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VocalEyes Newsletter Issue 54 Spring 2016
Welcome to the VocalEyes Spring Newsletter, issue number 54
covering the period from mid-January to May 2017. The
information in this newsletter is also available on the VocalEyes
website, vocaleyes.co.uk. VOCALEYES is a nation-wide
audio description service for blind and partially sighted people providing access to the arts.
This newsletter has been divided up into the following sections
Section 1: an Update from Toby Davey, VocalEyes Deputy
Director, with news on theatre shows, museums, galleries and
heritage sites.
Section 2: a list of audio described theatre performances with
booking details. The theatres are arranged by region. This list
includes performances at venues which are part of the
Associate Theatre programme and those supported by See-aVoice.
Section 3:
Additional Useful audio description information
and Contact Details
Section 1: Update from Toby Davey, VocalEyes Deputy Director
Welcome to our spring newsletter which is packed full of audiodescribed performances and events. Below we’ve picked out
some of the highlights of the coming months. We always
welcome feedback, so please do contact us if you have any
comments or ideas to help us make the newsletter, or your
experience of arts and culture, even better.
Theatre
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The National Theatre’s multi award winning stage production of
Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the
Night-Time will be touring in 2017, with described
performances at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Nottingham
Theatre Royal and the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead
dog. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the
mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has never ventured
alone beyond the end of his road and he detests being
touched. But his detective work takes him on a journey that
upturns his world.
English Touring Theatre: Silver Lining and Nell Gwynn
This spring will see the world première of Silver Lining, the
hilarious new comedy by Sandi Toksvig, brought to the stage
by English Touring Theatre and the Rose Theatre Kingston.
Silver Lining tells the tale of five extraordinary yet forgotten
women, who come together one treacherous night to recreate
The Great Escape – senior citizen style! There will be
described performances at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre and
the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.
And don’t miss your chance to catch English Touring
Theatre’s production of Jessica Swale’s Nell Gwynn, Winner
of the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. It will be
described at Brighton Theatre Royal.
Dance and Ballet
Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes
The tour of Matthew Bourne’s dance production of The Red
Shoes continues, with described performances at the New
Victoria Theatre Woking (fully booked), Birmingham
Hippodrome (fully booked), Nottingham Theatre Royal,
Bristol Hippodrome and the New Theatre Wimbledon. A
beloved fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red
Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of
dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s
dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.
Northern Ballet: Casanova
Northern Ballet’s new portrayal of Casanova will expose the
story of a man who lived in a whirlwind of scandal and excess
so sensational you won’t believe it’s true. There will be
described performances at Leeds Grand Theatre, Sheffield
Lyceum and Milton Keynes.
Men and Girls Dance plus Sons of Sissy at The Place,
London
London’s creative powerhouse for dance, The Place, will be
offering two audio-described dance performances this spring
with Men and Girls Dance by the internationally renowned
dance company Fevered Sleep, and Sons of Sissy by Simon
Meyer.
Men and Girls Dance brings together men who dance
professionally and girls who dance for fun, in a joyful
celebration of tenderness, empathy and love.
Sons of Sissy by Austrian choreographer Simon Meyer will
take you on an extraordinary journey into the universe of
traditional Austrian folk music and folk dance, using humour to
radically disrupt the traditional hackneyed male role models.
For lovers of musicals…
Sunny Afternoon, the captivating tale of how one of Britain’s
greatest bands, The Kinks, rose to stardom. It continues on tour
with described performances at the Wales Millennium Centre
in Cardiff and the New Theatre in Oxford.
In London’s West End there are described performances of
Mamma Mia!, The Book of Mormon, Dream Girls, Disney’s
The Lion King and Wicked.
Museums, Galleries and Heritage news
Bentley Priory Museum
Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at Bentley Priory Museum, Audio Described Handling Session
An audio described handling session exploring women’s roles at RAF Bentley Priory during the Battle
of Britain in 1940 and Second World War. There will be an opportunity to explore the Museum after
the session.
This is a free session but places are limited so please book in advance 020 8950 5526 or
[email protected].
