Access Services
Audio Described Performances
Audio Described Performances
Suitable for those who are visually impaired or blind. A description of the set and costumes is combined with a commentary on the action to bring the show to life. Audio described performances tend to take place on Saturday matinee performances At His Majesty’s Theatre. You will need an infrared headset to make use of this service; please let the box office know at point of booking if you require a headset.
Available at His Majesty’s Theatre.
BSL Interpreted Performances
BSL Interpreted Performances
Our interpreter will stand in a visible position and interpret the spoken elements of a performance using British Sign Language. You can book through the box office.
Captioned Performances
Captioned Performances
Suitable for those who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. The actor’s words appear on a display unit (or screens) on or near the stage at the same time as they are spoken or sung – just like television subtitling. Speaker names, sound effects and offstage noises are also shown.
Captioning units are positioned on the stage front (one either side of the stage), offering the best view of the subtitles around the theatre. They can be seen from every seat in the house, allowing you to watch the action on stage and read the subtitles at the same time.
Book your tickets online or through the box office.
Available at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Hearing Assistance
Infrared Hearing System
This system works by projecting a signal in to the auditorium, which is then picked up by a receiver (this should be facing outwards on the headset or neck loop). Headsets can be collected from our Front of House team before the start of the show, and they can help you get the system set up and adjusted to your requirements.
Hearing Assistance Dogs
Let us know in advance if you are bringing your hearing assistance dog. They are more than welcome.
Sennheiser Mobile Connect
MobileConnect is a Wi-Fi based system that enables audio to be streamed in real time to a smartphone or tablet. You can use your own smartphone or tablet and headphones to connect.
Download the Sennheiser MobileConnect app before the start of a performance. Connect to the system as if connecting to a local Wi-Fi point, select the audio, connect to headphones or neck loop (if a hearing aid user) and adjust the volume as required.
Mobile Connect – Google Play StoreMOBILE CONNECT – APPLE APP STORE
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed Performances
A specially adapted version of the show, modified for those who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. It is particularly helpful for those with an autism spectrum condition or learning difficulty, or anyone who has a general anxiety around coming to an unfamiliar place. Everyone is welcome at a relaxed performance.
What to expect during a relaxed performance –
- The auditorium doors are left open
- The audience is free to come and go as they please during the performance
- A quiet area is provided away from the performance if it is needed
- The house lights won’t be lowered to the same degree
- Strobe lighting is at a minimum, if at all
- Music is played more quietly with fewer loud or sudden sound effects
Our friendly staff will be on hand to support you before, during and after the performance.
If you are visiting one of our venues for the first time you can arrange to visit in advance contact hello@aberdeenperformingarts.com
Touch Tours
Touch Tours
Those who are visually impaired are able to experience being on the stage, and feel components of the show such as the set, props and costumes. It can help to build a picture of the play while listening to the Audio Description. Touch tours usually take place one hour prior to most audio described performances and are ticketed and free of charge.
Contact hello@aberdeenperformingarts.com
Available at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Essential Companion
Essential Companion
We want to make sure everyone can participate and enjoy events at our venues equally. We provide one free Essential Companion ticket for those who need someone to be with them in order to come to an event.
An Essential Companion is someone who assists the customer with mobility or guidance, and ensures their safety and enjoyment at our venues. (An essential companion is not normally someone who is only required to provide assistance with transport to the venue).
We’re pleased to accept the Access Card with the ‘+1’ symbol (or equivalent) as entitlement to a free Essential Companion ticket. Please show your Access Card (or equivalent) to the Box Office who will update your customer record with Essential Companion status, valid for 3 years.
If you are the Essential Companion we recommend that you
- Familiarise yourself with the venue, location of services and facilities
- Speak to our Front of House team to discuss evacuation procedures
- Let the team know any specific needs
You can find out more about Access Cards here.
