A dedicated autism-friendly performance of the award-winning West End production of Disney’s The Lion King will be held on Sunday 4 June 2017.
Following on from the success of previous ‘relaxed performances’, the production will be re-shaped to make the smash hit show more accessible for those affected by autism.
Working closely with the National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families, Disney UK’s The Lion King staged the West End’s first dedicated autism-friendly performance in April 2013. The show has now staged three of the special performances in London and one in Edinburgh during the show’s tour.
The dedicated autism-friendly performances of The Lion King include modifications to the booking process, performance and the theatre environment.
The theatre’s foyer will include designated quiet and activity areas staffed by experts in autism throughout the performance should anyone need to leave their seats.
Slight adjustments will be made to the performance itself including the reduction of jarring sounds or strobe lighting. The cast and the theatre box office and front of house staff have been given training to understand the needs of an audience made up of adults and children who are autistic.
A specific website, www.lionkingautismfriendly.co.uk has been set up for this performance, linking to a dedicated booking page. The site includes a downloadable ‘visual story’ to help people with autism understand the process of a visit to the theatre to help reduce anxiety and aid their comprehension of the experience.
Currently in its 17th year at London’s Lyceum Theatre, The Lion King had its UK premiere in London in October 1999. The musical has entertained more than 13 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production and is now the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. Tickets are currently on sale until 30 April 2017 for individuals and 1 October 2017 for groups.
Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s much-loved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by more than 80 million people across six continents. Eight productions are running concurrently around the globe. In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and New York, it can currently be seen in Hamburg, Tokyo, Madrid, and Mexico City, and on tour across North America and Japan.
The Lion King is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Angela Thomas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEdjU_SZnWw&feature=youtu.be
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