Autism-Friendly Panto Performances
Halloween is over and the Christmas countdown is ON. And while everyone is in a Christmas rush to find the perfect gift, it is the perfect time for festive family fun. And what better way than a Christmas pantomime performance for the whole family to get into festive spirits? Those caring for people with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication disorders may be glad to know that many large theatres now offer relaxed panto performances.
These relaxed performances aim to create a more relaxed environment for those with additional needs or anyone who might benefit from a relaxed show.
What does relaxed performance mean at a pantomime?
Usually, pantomimes are loud and noisy, with special effects, flashing lights and dedicated seating, which could be overwhelming or unsettling for some. Relaxed panto performances offer a calmer environment with volume reduced, reduced loud noises and flashing and pyrotechnic effects, keeping lights on low throughout the show and moving around the auditorium is encouraged to lessen any anxiety.
Many of the theatres will provide a quiet zone where you can take your loved one if they become distressed and overwhelmed during the panto performance, and you are allowed to enter and leave the performance whenever you like to.
At the beginning of the relaxed show, some venues might come on stage to introduce themselves and the character they will be playing within the show to ease the anxiety and describe what is going to happen during the performance.
Here is a list of local relaxed pantomime performances including many classic titles and stories for you and your loved ones, designed to create a welcoming and enjoyable relaxed environment: For full information on their accessibility and facilities, contact the theatres directly.
Blackburn:
Beauty and the Beast – Blackburn Empire Theatre, Sunday 10th Dec at 5:30 pm, prices adult £19, child £13, senior £15
Blackpool:
Aladdin Pantomime – Grand Theatre Main Auditorium, Thursday 28th Dec at 5 pm, price £20, show duration is approximately 2hrs 30min
Beauty and the Beast – Blackpool Pleasure Beach, 8th Dec at 10:30 am, ticket price £14 – £15
Bury:
Cinderella – Albert Halls Bolton, Thursday 14th December – 14:00, £12 – £22
Snow White – The Royal Theatre ST Edmunds, Sun 7 Jan, 3 pm, ticket price* £12 – £26. The show duration is approximately 2hrs 20min including intervals. A complimentary companion ticket is available to anyone who would be unable to attend the theatre on their own. *Please contact booking@theatreroyal.org as relaxed performances are not bookable online
Aladdin – The Met, Sat 16th Dec at 10:45 am, prices from £15 children / £18 adults including fees.
Dick Whittington – The Met, Mon 19 Dec at 2:30 pm, Adults from £16 / children under 16 from £13 (incl. fees), Duration 2 hours 30 minutes (incl. intervals)
Chester:
Cinderella – Storyhouse, Sunday 10 December at 12 pm, Tickets from £15, Each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee for non-members,
Goldilocks and the Three Bears | Pantomime – The Grange Theatre, Northwich, CW8 1LU, Thursday 21st December 2023 at 2:00PM, ticket price £15
Crewe:
Cinderella – The magical family pantomime – Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DA, Thursday 21 December 2023 at 10.30 AM, ticket prices £21.50 – £25.50 (A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order.)
Lancaster:
Sleeping Beauty – Lancaster Grand Theatre, Friday, December 1 at 7:00 pm standard: £5.00, Please contact Box Office on 01524 64695 Monday – Saturday 10 am – 3 pm,
Liverpool:
Cinderella Rock ‘n’roll panto – Relaxed performance (9 Jan at 5.30pm), Liverpool Everyman
Hansel and Gretel: The Pantomime! –St Hilda’s Church Hall, Liverpool, L25 0NG; 11:30am show on Saturday 16 December
Sleeping Beauty Relaxed Performance – Runcorn The Brindley, Fri 29 Dec 2023, Friday 14:30, tickets from £19.50
Jack and the Beanstalk – The Atkinson, Matinee relaxed performances, Sat 16 Dec, 1 pm / Thu 28 Dec, 2:30 pm approximately 2hr incl. interval 20min, Sat 16 Dec, 1 pm / Thu 28 Dec, 2:30 pm; price for adults £22-£23, concession £20-£21, panto goody bag £9.50
South Lakes and Ulverston:
Keswick – The Jungle Book – Live in Theatre by the Lake (Main House), 28th Nov at 11:00 Tickets from £12,
Barrow – Jack and the Beanstalk – The Forum Barrow, 19th Dec at 18:00, price £14
Southport:
Jack and the Beanstalk – The Atkinson, Sat 16 Dec at 13:00 and Thu 28 Dec at 14:30, the show is approximately 2hrs including 20min intervals, Tickets for adults are £23 under 16 and seniors £21
St Helens:
Aladdin – St. Helens Theatre Royal, 13th Jan at 10 am, price £21 plus £0.50 booking fee.
Trafford:
Jack and the Beanstalk – Opera House Manchester, Thu 14th Dec at 13:00, tickets available from £13 subject to a transaction fee of £3.80
Cinderella – Albert Halls Bolton, Thursday 14th December – 14:00, tickets between £18- £22
Warrington:
Jack & The Beanstalk – Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1BL, 9 Jan 2024, Tuesday at 13:30, from £11/£13.50 excl. booking fee
Wirral:
Beauty and the beast – Gladstone Theatre, Wed 27th Dec at 13:30, tickets £22.50 Standard; £19.00 Concession;
