How Derby LIVE is making performances easier to access

Published: 1 December 2021

At Derby LIVE we strongly believe that it’s important to make our live performances as accessible as possible. From relaxed performances to a changing places toilet at Derby Arena, here’s how everyone can enjoy our Christmas theatre shows.

Our relaxed performances are just that, relaxed and are great for a range of families to enjoy. They’re suitable if have a new-born baby, young children or toddlers, or even an older family member with learning difficulties or dementia. They’re also great if you’re looking for a performance that’s a little less overwhelming where you’re free to move around. As part of a relaxed performance, we’re happy to make changes to the sound levels, lighting and special effects. Please tell us when booking if we can do anything to ensure you can all enjoy the show.

Relaxed performances

• Sleeping Beauty - Wed 5 Jan, 4:30pm 
• The Hungry Troll’s Christmas Dinner - Sat 11 Dec, 2:30pm; Wed 29 Dec, 2:30pm

You can book our relaxed performances by calling us on 01332 255800 or visiting the Sales and Information Centre at Riverside Chambers, Full Street, Derby DE1 3AF. 

For anyone with a hearing impairment we have a number of British Sign Language Interpreted and Shadow-interpreted performances available, along with two captioned performances of our pantomime spectacular, Sleeping Beauty.

Captioned performances

• Sleeping Beauty - Fri 7 Jan, 2pm and 7pm

BSL Interpreted performances

• Sleeping Beauty - Thu 16 Dec, 10am; Sat 18 Dec, 1:30pm; Wed 29 Dec, 6:30pm
• Panto: Impossible - Thu 16 Dec, 8pm; Tue 21 Dec, 8pm 

BSL Shadow-interpreted performances

• The Hungry Troll's Christmas Dinner - Fri 10 Dec, 10:30am; Sun 12 Dec, 11am; Sat 18 Dec, 11am; Thu 30 Dec, 11am 

At a BSL Shadow interpreted performance, our interpreter Sarah Gatford stays on the stage rather than stands off to the side. By incorporating interpreters into the performance, itself, it’s a more seamless experience for the audience.

Anyone with a visual impairment can also enjoy all the fun of the Panto with special audio described performances.

Audio Described performances

• Sleeping Beauty - Sat 18 Dec, 1:30pm; Wed 29 Dec, 6:30pm

We understand that it’s not just the performance that makes your visit accessible. All our venues are fully wheelchair accessible. We welcome assistance animals at our venues and have an essential companion scheme where we offer free tickets for most events for those who need someone with them to assist with mobility or guidance.

We know that being able to access suitable facilities can be a huge barrier to families enjoying a trip out so at Derby Arena we have a Changing Places toilet available.

The 22m² space includes: 

• Height adjustable changing bench (adult sized)
• Hoist – ceiling system
• Peninsular toilet with grab rails
• Shower
• Height adjustable washbasin
• Emergency alarm
• Nonslip flooring

To find out more about Access at Derby LIVE performances, visit the Access page on the Derby LIVE website.

Culture