspired movement, and famous characters of  My First Ballet: Swan Lake. Participants will also have the chance to get up close to the beautiful costumes and production scenery!

Find out more about My First Ballet Family Workshops here.

What is a BSL-interpreted performance?

Unlike many classical ballets, My First Ballet has a narrator who helps to describe the story happening on stage.

Our BSL performances are interpreted by a BSL signer, who use sign language to communicate what is being said by the on-stage narrator, making this more accessible to those who are d/Deaf.

What is an audio-described performance and touch tour?

An audio-described performance provides commentary to describe the visual elements of the show. It is designed for visually impaired audiences to allow them to follow the plot and understand the visual details.

For My First Ballet, the audio description is performed live by Vocal Eyes and is accessed via a headset. There are also a number of stalls seats reserved for audiences who are partially sighted.

To accompany the audio-described performance, visually impaired audiences can enjoy a Touch Tour before the performance. A guide will take you backstage, or onto the stage itself, to feel costumes and pieces of the set, as well as learning more about the production and meeting some of the dancers who demonstrate the movement performed on stage.

Please email tickets@sadlerswells.com if you would like to book audio-description for this performance.

 

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What is a Relaxed performance?

At our Relaxed Performances, we welcome everyone. We encourage audiences to enjoy and respond to the show in their own way, which often includes making noise and/or moving freely around the auditorium.

Our Relaxed Performances are sensory adapted and suitable for those with various access needs. Light and sound elements are altered, and the house lights are on throughout the performance.

A chill out space is provided with a comfortable place to rest. The show is available to watch live outside of the auditorium on a screen.

There is an open-door policy, meaning if you need a break, you can go in and out of the auditorium as much as you like.

What happens in a Relaxed performance?

You will see…

• Lots of groups and partners dancing
• Textured sets
• Props and costumes
• The lights on stage change, with night time scenes

You will hear…

• Music playing, with loud and quiet moments
• A narrator speaking throughout the performance
• Feet in different types of shoes moving on-stage
• Applause throughout

Where are the Chill out spaces at the Peacock Theatre?

At the Relaxed performance there will be chill out spaces available, where audiences can come out of the theatre during the performance and relax if they need to.

At the Peacock Theatre there are two chill out spaces available:

Stalls level – Chill out area:

• From the lobby level, go downstairs. This chill out space is positioned by the merchandise table and to the right of the staircase.
• There is a designated chill out area with bean bags.
• There is a screen to watch the show.
• Peacock Theatre Ushers and the ENB Engagement Team helpers will be available to help if you need.
• The space is wheelchair accessible, via the lift.

Stall level and First Circle – Café area:

• This space has tables and chairs.
• Peacock Theatre Ushers and the ENB Engagement Team helpers will be available to help if you need.
• The space is wheelchair accessible, via the lift.

What else do I need to know about ENB Access performances?

There will be signs around the building to help you find your way around the theatre.

There are also designated people who will be able to give you more information.

If you need further assistance, please speak to the Peacock Theatre Ushers or one of our ENB Engagement Team helpers. Peacock Theatre Ushers will be wearing black t-shirts with a Sadler’s Wells logo on and ENB Staff will be wearing black t-shirts with a pink logo on – both are there to assist you.

What resources are available for these performances?

Before the Relaxed Performance you can download our visual programme here.

This gives more information about what a Relaxed Performance is, access to a synopsis, visual story and information about chill out spaces.

You can also access our resource hub here.

This includes a read along film of the story and videos introducing some steps you will see on stage.

You can also access our symbol resources from Widgit, including:

• Story Summary
• Going to the Theatre
• Character Sheets
• Ballet Moves and Mimes
• Ballet People
• Flash cards and Quizzes

If you have any questions or feedback about our Access performances that you would like to share, please email engagement@ballet.org.uk.

To stay up to date with all of the information around access performances, sign up to our Access Newsletter here.