Accessible Performances
Ballet
Opera
Access Scheme
When you join our Access Scheme, you can customise your account with your specific access requirements.
You can tailor the booking process to include:
- Different kinds of accessible seating
- Personalised Accessible Performance and event information, dates and prices
- Discounted tickets for scheduled Accessible Performances, including Relaxed Performances
- A complimentary companion ticket for those who require personal assistance
- Access to resources such as Audio Described magazines, Audio Described introductions, Visual Stories, Sensory Guides, British Sign Language-interpreted synopsis videos and large print Season Guides
- Information on how to access assistive hearing devices and Audio Description equipment
Event types
Relaxed Performances
In a Relaxed Performance, there are no changes made to the production, story or event but the auditoria lights will remain on or slightly dimmed.
You can move around, leave, return, take a break, make noise, use fidget toys or bring in anything that makes you feel comfortable and there are quiet areas in the building. The hand driers and coffee machines in the building are switched off.
A Visual Story outlining the characters, the story and sensory elements of the production is available
These types of performances are helpful if you are anxious about sitting in one place for a long time or need to access the bathrooms and exits quickly. Relaxed Performances can be noisy and busy. Ear defenders are available from staff for you to use throughout your time with us.
British Sign Language, assistive listening and Captions
British Sign Language-interpretation
For these performances, a British Sign Language interpreter will stand to the side of the stage and sign the words and dialogue in British Sign Language.
Assistive listening
Assistive listening facilities amplify sound by providing a device or use of the T-loop to use with a hearing aid. You can get the equipment from a member of staff.
Captioning
Captioning provides text of what is being said, sung or performed on stage, including descriptions of the types of sounds made by sound effects and the orchestra.
Surtitles
Surtitles provide English translations of the dialogue and singing, which is sometimes in different languages. They are displayed on a screen above the stage, or on a monitor close to your seat.
Audio Descriptions, Touch Tours and large print
Audio Described performances
Audio Description provides information throughout the performance through earphones. A narrator explains what is happening on stage, as well as the actions, expressions and scenes.
The equipment for Audio Description is available before the performance – speak to a member of staff to access it.
Our Audio Descriptions and Audio Described introductions are provided by SightLines and Alice Gilmour. They are also available to listen to on Royal Ballet and Opera SoundCloud.
Touch Tours
Touch Tours are designed for Blind and partially sighted people who have booked to watch an Audio Described performance. They give you the chance to explore and feel the stage, set and props before a performance begins, giving you further information and context of the production.
Touch Tours must be booked by contacting boxoffice@roh.org.uk for tickets.
Large print
Our digital cast sheets are available in large print format on the website using the 'View in large print' button below the title of the production.
Join our Access Scheme to request large print alternatives of our Season Guide. Large print resources, such as our menus, are available in the building on the day you visit, just speak to a member of staff and they can assist you.
Audio Described introductions, magazines and Season Guides
Audio Described introductions tell you about the performance before it starts and describe the cast, characters and set. They are available on a production page and are available to listen to on Royal Ballet and Opera SoundCloud.
Audio Described Season Guides and magazines read the content from our printed publications out loud.
Resources
Visual Stories and Sensory Guides
Audio Described introductions
British Sign Language information videos
Visual Stories and Sensory Guides
Visual Stories outline information about a Relaxed Performance. They give information on the spaces around the Royal Opera House, the characters and story of a production and any sensory moments in the performance that you might want to be aware of.
Sensory Guides are timestamped information outlining particular sensory elements that might cause distress or upset, such as moments of sudden, loud noises or flashing lights. They also contain information on triggering content such as gun use, death, violence or a character dealing with the challenges of mental health.
They do contain spoilers so please only read if you want to know this information.
Audio Described introductions, magazines and Season Guides
Our Audio Described introductions help Blind and partially sighted people gain further context of a production and can be accessed at any point – we host them on the RBO SoundCloud.
Audio Described Season guides are for members and read the Season guide out loud for Blind and partially sighted audiences.
We work with specialist Audio Description experts SightLines and Alice Gilmour to deliver Audio Description.
British Sign Language-interpreted synopsis
We work with British Sign Language interpreters to deliver live interpretation during some performances, as well as to produce British Sign Language-interpreted synopses' videos.
These can be used by British Sign Language users to help with the interpretation of a production, which might not always be supported by surtitles or literal translations.
We work with a variety of British Sign Language interpreters and Drip Media to deliver our BSL resources.
Our stages and seat maps
Seat Maps
Our commitment to accessibility
We want everyone to have the best experience with the Royal Ballet and Opera - whether they are attending a performance or event, watching on Royal Ballet and Opera Stream or using our building. We have adapted many of our performances and events to provide more opportunities and a range of ways to enjoy ballet, opera and music.
If you have any questions about access, please email boxoffice@roh.org.uk or Phone – +44 (0)20 7304 4000
We are working on improving the accessibility of our resources. At the moment, our seat maps and some of our PDF-formatted resources aren’t compatible with screen readers. Please contact the boxoffice@roh.org.uk for more information on seating if you are unable to use any of them.