Audio described events at National Museum Wales, Cardiff
Following on from recent training by VocalEyes, staff at the
National Museum of Wales in Cardiff continue with their audiodescribed guided tours for blind and partially sighted visitors.
Upcoming events include:
Art in Wales, audio-described tour, Thursday 9 February,
11:00.
Museum handling session in the Clore Discovery Centre,
Thursday 6 April, 14:00.
The events are FREE, but booking is essential. Sighted
companions are welcome to accompany you. If you are coming
on your own and would like guided assistance please let the
museum know when you make your booking. Call 029 2057
3240.
Audio-described events at the Museum of London and
Museum of London Docklands.
Trained guides at the Museum of London and Museum of
London Docklands are offering the following programme of
audio-described tours for blind and partially sighted visitors.
Medieval, Wednesday 18 January, 14:00
Fire! Fire! Exhibition, Friday 3 February, 18:00, (tour is free
but an £8 ticket for the exhibition must be purchased)
First Port of Empire, Wednesday 8 February, 14:00
Victorian Walk, Wednesday 15 February, 14:00
London before London, Wednesday 15 March, 14:00
City and River, Wednesday 12 April, 14:00
Expanding City, Wednesday 19 April, 14:00
These events are free unless otherwise indicated and booking
is essential. For more details and to book your place call 020
7001 9844.
Wellcome Collection accessible events
The knowledgeable Visitor Experience Assistants at the
Wellcome Collection continue with their programme of
accessible events for blind and partially sighted visitors. These
include:
Music as Healing, audio-described discussion, Sunday 29
January, 14:30.
Making Nature: How we see animals, audio-described tour,
Thursday 16 February, 18:00
These events are free but you will need to reserve your place.
For more details and to book, call the Wellcome Collection on
020 7611 2222.
Section 2: a list of audio described theatre performances
together with booking details.
The information is arranged by region as follows:
London, Cumbria, Midlands, North East, South East, South
West, the East, Yorkshire and Wales.
Please note that pricing and policy vary from venue to venue.
To find out ticket prices, further details and to book for any of
these performances, please contact the theatre direct, using
the telephone number or website address provided. Whilst
every effort has been made to ensure that details are correct,
please do double check with the theatres for dates, times and
touch tours when booking.
London
Theatre performances in London arranged in order of
performance date
DEAD FUNNY
Tuesday 17 January at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Vaudeville Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
When your marriage is deader than either Morcambe or Wise
it's hard to see the funny side of things. Terry Johnson’s
painfully funny comedy returns to the West End.
Bookings: 0330 333 4815
nimaxtheatres.com
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Tuesday 17 January at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Playhouse Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous
Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by
his investigations into the death of a young woman.
Bookings: 0844 871 7631
atgtickets.com
LITTLE MATCH GIRL
Saturday 21 January at 2.30pm, Touch Tour 12.30pm
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe
Described by VocalEyes
As our destitute heroine struggles to survive, she strikes her
matches to keep warm. Each match will conjure a new story, a
new vision, and we will hold her hand as we tumble down the
rabbit hole with her.
Bookings: 020 7902 1409
shakespearesglobe.com
MAMMA MIA!
Saturday 21 January at 3pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Novello Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
A Mother, A Daughter. 3 Possible Dads and A Trip down the
Aisle You’ll Never Forget!
Bookings: 0844 482 5165
delfontmackintosh.co.uk
THIS HOUSE
Tuesday 24 January at 7.30pm, touch Tour: 6pm
Garrick Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
Set in the engine rooms of Westminster in 1974, James
Graham’s play strips politics down to the practical realities of
those behind the scenes.
Bookings: 0330 333 4815
nimaxtheatres.com
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Saturday 28 January at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Prince of Wales Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
This award winning musical follows a pair of mismatched
Mormons sent on a mission to a place that's about as far from
Salt Lake City as you could imagine.
