Relaxed Programme
Relaxed performances are for everyone, and they may benefit those who might normally find it challenging to access theatre.
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Our Relaxed Performances are intended for anyone who needs a more informal setting to enjoy our shows, primarily people with disabilities, health conditions and other access needs.
‘It was great to hear people just being themselves, without worrying about consequences’
‘The relaxed performance allowed my children to enjoy something new, be themselves, educate them and treat them to something not so expensive, affordable, educational, enjoyable and inclusive.’
In our 2024/25 London Coliseum season, there are two Relaxed Performances
- The Elixir of Love
Thursday 5 December 2024, 12.30 - The Pirates of Penzance
Thursday 30 January 2025, 13.00
Book your tickets by calling our box office team on 020 7845 9300. Large groups and schools should book tickets by email [email protected], we aim to respond within 3 working days. Please provide all access requirements for your party so we can make your visit as smooth as possible.
Who are they for?
Relaxed performances are open to everybody.
You may choose to attend a relaxed performance because you prefer the inclusive environment, or because of an access requirement, which might include anyone with dementia, learning disabilities, an autistic spectrum condition, Tourette’s syndrome, sensory disorders, anxiety, bladder and bowel conditions.
We are currently exploring a range of options for how we cater to family audiences. Our 24/25 London Coliseum Season includes Babyopera which is specifically developed for children up to 6 years old and their parents/guardians. We look forward to welcoming under 6 audiences, current and new, to this show. More information on the performance schedule and on sale dates will be announced soon.
‘I was scared to take my son who loves opera to an opera – this has shown me that he will be fine and love it and just as importantly he can attend non-relaxed performances as he did so well at it.’
What to expect at an ENO Relaxed Performance:
What’s different:
- Open-door policy: you can leave your seat and the auditorium as much as you like throughout the performance as we keep the house lights up.
- Making noise during the performance is permitted, and encouraged.
- Auditorium doors open much earlier.
- Dedicated ‘chill-out space’ and quiet area in front of house, plus an alternative space to watch the performance on a screen in the foyer.
- Additional friendly members of staff to help and support your visit.
- Visual Story and Sonic Story resources, available online and printed copies on-the-day.
- You will meet the orchestra before the show starts and hear the sections play.
All performances at the ENO are performed in English and are captioned.
‘The information was very useful for providing preparation for what was going to happen in the show’
Our ENO Engage team will also provide sensory and learning pre-show activities, such as seeing and touching props and trying on costumes from past opera productions. There will also be photo opportunities – you may even see some special appearances from performers in the show.
‘Fantastic pre-performance activities, and a very friendly environment.’
How to book
As part of ENO’s Under 21 scheme, all young people under 21 can go for free* and adult tickets start from £25. Please book your opera tickets by calling our Box Office team on 020 7845 9300.
For groups and schools, please email our Box Office team on [email protected], we aim to respond within 3 working days. Please provide all your access requirements of your party when making your booking so we can make your visit as smooth and easy as possible.
About The Elixir of Love
Laughter is the perfect tonic in Donizetti’s romantic comedy set on a country estate in World War 2. This story of gossipy village life and forbidden love among the Land Girls and locals warms the heart from the first note. The beautiful bel canto singing style of the production perfectly spotlights the story’s tender moments.
About The Pirates of Penzance
With its splendidly silly storyline, wild wordplay and well-loved songs, the Mike Leigh-created production is irresistibly feel-good. An apprentice pirate woos the captain’s daughter, while his bungling buccaneer-shipmates try to outwit an equally inept party of policemen. Its vibrant, graphic staging brings out the sunshine in the story.
*Please note that there is an under 21 allocation for each show and when these run out, under 21s will need to purchase a ticket.
