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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.