National initiative, Disabled Access Day was embraced by Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Sat 12 March as the venue opened its doors to access patrons, their friends and families to inform about their access-friendly building and forthcoming performances.
Over 10 local companies including Nuffield Health, Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, BUDS, Shopmobility, Bucks Vision and Autism Bucks held information stalls for guests, and the venue’s Second Space came alive with a host of interactive free activities including storytelling, a sensory garden and a chance to meet an alien in underpants from forthcoming production Aliens Love Underpants.
An Audio Described and Captioned performance of Noel Coward’s Private Lives took place in the afternoon and a Touch Tour was available to patrons before the matinee show, offering an opportunity to further enhance their theatrical experience by aiding visually impaired visitors to fully imagine the stage space, props and textures of the onstage furniture and furnishings.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s Access Champion, Christopher Leathers explained the significance of the day:
We were delighted to be involved in this year’s Disabled Access Day, it was a fantastic opportunity to share the theatre’s access-friendly assets. The day was well-received with all ages enjoying the activities, Touch Tour, and Audio Described and Captioned performance. We had a fantastic level of support from local charity stallholders, and now look forward to hosting a Relaxed Performance of this year’s pantomime in December. It’s important patrons with access needs are aware of the services we can provide, and that most importantly, they feel comfortable with visiting the venue and are able to enjoy our wide programme of shows.
The theatre provides access resources in the form of large print and audio brochures, has access rates for disabled patrons and their companions, and this year will be hosting a Relaxed Performance of Aladdin on Mon 19 Dec.