Bookings: 0844 482 5165
bookofmormonlondon.com
BURIED CHILD
Monday 30 January at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Trafalgar Studios
Described by VocalEyes
Casting a brutal light on disenfranchised Americans, Buried
Child is a dark, macabre and painfully funny family drama that
is as relevant now as it was almost 40 years ago.
Bookings: 0844 871 7677
atgtickets.com
Sold Out
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD PARTS ONE
AND TWO
Saturday 4 February at 2pm and 7.30pm, Touch Tours: TBC
Palace Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
This is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first
official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. It was
always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now
that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a
husband and father of three school-age children.
harrypottertheplay.com
ALL THE ANGELS
Monday 6 February at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe
Described by VocalEyes
In a Chester pub, a ragtag group of singers is the unlikely first
company to perform Handel’s Messiah to a crowd of
unappreciative drinkers. So begins the journey of the world’s
most popular and acclaimed choral work.
Bookings: 020 7902 1409
shakespearesglobe.com
ART
Monday 6 February at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Old Vic
Director Matthew Warchus reunites the entire original creative
team to revisit Yasmina Reza’s dazzling study of friendship,
prejudice and tolerance.
Bookings: 0844 871 7628
oldvictheatre.com
ESCAPED ALONE
Saturday 11 February at 3.30pm, Touch Tour: 2pm
Royal Court Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
Three old friends and a neighbour. A summer of afternoons in
the back yard. Tea and catastrophe.
Bookings: 020 7565 5000
royalcourttheatre.com
SAINT JOAN
Saturday 11 February at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1.30pm
Donmar Warehouse
Described by VocalEyes
Josie Rourke directs Gemma Arterton as Joan of Arc in
Bernard Shaw's electrifying classic.
Bookings: 020 7845 8573
donmarwarehouse.com
ROALD DAHL’S FANTASTIC MR FOX
Saturday 11 February 7pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Lyric Hammersmith
A brand new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr
Fox is family fun at its finest. A juicy tale of greed, pride and the
power of friendship.
Bookings: 020 8741 6850
lyric.co.uk
SEE ME NOW
Saturday 4 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Young Vic
In this daring new show, London sex workers share their
painful, touching and often hilarious stories.
Bookings: 020 7922 2922
youngvic.org
DREAM GIRLS
Tuesday 7 March at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Savoy Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
This musical follows the journey of the young female singing
group ‘The Dreams’ as they learn the tough lesson that show
business and stardom isn’t always as glamorous as it seems.
Bookings: 0844 871 7677
atgtickets.com
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Saturday 11 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Young Vic
Dark fantasies and nightmarish visions unfold in this bold take
on Shakespeare's unparalleled tale of love, betrayal and desire.
Bookings: 020 7922 2922
youngvic.org
THE WHITE DEVIL
Monday 13 March at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe
Described by VocalEyes
In the shadows of the court and the darkness of the human
heart, greed and lust corrupt and breed murderous atrocity.
Consumed by a violent passion for that which is forbidden to
him, the Duke of Brachiano murders his wife in order to
possess another woman.
Bookings: 020 7902 1409
shakespearesglobe.com
DISNEY'S THE LION KING
Thursday 16 March, 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 5.30pm
Described by VocalEyes
Julie Taymor’s spectacular adaptation of Disney’s awardwinning film uses masks and puppetry to create pure theatrical
magic.
Bookings: 0844 871 3006
thelionking.co.uk
WICKED
Saturday 18 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 12.30pm
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
Discover the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound
friendship between two girls and their extraordinary adventures
in Oz.
Bookings: 020 7828 7074
wickedthemusical.co.uk
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Duke of York’s Theatre
Tuesday 21 March at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
Following a multi Tony Award-nominated run on Broadway,
director John Tiffany revives his stunning staging of Tennessee
Williams’ heart-rending masterpiece.
Bookings: 020 7565 6485
atgtickets.com
SEVENTEEN
Saturday 25 March at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Lyric Hammersmith
Funny, immature, wise and a little bit sad, Seventeen will turn
our notions of adulthood and adolescence on their head.
