West End Shows Offer Joint Audio Schedule

For the first time ever, over 20 West End shows will present a co-ordinated schedule of audio-described and sign language interpreted performances for visually impaired and deaf theatre-goers.

From this spring through autumn 2000, there will be sign language interpreted performances of London productions including Speed-the-Plow, Passion Play, Cressida and The Mousetrap.

There will be audio-described performances for shows including popular musicals like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Cats and Whistle Down the Wind and dramas such as Orpheus Descending, Mother Courage, An Inspector Calls and The Tempest at Shakespeare's Globe.

For audio-described performances, two trained describers prepare and perform a script commenting on the costumes, movement, body language and facial expressions. The descriptions are heard in the pauses, so as not to detract from the action, and are received via a discreet headset using wireless infrared technology.

As part of the project, devised by the Society of London Theatre and funded by a grant from the Arts Council of England's New Audiences Programme, behind-the-scenes touch tours will also be offered on a number of West End shows.

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