Alhambra Theatre in Bradford to stage Access Performances for Pinocchio panto including two Relaxed Performances on Tuesday 7 January 2025 at 1pm & 6pm
The Alhambra Theatre’s pantomime, PINOCCHIO, opened on 7 December to packed houses and will run for the next 5 weeks in Bradford. The panto run includes a range of Access Performances: Sign Language Interpreted, Audio Described, Captioned and two Relaxed Performances.
Panto legend, Billy Pearce, leads the star-studded line-up of the festive spectacular as Geppetto, alongside Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne as the evil Stromboli; and Drag Superstar Courtney Act as the Blue Faerie. They are joined by panto veteran Steve Arnott (Dame Rita), Ewan Goddard (in the titular role of Pinocchio), West Yorkshire local Sarah Pearson (Phyllis The Fox), Leeds-born Monique Ashe-Palmer (Kitty The Cat), and Nicholas McLean (Jiminy Cricket).
Bradford Theatres and Crossroads Pantomimes are committed to delivering a range of accessible performances to ensure that all customers can enjoy the annual pantomime. These include two Sign Language Interpreted performances (Thursday 12 December 2pm & Sunday 12 January 5pm); two Audio Described performances (Thursday 2 January 2.30pm & 7.15pm); a Captioned performance (Sunday 5 January 5pm); and for the first time during the pantomime season, there will be two Relaxed Performances (Tuesday 7 January 1pm & 6pm).
A relaxed performance is a show that's been adapted to suit people who might require a more relaxed environment when going to the theatre. Usually these are adults or children with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication disorders. Relaxed performances provide the exact same production that any audience would enjoy, but with an atmosphere and attitude in the auditorium which makes everyone feel safe and comfortable.
At a relaxed performance audience members are free to come and go from the auditorium as they wish, even during the show; and to express themselves as loudly as they like, or with physical movement, without judgement. Audiences may also notice altered sound and lighting to reduce sensory overload; chill-out areas to enjoy before, during or after the show; these performances are BSL interpreted; and there is access to a Visual Story to familiarise yourself with the theatre and show before attending the performance.
Adam Renton General Manager Bradford Theatres commented:
“It’s a pleasure to be able to host our usual wide range of accessible performances again this year for the pantomime. We are looking forward to welcoming the widest audience possible to enjoy this festive show. I hope that our inclusive welcome and relaxed atmosphere will give everyone the chance to come and experience pantomime in Bradford this year. At the relaxed performance our front of house and box office teams are there to give you all the support you need to enjoy the show, including the provision of break-out spaces and areas to relax outside the auditorium. We’re there to help every step of the way as you plan your magical trip to the pantomime.
I can’t wait to welcome customers, their friends, families and school groups back to share some festive magic, especially as we celebrate our theatre’s 110th anniversary and look forward to 2025, when Bradford becomes the UK’s City of Culture!”
Pinocchio is produced by the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the team behind the 2023 production of Cinderella, Crossroads Pantomimes.
Featuring stunning sets and costumes, fantastic special effects and laugh-out-loud comedy, the 2024 Alhambra Theatre panto is guaranteed to be everything Bradford audiences have come to expect from their annual festive production.
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