Audio description is delivered through special receivers that help blind and visually impaired audiences enjoy films and live theatre by providing spoken descriptions of key visual elements, such as actions, gestures, costumes and scenery.

For films, audio description is delivered through a soundtrack that plays alongside the dialogue. In theatre, a trained audio describer sits at the back of the auditorium with a clear view of the stage and delivers live descriptions via special receivers.

All four of Eden Court’s major performance spaces are equipped with infrared equipment and special receivers are available from the Box Office team for blind and visually impaired patrons. These receivers deliver the audio description directly to those who need it and there is no difference to the performance or film for other audience members.

Relaxed Performances are designed to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for audiences who may find traditional theatre settings challenging.

To support this, we make several adjustments to the space, which may include:

• House lights left on
• Reduced sound levels
• Freedom to move around during the performance
• Use of electronic devices permitted
• Visual stories provided where possible

These performances are ideal for neurodivergent audiences, those with sensory sensitivities, families and anyone who benefits from a more flexible environment.

“As a family, we know from first-hand experience the impact of being asked to leave a theatre. Relaxed performances have grown from early autism-friendly theatre initiatives which recognised that it was often the environment creating barriers rather than the audience themselves. For many neurodivergent people, attending live performance once came with real uncertainty about whether they would feel understood or welcomed.

Having had the privilege of working on early autism-friendly performances, it became clear that small but thoughtful adjustments could make a huge difference. Families who had previously felt excluded were able to experience theatre together with confidence; many for the first time. That learning continued through collaborations with the National Theatre of Scotland, including the development of autism-friendly performances of Dragon, first presented at Eden Court, and through ongoing partnerships with companies such as Eden Court's pantomime co-producers Imagine Theatre, demonstrating how inclusive practice could work across both national companies and touring commercial productions.

Relaxed performances continue to show how thoughtful environmental change allows more autistic and neurodivergent people to experience theatre in ways that feel comfortable, welcoming and genuinely inclusive. Special thanks to Eden Court, alongside the creative teams, casts, producers and practitioners who embraced and supported early autism-friendly and relaxed performances, and whose commitment has helped, and continues to help, make live theatre accessible for everyone to enjoy."

– Glyn Morris, Friendly Access

BSL Interpreted Performances support patrons who use British Sign Language (BSL). During these performances, the show is interpreted by trained and experienced BSL performance interpreters, allowing patrons to fully engage with the story, emotion and dialogue.   

Interpreters may be positioned statically (side of stage), partially integrated/embedded (positioned more closely to the action according to scene/set layout) or fully integrated/embedded into the performance (shadowing/mirroring, acting and moving among actors) as part of the artistic, dramatic and choreographic action, in order to provide a more inclusive and engaging experience for Deaf audiences. 

Everyone is welcome at these performances. 

"Performance interpreting has allowed accessibility to the arts for BSL users.  As someone who loves theatre, I couldn’t imagine my life without it.  It is a privilege to be part of performances on stage, giving BSL users the same experience and enjoyment.  Eden Court Highlands, the first theatre to provide fully integrated performances, is a trailblazer in ensuring the best accessibility and engagement with the Deaf community."

– Rebecca Goodall, BSL/English Performance Interpreter

Captioned Performances are designed for deaf and hard of hearing patrons. A small screen, usually positioned to the side of the stage, displays live, real-time captions of the spoken dialogue and sound effects.

This ensures audiences can follow the performance clearly and confidently.

Touch Tours are offered alongside selected Audio Described Performances and are specifically designed for blind and visually impaired patrons and their companions.

These free, behind-the-scenes tours take place before the performance and allow participants to:

• Walk on the stage
• Feel costumes and props
• Explore the set
• Learn where objects appear during the show and how they relate to the story

Touch Tours help build a richer understanding of the production before experiencing it live.