Audio Describing

This is a service for the Visually Impaired so that they can enjoy the stage presentation through audio description, heard on a discrete headset worn by the theatre-goer.
Before the performance, the cast list and an introduction are read, then the set, the characters and their costumes are described.
Once the play is underway, any significant action which is not obvious from the dialogue is described.  The presentation is by a team of volunteers who have been specially trained and see the play several times in order to work out the best timings and language for the live commentary.

The first  play to be described live in  a professional theatre in Europe was ‘Stepping Out’ at  the Theatre Royal, Windsor in 1988. Since then hundreds of plays have been described.

Every possible production is described, usually on the Saturday matinee, but special arrangements can be made for parties from Blind Clubs and similar organisations on the Thursday matinee.

Many visually impaired theatre goers are enthusiastic about audio description:

“For me every word of commentary was a bonus”

“I could see the play for myself”