The web is used by many millions of people. There are a range of obstacles some of them face in life, including colour blindness, poor eyesight, complete blindness and impaired motor functions. While these are only a few examples, and there are many others, it is easy to realise that such difficulties affect how these people experience the internet.
Accessibility in terms of the World Wide Web means accommodating for all users, attempting to ensure that everyone can get the most out of a website that they are able. Accessibility is not just for the disabled; an accessible site makes navigation, information dissemination, and general use as easy and intuitive as possible, for everyone.
This website attempts to be as complete and easy to use as possible for all groups of people using all types of equipment. While no website can offer perfect access for everyone, and no set of automated tests can provide meaningful benchmarks for all scenarios, this site was designed with accessibility in mind.
Audio description is a live commentary interspersed with the actors' dialogue. This is relayed via a headset linked to the infra-red audio system. There is a short 'programme notes' session, before the production, which explains the atmosphere, costumes, characters and action.
BSL
British Sign Language Performance
Signed performances are ideal for those who use sign language. Trained British Signed Language (BSL) signers usually stand to one side of the stage and interpret the script used by the performers at the same time as it is being performed.
R
Relaxed Screening/Performance
Open to everyone, but particularly appropriate for anyone who may find the usual theatre/cinema environment challenging, due to an Autism Spectrum Condition, a learning disability, or a fear of the dark, loud noises or confined spaces.
Relaxed Performances/Screenings provide a relaxed environment, where elements are adapted to reduce anxiety or stress. Lighting and sound levels are adjusted to soften their impact and there is a relaxed attitude to noise and leaving and re-entering the auditorium during the performance/screening.
Designated 'chill-out' areas are provided outside the auditorium with activities for people to use if being in the auditorium becomes overwhelming for them.
T
Touch Tour
A Touch Tour is ideal for blind and partially-sighted audiences to familiarise themselves with the set ahead of the performance.
C
Captioned Screening/Performance
Captions display dialogue on-screen (similar to subtitles) and also describe the audio or sound portion of a film/performance allowing audience members who are D/deaf or hard of hearing to follow the script and the action of the film/performance at the same time.
For live performances, the screen is positioned at the side of the stage.