Relaxed Programme
Relaxed performances are for those who might normally find it challenging to access theatre.
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. Light and sound elements are altered and the house lights are on throughout the performance.
‘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
Please note that these two performances are now Sold Out. For any queries, ticket holders should either call our box office team on 020 7845 9300 or email [email protected].
Who are they for?
At ENO Relaxed Performances, we welcome audiences to come as they are, encouraging everyone to relax and respond to the show in their own ways, which often includes making noise and moving freely.
Relaxed performances provide an inclusive environment. You may choose to attend because of an access requirement, which might include people with dementia, learning disabilities, an autistic spectrum condition, Tourette’s syndrome, sensory disorders, anxiety, bladder and bowel conditions.
You are welcome to book for a relaxed performance if you do not have access requirements – please ensure you and your party are aged 5 and above.
What to expect at an ENO Relaxed Performance:
We encourage everyone to relax and respond to the show in their own ways, which often includes making noise and moving freely.
- Light and sound elements are altered and the house lights are on (but low) throughout the performance.
- Chill out spaces are provided on multiple levels as a comfortable place to rest, with weighted blankets and low light. The show is available to watch live outside of the auditorium.
- 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.
- There will be signs around the building to help you find where you want to go. If you need further assistance, you can speak to one of our ENO Helpers. They will be wearing purple or blue t-shirts.
- We encourage audiences to get involved with some arts and crafts, and see some costume pieces up close.
- There is a pre-performance speech to welcome everyone, meet the Orchestra and hear some excerpts from the show.
- After the performance, meet cast members who will be in the foyer to say hello!
We understand that opera environments have a reputation for being intense.
The goal of these Relaxed Performances is to facilitate an environment that welcomes those who might otherwise feel that opera is not for them, providing what you may need, before you have to ask for it.
With this in mind, we ask that all audience members respect the needs of others.
What to Expect from a Relaxed Performance at ENO
Example of a Sensory Programme
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 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.’
With its splendidly silly story line, 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 for each show there is an allocation of free tickets for those aged 5 to 20. When these run out, tickets will need to be purchased for this age group.