Bookings: 020 8741 6850
Lyric.co.uk
HAMLET
Saturday 1 April at 1.30pm, Touch Tour: 11.45am
and Friday 7 April at 7pm, Touch Tour: 5.30pm
Almeida Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
Andrew Scott makes his Almeida debut in the title role and
Juliet Stevenson plays Gertrude in a new production directed
by Almeida Associate Director Robert Icke.
Bookings: 020 7288 4999
almeida.co.uk
ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD
Tuesday 4 April, 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Old Vic
Half a century after its premiere on The Old Vic stage, the play
that made a young Tom Stoppard’s name overnight, returns to
The Old Vic in its 50th anniversary celebratory production.
Bookings: 0844 871 7628
oldvictheatre.com
THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE
Saturday 8 April at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1pm
Royal Court
Described by VocalEyes
Director Simon McBurney explores the rise and fall of a
legendary film producer against the backdrop of a changing
America through the second half of the 20th century.
Bookings: 020 7565 5000
royalcourttheatre.com
LIMEHOUSE
Saturday 8 April at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1.30pm
Donmar Warehouse
Described by VocalEyes
One Sunday morning in 1981, four prominent Labour politicians
– Bill Rodgers, Shirley Williams, Roy Jenkins and David Owen
– gather in private at Owen’s home in Limehouse, east
London. Steve Waters' new drama takes us behind closed
doors to imagine the personal conflicts behind the making of
political history.
Bookings: 020 7845 8573
donmarwarehouse.com
OTHELLO
Sunday 9 April at 2pm, Touch Tour: 12.30pm
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe
Described by VocalEyes
Othello is talented and successful, but he remains an outsider,
subject to racism, jealousy and suspicion. Only Desdemona
treats him with respect and kindness. His friend, Iago, watches
Othello with unbearable jealousy and plots to undermine his
love for Desdemona.
Bookings: 020 7401 9919
shakespearesglobe.com
MATTHEW BOURNE'S THE RED SHOES
Thursday 13 April at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
New Wimbledon Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
A beloved fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The
Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of
dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s
dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.
Bookings: 0844 871 7677
atgtickets.com
MEN AND GIRLS DANCE
Saturday 22 April at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
The Place
Described by VocalEyes
Men & Girls Dance brings together two very different groups of
performers: men who dance professionally and girls who dance
for fun. It’s a joyful celebration of tenderness, empathy, and
love.
Bookings: 020 7121 1100
Theplace.org.uk
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
Tuesday 25 April at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Harold Pinter Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
James Macdonald directs Imelda Staunton, Conleth Hill, Luke
Treadaway and Imogen Poots in this new production of Edward
Albee’s landmark play.
Bookings: 0844 871 7677
atgtickets.com
SONS OF SISSY by Simon Meyer
Friday 5 May 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6.30pm
The Place
Described by VocalEyes
Sons of Sissy is part weird folk-music quartet, and part playfully
ritualised group dances. It radically disrupts the hackneyed
male role models and takes us into the universe of traditions
from which Upper Austrian choreographer, Simon Meyer
originates.
Bookings: 020 7121 1100
theplace.org.uk
ROMEO AND JULIET
Sunday 7 May at 1pm, Touch Tour: 11am
Shakespeare’s Globe
Described by VocalEyes
Daniel Kramer, Artistic Director of English National Opera,
brings Shakespeare’s timeless ritual of love and death to the
Globe stage in a vibrant, volatile production.
Bookings: 020 7902 1409
shakespearesglobe.com
DON JUAN IN SOHO
Tuesday 9 May at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Wyndham’s Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
David Tennant stars in this West End premiere of the savagely
funny and filthy play written and directed by Patrick Marber.
Loosely based on Molière's tragicomedy 'Don Juan', this
modern update transports the action to contemporary London
and follows the final adventures of its debauched protagonist.
