Springers Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (AODS) will present the family musical, based on classic Dr Seuss stories, with a Sensory Adapted Performance (SAP) for audiences who might benefit from a more informal setting.

The group is the first in Essex to present a performance of this nature, aimed at providing a more comfortable and enjoyable theatre environment for children and adults who are neurodiverse, or usually would avoid theatre due to sensory sensitivities, behavioral expectations or disabilities which would make a traditional theatre experience uncomfortable, and their carers or families.

Included is a pre-show talk with the audience, showing some of the sights and sounds that can be expected during the performance, and introductions to the characters and their costumes. The performance itself uses softened technical effects, such as sound and lighting and house lights remain dimmed throughout. Audiences are welcome to move around, change seats and come and go from the auditorium at their leisure, and as half of the available seats are unsold, audience members have more space to enjoy the performance. Additional volunteers are also available before, after and throughout the show to support audience members to enjoy it in their own way.

The SAP format follows on from the group’s success with British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted and captioned performances over the last few years, and is being delivered by a group of volunteers who work in theatre and teaching, and with children and adults with additional needs.

Tickets are £12 each and available now from the Chelmsford Theatre website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/book/?id=171202 and via their box office on 01245 606505.

You can also find out more about Springers and their commitment to making theatre accessible to everyone here: www.springers.co.uk/accessible-performances