There will be a third special relaxed performance of Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre on 12 June. Picture: Manuel Harlan
The Royal Shakespeare Company is to present its third special relaxed performance of Matilda the Musical on 12 June at London’s Cambridge Theatre.
This year’s performance of the hit show follows on from similar sell-out events in 2014 and 2015, and builds on the RSC programme of relaxed performances started in Stratford-upon-Avon in2013.
The concept involves the provision of a relaxed environment with elements such as lighting and sound adjusted to reduce anxiety or stress. Working in conjunction with the National Autistic Society and Mousetrap Theatre Projects, the RSC offers full access to the theatre for people with autism and learning disabilities.
Designated ‘chill-out’ areas will be provided outside the auditorium with soft seating and activities for people to use if they want to take a break. The performance will also be audio-described.
Matilda the Musical is written by playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, and directed by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.
Catherine Mallyon, executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company said: “We hope that everyone feels welcome at our theatres and our productions. Following the success of our first two relaxed performances of Matilda the Musical, we are so pleased to offer a third to people with autism and learning disabilities and their families, recognising that it isn’t always easy to all come out together.”
The chief executive of the National Autistic Society, Mark Lever said: “More than 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic. They and their families want to enjoy a great time at the theatre in the same way as everyone else, so we’re delighted to be working with the RSC again to put on a relaxed performance of Matilda the Musical. We’ve been heartened by the enthusiasm with which the RSC have taken on the task of adjusting the performance to meet the needs of this audience… It is wonderful to know that during this performance autistic people and their families will be understood, supported and accepted, so they can just sit back, relax and enjoy the show.”
Director of Mousetrap Theatre Projects, Susan Whiddington added: “Mousetrap Theatre Projects is delighted to be working with Matilda the Musical and the RSC once again to offer families with children with special needs the opportunity to see this fantastic show at a relaxed performance. After a recent relaxed performance, one family wrote to say: ‘What you create with these events are a little bit of magic and pixie dust, memories which keep our families afloat during our more challenging day to day lives’.”
The RSC is offering tickets at a reduced rate of £25 and £10 which can be booked through the RSC Ticket Hotline (01789 403493/Cambridge Theatre 0844 412 4652). Detailed event information will also be available at www.MatildaTheMusical.com.
Matilda the Musical is produced in the West End by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as executive producers. The production was developed with the support of company dramaturg Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.
Angela Thomas
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