West End musical Matilda to hold a relaxed performance

The fabulous West End musical Matilda is set to hold a relaxed performance in June this year, aimed at audiences with autism and learning difficulties. The Royal Shakespeare Company, which produces the show at the Cambridge Theatre in London's Theatreland, has been working with the National Autistic Society for the performance, which will be held on 15 June. The show, which has been a huge hit amongst children and adults alike, will conduct the relaxed performance by including elements that have been adapted to reduce anxiety or stress often experienced by those suffering with autism and learning difficulties. This will make the performance more appealing and enjoyable for them, and enable them to experience the production in an environment which is sensitive to their needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oewVISY1Yhs Lighting and sound levels will be adjusted to soften their impact and there will be a relaxed attitude to noise and moving around the auditorium during the performance, meaning audiences will be free to fully relax. There will also be “chill out areas” outside of the auditorium. All tickets for this relaxed performance will be priced at £20 and those who book will be sent a visual story to help them get to know the plot and characters ahead of the show. This whole experience builds on the organisation's commitment to offer the best environment and welcome for children, young people and families who might otherwise feel excluded from the work. Relaxed performances are a fantastic way of providing the chance to experience high quality, live theatre, often for the first time as often many families of children with autism or learning disabilities can be reluctant to attend public theatre performances together. The event in June builds on a programme of relaxed performances the RSC has offered in Stratford-upon-Avon since 2013.