Relaxed performances

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.

Relaxed performances will usually involve small modifications such as keeping the house lights on low, softening any lighting or sound contrasts in the show, providing a quiet space if people need to have a break, and having extra front of house staff on hand to help. Importantly, the show itself hasn’t been changed, so you can still enjoy the full production.

The informal atmosphere can be particularly suitable for anyone who would feel more comfortable in this environment. This could include (but is not limited to) people with sensory or communication needs, people who have a learning disability, people living with dementia, and people who may need to leave and return to their seat or access the toilets during the performance. Anyone who may benefit from this adapted experience is welcome!

Each performance will have detailed information on how it has been adapted so the audience can decide whether it is suitable for them. Talk to the box office if you need more information before you decide to book.

If you need to be in a quieter area
We recommend chatting to the Box Office, who can advise you on the quieter areas of the auditorium. You may also want to book one of the boxes, so that you are further away from the rest of the audience, but still with a great view of the stage.

If you need extra space accessing your seats
You might find it helpful to book an aisle seat, so that you can get up and down easily. The Box Office can help you identify the areas of the auditorium that are the easiest to access.

If you would like more space around your booking
Please let our Box Office know, and they will happily hold off seats around your booking, so that you are not sat close to other groups. You may also want to book one of the boxes, so that you are further away from the rest of the audience, but still with a great view of the stage.

If you are bringing a little one
At Leeds Grand Theatre, baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet on Dress Circle level, so we recommend booking seats in the Dress Circle or the Upper Circle. You might find it helpful to book an aisle seat, so that you can get up and down easily. Please chat to our Box Office if you want any help booking.

Our relaxed opera performances are most suitable for older children and adults, and you can check the specific event page for age guidelines. We also have a range of performances that are more suitable for children, such as our Little Listeners events, which are separate to our relaxed performances.

If you need any help booking or deciding where to sit, our friendly Box Office team will be more than happy to help you.

Leeds Grand Theatre