Grand Programmes Second Relaxed Performance of Pantomime
Grand Programmes Second Relaxed Performance of Pantomime
The Relaxed Performance of Pantomime is celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary and to celebrate we have programmed an additional Relaxed Performance on Saturday 10th December.
The additional performance is designed for families with children who have additional needs or very young children to attend altogether. The performance and the theatre will be adapted to create a more relaxing environment whilst keeping in the magic of pantomime.
For more information or to book please contact Remy @ remyl@grandtheatre.co.uk / 01902 57 33 20
WHAT THE RELAXED PERFORMANCE MEANS TO US
Dan and Lois Raven met whilst working at the Grand in 2005 and they have two children Elliot and Anya. Dan is a General Technician in the technical department and has worked on Relaxed Performances since the beginning. When their son Elliot was diagnosed with Autism, Lois became a founding member of EMBRACE AUTISM WV a support group for parents with children on the autism spectrum in Wolverhampton. Here she explains about her lived experience,
“Relaxed Performances provide the opportunity for families like mine to experience the magic of theatre with no judgement. I came to see the panto twice last year, once with Anya and once with Elliot. We are so excited that this Christmas we will be able to come as a family group. It’s hard for Elliot to access the community. As a theatre family we attend as many events as possible but if Elliot becomes overwhelmed and starts to distract others we would leave, even if he was enjoying it. Which is really sad. As parents we feel less stressed at Relaxed Performances. There’s lots of shouting and flapping from the audience around us, but it’s an environment that is made to feel comfortable for us.” Dan added: “The key is the kids being able to do their own thing without the fear of others shushing them and we don’t have to worry about him leaving if he gets overwhelmed. The quiet rooms and sensory rooms are brilliant because we don’t need to physically leave the building, then we have the opportunity to go back into the auditorium if we can. More of these events would benefit us greatly.”
EMBRACE AUTISM WV will be holding a coffee morning in The Grand Theatre’s Encore Lounge on Thursday 12 May from 10am – 12noon.
For more information contact the support group through Facebook at Embrace Autism WV – parent support group run by parents for parents/carers.