Bookings: 0844 482 5137
delmack.co.uk
Cumbria
Audio Described Theatre performances in Cumbria
At Theatre by the Lake Keswick
ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE - SILVER LINING
Saturday 25 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 12.30pm
Described by VocalEyes
Silver Lining is the hilarious and heartbreaking new comedy by
writer, actor and presenter Sandi Toksvig. One dark and stormy
night in the Silver Retirement Home, five elderly ladies are
trading stories. With the flood waters rising, they are going to
have to sort it themselves…
Theatre by the Lake Box office: 01768 774 411
theatrebythelake.com
Midlands
Audio Described performances in The Midlands, arranged
alphabetically by venue.
At Birmingham Hippodrome there are two audio-described
performances:
DICK WHITTINGTON
Wednesday 18 January at 2pm, Touch Tour: 12.30pm
and Saturday 21 January at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1pm
Starring John Barrowman, Steve McFadden, The Krankies,
Matt Slack and Jodie Prenger. Expect plenty of laughs,
outrageous costumes, wonderful sets and amazing special
effects.
MATTHEW BOURNE'S THE RED SHOES (fully booked)
Saturday 11 February at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
A beloved fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The
Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of
dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s
dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.
Birmingham Hippodrome Box Office: 0844 338 5000
birminghamhippodrome.com
At Birmingham Repertory Theatre there are five audiodescribed performances:
WHAT'S IN A NAME
Monday 6 February at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
Vincent and Anna are expecting a baby, but when Vincent
reveals the chosen name during a sophisticated dinner party,
the evening spirals hysterically out of control.
LOVE
Thursday 9 February at 7.45pm, touch tour: 6.15pm
In the run up to Christmas, three families are in cramped
temporary accommodation, complete strangers forced together.
This modern tale bears witness to an intimate story of hope,
family love and courage.
Amédée
Thursday 9 March at 7.45pm, touch Tour: 6.15pm
Frustrated playwright Amédée is still trying to finish the play he
started writing 16 years ago. Meanwhile, his wife Madeleine
works hard to keep them. But the couple are keeping a secret,
they urgently need to get rid of!
ONE LOVE
Saturday 1 April at 4pm, Touch Tour: 2.30pm
Set across a dramatic period in the music legend's life, The Bob
Marley Musical tells the story of a man propelled from rising
reggae star to global icon.
TO SIR, WITH LOVE
Saturday 6 May at 2pm, Touch Tour: 12.30pm
Rick has fought for his country, but is still fighting for
acceptance. The reality of life as a black man in post-war
Britain hits him and he is forced to take a teaching post in a
tough inner city school.
Birmingham repertory Theatre Box Office 0121 236 4455
birmingham-rep.co.uk
At the Theatre Royal Nottingham, there are two audio
described performances:
MATTHEW BOURNE'S THE RED SHOES
Saturday 11 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Saturday 8 April at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 12.30pm
Described by VocalEyes
Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain while
ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under
suspicion of killing Mrs Shears' dog, it takes him on a journey
that upturns his world...
Nottingham theatre royal Box Office: 0115 989 5555
trch.co.uk/access
North East
Audio described performances in the North East arranged
alphabetically by venue.
At Live theatre, Newcastle:
THE RED LION
Saturday 6 May 2pm, Touch Tour: 1pm
Set in the ultra-competitive twilight world of semi-professional
football, this powerful, funny and touching drama reaches
beyond the beautiful game, exploring ideas about loyalty and
ambition, from three different generations.
Live theatre Box Office 0191 232 1232
live.org.uk
At Newcastle Theatre Royal, four audio described
performances.
OPERA NORTH: CINDERELLA
Saturday 4 march at 2pm, Touch Tour: 12.45pm
A much-loved fairy tale, but not quite as you know it. In this
fresh and witty production, set to the brilliance of Rossini’s
music, Cinderella scrubs the floor of a dance school and
dreams of a better life. A prince arrives seeking a companion
and so this sparkling romcom is set in motion.
OPERA NORTH: HANSEL AND GRETEL
Saturday 4 March at 7pm, no touch tour
From a poor home, brother and sister escape to the world of
the forest, both idyllic and dangerous. Humperdinck’s music
magically evokes the contrasting worlds of the story, whilst this
contemporary take on a classic story reveals the perils of
growing up!
