Assisted Performances

Our range of Assisted Performances provide unforgettable experiences for everyone, enabling those who may benefit from additional support to enjoy the theatre in a friendly and welcoming environment.

These include Captioned, Audio Described, Relaxed and Sign Language interpreted performances throughout the year in both the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall.

Audio Described Performances & Touch Tours

Our Audio Described performances operate through a Sennheiser audio description broadcast system. This works with an infrared receiver worn around the neck (along with headphones) that are available free of charge from the Access desk in the Theatre Royal, or the Cloakroom in the Royal Concert Hall. If you wish to bring your own headphones or ear hooks, please check that they have a standard 3.5mm jack – the same size that fits into your mobile phone or mp3 player (wireless/bluetooth headphones are not compatible with our equipment). We also have stethoset style receivers for those who find these more comfortable.

We also offer Touch Tours that enable a unique opportunity to go onto the stage and explore the set, costumes and props before the performance begins. These tours are presented by an Audio Describer and a member of the production company, which last 25 minutes. Our Touch Tours are completely free but please let us know in advance if you plan on attending.

Upcoming Audio Described Performances & Touch Tours

The Wizard of Oz – Audio Described Performance, Thursday 11 April 2024, 7.30pm
Touch Tour Thursday 11 April 2024, 6pm

The Life Of PI – Audio Described Performance, Thursday 18 April 2024, 7.30pm.
Touch Tour Thursday 18 April 2024 5.30pm

Northern Ballet – Romeo and Juliet – Audio Described Performance, Saturday 4 May 2024, 2.30pm.
Touch Tour Insight Talk, Saturday 4 May 2024, 12.15pm – 1.30pm

The Syndicate – Audio Described Performance, Friday 7 June 2024, 7.30pm. Described by Caroline Burn.

Pretty Woman – Audio Described Performance, Thursday 5 September 2024, 7.30pm. Described by Anne Hornsby

Come From Away – Audio Described Performance, Thursday 3 October 2024, 7.30pm
Touch Tour Thursday 3 October 2024, 6pm

Northern Ballet – A Christmas Carol – Audio Described Performance, Saturday 30 November 2024, 2.30pm.
Touch Tour Saturday 30 November 2024, 12.15pm on the Upper Circle foyer.

Peter Pan – Audio Described Performance, Saturday 14 December 2024, 2.30pm, Sunday 5 January 2025, 1.30pm

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Swan Lake – Audio Described Performance, Saturday 22 February 2025, 2.30pm

& Juliet – Audio Described Performance, Thursday 17 April 2025, 7.30pm

Only Fools & Horses – Audio Described Performance, Wednesday 23 April 2025, 2pm. Described by Caroline Burn

Captioned Performances, Sign Language Interpreted Performances & Hearing Assistance

Captioned performances feature a scrolling screen positioned at the side of the stage, displaying text in English, sound effects, offstage noises and character names.

A Sign Language Interpreted (BSL) performance is where the vocal line is interpreted into sign language. The interpreter stands at the front of the stage, to one side, allowing you to view both the interpreter and the production.

If you are hard of hearing and use a hearing aid, you may benefit from using our assistance listening equipment. Customers can choose between two systems, our Infra-red Sennheiser transmission system and the new WIFI enabled Mobile Connect app, a new Assistive Listening System now available in both venues. By bringing Your Own Smart Device and connecting with the Mobile Connect App (via WIFI) customers can amplify the sound in the auditorium to their personal requirements. For more information click here

Royal Concert Hall Seating Plan with marked transmission blackspots

Theatre Royal Seating Plan with marked transmission blackspots

Upcoming Captioned & Signed Performances

James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome – Captioned Performance, Wednesday 27 March 2024, 7.30pm. SOLD OUT.

The Wizard of Oz – Captioned and Sign Language Interpreted Performance, Saturday 13 April 2024, 2.30pm

The Life Of PI – Captioned Performance, Thursday 18 April 2024, 7.30pm

Bonnie and Clyde – Sign Language Interpreted Performance, Thursday 16 May 2024, 7.30pm

Unfortunate – Sign Language Interpreted Performance, Thursday 27 June 2024, 7.30pm

Sarah Millican – Captioned Performance, Sunday 21 July 2024, 8pm

Pretty Woman – Sign Language Interpreted Performance, Wednesday 4 September 2024, 7.30pm. Captioned performance, Thursday 5 September 2024, 7.30pm

Sister Act – Captioned Performance, Thursday 19 September 2024, 7.30pm

Come From Away – Captioned Performance, Friday 4 October 2024, 7.30pm. Sign Language Interpreted Performance,  Saturday 5 October 2024, 2.30pm

Hairspray – Sign Language Interpreted Performance, Wednesday 6 November 2024, 7.30pm

Peter Pan – Sign Language Interpreted Performance, Thursday 12 December 2024, 1.30pm, Sunday 15 December 2024, 1.30pm, Friday 10 January 2025, 7.15pm

Peter Pan – Captioned Performance, Saturday 4 January 2025, 2.30pm

& Juliet – Sign Language Interpreted Performance, Wednesday 16 April 2025, 7.30pm. Captioned Performance, Thursday 17 April 2025, 7.30pm

Only Fools & Horses – Sign Language Interpreted & Captioned Performance, Thursday 24 April 2025, 7.30pm

Nottingham Operatic Society – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Captioned Performance, Thursday 30 October 2025, 7.30pm

Relaxed Performances

Visiting a new place can be daunting and can cause anxiety. Our Relaxed Performances provide an opportunity for customers who may benefit from a less formal, more supportive atmosphere, to still experience the joy of live theatre.

Relaxed performances feature lower overall sound levels, less intense lighting and no pyrotechnics. There will also be an increased number of wheelchair spaces available at the front of the auditorium. Throughout the show, the auditorium doors will remain open should customers wish to move around. There is a designated quiet space set up in the foyer for the duration of the show where customers can relax should they need to leave the auditorium.

Upcoming Relaxed Performances

Peter Pan – Wednesday 8 January 2025, 1.30pm