A SPECIALLY designed play which caters the needs for those with disabilities is being performed at the Belgrade Theatre this half term.
Collaborating with HighTime, the Belgrade will run its own production of Cinderella to create an exciting new work for people who would never normally go and see an opera performance.
Hightime, the first professional opera company to be based in Coventry, will work with the theatre to produce its first ever ‘relaxed performance’ – which will be put out on Friday (October 28) at 2.30pm in the theatre’s B2 Auditorium.
A relaxed performance is a show where the conditions have been changed to accommodate for those who mind find a traditional theatre environment uncomfortable or intimidating.
Key differences include the lighting states are altered, the house lights are left on, noise is welcome and doors are left open for people to come and go if they need to.
The conditions have been developed specifically with autistic and SEND people in mind – although all are welcome.
The idea behind the unique show came following a performance of Hansel and Gretal at the Belgrade last year, where artistic director Felicity Green was approached by an audience member who explained their situation.
The audience member brought along her autistic son to watch his brother perform.
Fully expecting him to be uninterested in the production, the family took his iPad and headphones – only to be shocked that the young boy couldn’t take his eyes of the show.
Felicity said: “After hearing the story we took him backstage to meet the cast and his reaction was one of total awe.
“It made me think about the power of music and theatre to inspire young people.
“I want to give the same chance to people who might be more comfortable in a relaxed setting, to reach as many people in Coventry as possible who might not normally attend.”
With larger than life characters and incredibly catchy music, Felicity is hoping the tunes of Cinderella will stick in visitors heads for days.
She added: “We’ve taken the well-loved story and given it a twist – it’s set in Hollywood’s Golden Era.
“Cinderella is a budding star who is made to run around after her diva sisters, and Prince Charming is the screen star of the moment.
“It’s very glitzy and glamorous take on a classic.”
Founded in 2014, HighTime aims to fuse sublime music with ambitious theatre and is partof the Belgrade Theatre’s Springboard Initiative which was set up to support emerging theatre companies and artists by providing training opportunities, office space and more.
Visit www.belgrade.co.uk for tickets for the production or call the Belgrade’s box office team on 02476 553055.