NOT DEAD ENOUGH
Saturday 25 March at 2.30pm, no touch tour
On the night Brian Bishop murdered his wife, he was sixty miles
away, asleep in bed. At least that’s what he claims. But as
Detective Superintendent Roy Grace deals with the
disappearance of his own wife, it becomes clear that love can
be a dangerous thing.
MAMMA MIA!
Saturday 8 April at 2.30pm, No Touch Tour
A Mother, A Daughter. 3 Possible Dads and A Trip down the
Aisle You’ll Never Forget!
Newcastle Theatre Royal box office 0844 811 2121
theatreroyal.co.uk
At Northern Stage, Newcastle, there are three audio
described performances.
HEDDA GABLER
Saturday 4 March at 2pm, Touch Tour: 12pm
When promises are broken, an old flame comes to town,
blackmail and scandal are threatened. Hedda has to decide:
must she submit, and knuckle under, or is it possible to take
control and tear it all down?
DR FRANKENSTEIN
Saturday 11 march at 2pm, Touch Tour: 12pm
This psychologically disturbing new version of Mary
Shelley's story tells of power, fear and revenge; and the terrible
destructive power of the human animal.
EAST IS EAST
Saturday 13 May at 2pm, Touch Tour: 12.30pm
Chip shop owner George has his work cut out as head of the
Khan household. Back in George’s homeland Pakistan, a father
rules the house; but in 1970s Salford, his teenage children are
proving quite the challenge.
Northern Stage Box Office: 0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
The East
Audio described performances in the East Arranged by
venue in alphabetical order
At The Mercury Theatre, Colchester, two audio described
performances:
BANG BANG
Saturday 11 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1.30pm
John Cleese collaborates with the Mercury Theatre to bring
this rarely performed comedy classic to the stage, directed by
veteran of theatre, television and radio, Nicky Henson. Saucy
secrets unravel as the devilish Duchotel finds himself snared in
a door-slamming, trouser-dropping, balcony-climbing night of
chaos set in the stylish apartments of Paris.
SPAMALOT
Thursday 11 may at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1.30pm
Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty
Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of
misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious
Frenchmen.
Mercury Theatre Box Office 01206 573948
mercurytheatre.co.uk
At Milton Keynes Theatre, one audio described performance:
NORTHERN BALLET'S CASANOVA
Saturday 22 April at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 12noon
Described by VocalEyes
Consumed by his desires, Casanova lived every minute in a
whirlwind of scandal and excess. This spine-tingling spectacle
of 18th century decadence will flood your senses and take your
breath away.
Milton Keynes theatre box office08448717677
atgtickets.com
South East
Audio Described performances in the South East arranged
by venue in alphabetical order.
At Aylesbury Waterside Theatre one audio-described
performance:
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Friday 10 February at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 5.30pm
Described by VocalEyes
Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain - while
ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under
suspicion of killing Mrs Shears' dog, it takes him on a journey
that upturns his world...
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre box office: 0844 871 7607
atgtickets.com
At Brighton Theatre Royal, one audio described performance:
ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE: NELL GWYNN
Saturday 11 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1pm
Described by VocalEyes
1660 Drury Lane. A young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for
sixpence. Little does she know who is in the audience. Charles
II has cast off London’s drab, puritanical past with a love of all
things loud, French and sexy.
Brighton Theatre Royal box office 0844 871 7677
atgtickets.com
At New Oxford Theatre one audio described performances.
SUNNY AFTERNOON
Wednesday 1 February at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
This musical tells the captivating tale of how one of Britain’s
greatest bands, The Kinks, rose to stardom.
New Theatre Oxford Access Line 01865 320 772
atgtickets.com
At the New Victoria Theatre, Woking one audio described
performances.
MATTHEW BOURNE'S THE RED SHOES (fully booked)
Saturday 4 February at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
A beloved fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The
Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of
dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s
dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.
