Dementia-friendly performances are tailored for people with dementia and their families or carers, so that they can enjoy live performance in an environment that is comfortable and supportive.

We are working hard to increase our dementia-friendly performance offerings, as we understand the importance of these adapted events

Where a production does not have a dementia-friendly performance scheduled, please note that our relaxed performances can be a great alternative. Everyone is welcome to attend a relaxed performance, where there is a completely relaxed attitude towards any spontaneous noise, people needing to move around, or reacting to what they see or hear on stage. Staff will have received Dementia Friends training and will be more than happy to support you with anything you need on the day, but please contact our friendly Box Office if you have any questions beforehand.

Upcoming performances

Please see the dementia-friendly and relaxed performances we have on offer, and feel free to contact our Box Office team with any specific questions.

What to expect

  • A relaxed attitude to people leaving and returning whenever they need to.
  • An understanding of the different ways people express their enjoyment of the show.
  • Bright lighting and loud noises will be reduced.
  • The lights in the theatre will remain on low.
  • Quiet spaces will be available and clearly signposted if people need a break.
  • There will be clear signs and friendly, trained staff available to help.
  • You can take as long as you need to leave the auditorium at the end, and our staff will show you where to go.
  • An information pack will be sent in advance with an easy-to-read synopsis and guide to the theatre.
  • You can ask to have empty seats around your booking.

Please note that whilst there will be fewer people in the audience than at our other performances, it’s still possible that the theatre might feel a bit busy! If you have any problems, chat to one of our friendly members of staff, and they’ll be more than happy to help.

FAQs

Booking tickets

How do I book?

Book via the event page or call the Box Office on 0113 223 3600. Postal options are also available.

How will I receive our tickets?

You can choose to receive e-tickets or collect your tickets from the Box Office prior to the performance for free. We also offer postal delivery for £1.50.

Will we be seated close to other customers?

You can request the seat next to you to remain unsold if you feel the need to have a little more personal space. Talk to our Box Office team who can arrange this for you in advance.

Where is the most accessible place to sit?

If you are attending a dementia-friendly performance at Leeds Grand Theatre, the Stalls has flat access available and good leg room. The Dress Circle has lift access and one row of flat access, and the rest of the seating requires use of steps. Call our Box Office team on 0113 223 3600 who are happy to talk through seating options with you.
If you are attending a dementia-friendly performance at the Howard Assembly Room, it is best to talk to the Box Office to find out more about seating, as we may have different seating set-ups for different performances.

Can I get a complimentary essential companion ticket?

We offer essential companion tickets to those who need them. Please note that these may be capped or unavailable at different performances, including where tickets are offered at a subsidised rate. Please speak to the Box Office for more information.

Are there any additional benefits for group bookings?

We offer an extended reservation period for group bookings with payment due one month before the performance and 1 complimentary group organiser ticket with bookings of 10+.

Performances at Leeds Grand Theatre

Will there be accessible parking or drop off points?

There are drop off points outside Leeds Grand Theatre and a variety of car parks within walking distance. All travel and parking information will be supplied in your pre-show information pack.

Will we be able to navigate around the theatre easily?

There will be additional signage and visual markers in our front of house areas to help you find your way around the venue more easily as well as a designated meeting point in case anyone cannot find their way back their seat or companions.

Will the staff be dementia-friendly trained?

Yes, all front of house staff and volunteers will have attended a Dementia Friends information session and taken part in in-house training. If you need any help, look for a member of Leeds Grand Theatre staff.

Where are the toilets?

There are accessible toilets at the back of the Stalls and Dress Circle levels.

Will there be places to buy food or drink?

Tea, coffee and ice-creams will be available to buy in both bar areas during the interval which you can choose to pre-order.

 

Will it be easy to follow the action on stage?

English surtitles will be displayed on large screens at either side of the stage. You will receive a synopsis with pictures in the pre-show information pack and there will be a presenter who will welcome you at the start of the performance and do a short recap before the second half.

What if we can’t sit through the whole performance?

There will be a relaxed attitude to people needing to leave or return to the auditorium during the show and designated quiet areas for a break. Low lighting will remain on in the auditorium during the performance so you will be able to see what is going on around you.

Get in touch

For more information about our accessible performances contact:
Email: access@operanorth.co.uk
Phone: 0113 233 3600

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