Theatre by the Lake has announced its programme of accessible performances for spring-summer 2023, with audio description, BSL and captioning for people with visual and hearing impairment, plus guaranteed socially distanced and relaxed performances.

Accessible performances include TBTL’s seasonal highlights Around the World in 80 Days, The Lost Spells, Blonde Bombshells of 1943 and The 39 Steps.

Their co-production of Tuning In will include audio described and captioning on all performances. Tuning In follows the story of Reagan, who comes home from a date covered in blood. After winning a competition to meet a local radio star, Reagan does his best to act ‘normal’, but he can’t work out how to do that until it’s too late. We join Reagan as he tries to piece together what went so wrong whilst trying to control his impulses and battle against his own brain. Written and performed by Adam Fenton, Tuning In was originally developed by TBTL as part of the digital SPARK programme in 2021.

The theatre is also partnering with Graeae, a theatre company dedicated to championing Deaf and disabled artists, to present Crips with Chips, a night of short plays that will be captioned and audio described.

Audiences are encouraged to tell TBTL about their access requirements in advance of visiting the theatre by filling out a simple form on the website, found at www.theatrebythelake.com/plan-your-visit/access/. The theatre will then ensure that their visitors’ needs are recognised and planned for in advance, so that everyone feels welcomed and supported during their visit.

Disabled customers and their companion or carer can request the lowest available price tickets for all TBTL’s own productions, regardless of where they sit in the theatre. For performances by a visiting company, customers have the option of one free ticket for their companion or carer. Tickets can be booked via the friendly Box Office team, or online.

An audio described brochure is available on TBTL’s website, alongside details of the theatre’s access provision for people with disabilities. Large font and braille brochures will also be available on request.

TBTL is also a Dementia Friendly building, with a number of staff and volunteers trained as Dementia Friends. Familiarisation tours and access packs are available for audiences on request.

Liz Stevenson, Artistic Director of Theatre by the Lake, commented, "TBTL is committed to being an accessible and welcoming place for our entire community to visit, and we are dedicated to supporting new writing and working with deaf and disabled artists. We're delighted to be partnering with Graeae to present Crips with Chips; Graeae are a force for change in theatre, placing Deaf and disabled artists and actors centre stage. Having supported its development in 2021, we’re also thrilled to be co-producing Tuning In, a new play written and performed by Adam Fenton which challenges our perceptions of what is ‘normal’.”

Full booking information can be found at Theatre by the Lake.