New Victoria Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7645
atgtickets.com
At Oxford Playhouse, two Audio Described performances:
ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE: SILVER LINING
Saturday 25 February at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1pm
Described by VocalEyes
Silver Lining is the hilarious and heartbreaking new comedy by
writer, actor and presenter Sandi Toksvig. One dark and stormy
night in the Silver Retirement Home, five elderly ladies are
trading stories. With the flood waters rising, they are going to
have to sort it themselves…
PYGMALION
Saturday 22 April at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1pm
Over one hundred years after it was written, this radical new
production by Headlong Theatre Company explores one of the
most celebrated comedies of the 20th century.
Oxford Playhouse theatre Box Office: 01865 305 305
oxfordplayhouse.com
South West
Bristol Hippodrome
MATTHEW BOURNE'S THE RED SHOES
Thursday 6 April at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
A beloved fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The
Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of
dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s
dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.
Bristol Hippodrome box office: 0117 3023222
atgtickets.com
Yorkshire
Audio described performances arranged by venue in
alphabetical order.
At Leeds Grand Theatre:
NORTHERN BALLET: CASANOVA
Saturday 18 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 12noon
Described by VocalEyes
Consumed by his desires, Casanova lived every minute in a
whirlwind of scandal and excess. This spine-tingling spectacle
of 18th century decadence will flood your senses and take your
breath away.
Leeds Grand Theatre Box Office 0844 848 2700
leedsgrandtheatre.com
Sheffield Theatres - comprising the Crucible, the Lyceum and
the Crucible Studio. There are thirteen audio described
performances: Where no touch tour is mentioned, please
contact the theatre direct for further details.
SISTER ACT, Thursday 19 January at 7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco
diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a
murder. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship,
sisterhood and music.
BLOOD BROTHERS, Thursday 2 February at 7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the
captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth,
grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with
fateful consequences.
GHOST, Thursday 9 February at 7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
Taking its inspiration from the classic movie, this innovative
reimagining will feature an expanded book, new music and
original staging.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Thursday 16 February at
7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s
murder mystery, but, everything that can go wrong… does! As
the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to
reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue!
GASLIGHT, Monday 27 February at 7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
While Jack Manningham is on the town each evening his wife
Bella is home alone. She can’t explain the mysterious footsteps
overhead or the ghostly flickering of living room gaslight - is she
losing her mind? The surprise arrival of a retired detective leads
to a shocking discovery.
A PASSIONATE WOMAN, Thursday 2 March at 7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
On the morning of her son’s wedding, Betty retreats to her attic
where she relives her long-lost youth and the love affair she
had in the 1960s. Betty finds herself torn between a husband
she never loved, a son about to leave and the man she shared
a passionate affair with.
RUNNING WILD Saturday 11 March at 2pm, Touch Tour:
12.30pm
Lyceum Theatre
For Lilly, going to Indonesia isn’t just another holiday with mum.
It’s a new start, and the chance to ride an elephant called
Oona. But then the tsunami hit – and Oona charges into the
jungle, with her young rider desperately clinging on.
DR FRANKENSTEIN Thursday 23 March at 7.30pm
Crucible Theatre
Women are not allowed to study medicine in England, so
Victoria travels to Bavaria and becomes Dr Frankenstein.
Victoria’s experiments lead her to the secret of life itself. In the
dark of night, a creature is given life. There will be
consequences.
NORTHERN BALLET: CASANOVA Saturday 1 April at 3pm,
Touch Tour: 12.30pm
Lyceum Theatre
Described by VocalEyes
THE FULL MONTY Thursday 13 April at 7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
Based on his smash hit, this hilarious and heartfelt production
features great songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and
Tom Jones. You really should...drop absolutely everything and
book today!
JANE EYRE Thursday 20 April at 7.15pm
Lyceum Theatre
This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight
for freedom and fulfilment. Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces
life’s obstacles head-on, surviving poverty, injustice and the
discovery of bitter betrayal.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Thursday 27 April at 7.45pm
Lyceum Theatre
Shirley is a Liverpool housewife. Her kids have left home and
she makes chips and egg for her husband while talking to the
wall. When her best friend offers her trip to Greece Shirley
heads for the sun and starts to see the world and herself very
differently.
FANTASTIC MR FOX Thursday 4 May 1.30pm
Lyceum Theatre
Mr Fox is smart, clever and rather fantastic. But can he hatch a
plan to save his family and friends? Can they outrun the
diggers and outsmart the farmers? And can Rabbit shut up long
enough not to give the game away?
For performances at the Lyceum, Crucible and Crucible
Studios call Sheffield Theatres Box Office 0114 2496000
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
At West Yorkshire Playhouse
THE WITCHES
Saturday 21 January at 1.15pm, touch Tour - Please check with
the box office when booking.
Roald Dahl’s scariest book is brought to life in a tremendously
terrifying treat for the whole family.
Bookings: 0113 213 7700
wyp.org.uk
At York Theatre Royal, two Audio Described Performances:
CINDERELLA
Thursday 19 January at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6pm
and on Saturday 21 January at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1.30pm
Following an astounding panto at the National Railway
Museum, Berwick and the gang are back in the refurbished
York Theatre Royal! Berwick’s 38th outing as dame will be a
Cinderella like no other!
MURDER, MARGARET AND ME
Thursday 2 March at 7.30pm, Touch Tour: 6.30pm
and Saturday 4 March at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: 1.30pm
York Theatre Royal Box Office: 01903 623 568
yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
Wales
At Wales Millennium Centre, there are three audio described
performances.
SUNNY AFTERNOON
Saturday 21 January at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
This musical tells the captivating tale of how one of Britain’s
greatest bands, The Kinks, rose to stardom.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Saturday 25 February at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
As the Bennet sisters haplessly search for love in Jane
Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy, it is Mr Darcy who
unwittingly finds his match.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Saturday 6 May at 2.30pm, Touch Tour: TBC
Described by VocalEyes
Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain - while
ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under
suspicion of killing Mrs Shears' dog, it takes him on a journey
that upturns his world...
Wales Millennium Centre Box Office: 029 2063 6464
wmc.org.uk
Section 3: Additional useful information about audio description services.
This section includes details on how to book, Introductory CDs,
Touch Tours and Headsets.
For a theatre performance, call the bookings number given with
the individual theatre in Section 2 of this newsletter. Please
ensure that you tell the operator that you are booking for an
audio described performance, so that you qualify for any ticket
discounts. You will then be asked a series of questions relating
to your booking, for example how many headsets you require.
This is to enable us and the venue to best prepare for your visit.
If you would like to go to a gallery or heritage site, there is
sometimes no need to make a booking in advance. Contact
details can be found on the museum, gallery or heritage event
page in the What’s On section, or by selecting the venues page
of our website, vocaleyes.co.uk.
For every VocalEyes theatre performance you book, an
introductory CD will be sent out a few days in advance. You
can also hear this same information on the VocalEyes
accessible website, by going to the What’s On page. Under the
copy text for the event and the Box office number is a heading
titled ‘Audio’ followed by a button to play or pause the audio file.
Under this is a further link to download the audio file.
This introductory information provides a description of the sets,
costumes and characters in the production, as well as
information on the theatre’s accessibility, facilities and layout.
Fifteen minutes before the performance is due to start, the
describers will repeat the production information, updating you
on any changes.
VocalEyes tries to ensure that a free touch tour is made
available before each performance. The touch tour is an
opportunity to go on stage and take a closer look at the set and
props and, where possible, meet some of the cast. Tours
generally take place an hour and a half before the show begins
and last for up to 30 minutes.
The VocalEyes headset is a simple and discreet stethoscope
design. It is lightweight, hangs down from both ears and has a
control for the volume level.
The information in this newsletter is also available in Braille, by
email and in clear print. If you wish to receive it in a different
format please contact us at:
First Floor, 54 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT
Telephone - 0207 375 1043
You can email us on: [email protected]
or visit our website at - VocalEyes.co.uk
VocalEyes is a nationwide audio description service for blind
and partially sighted people - providing access to the arts.
It is a registered charity, number 10-67-245, and receives funding from Arts Council England.
This is the end of the newsletter.