I’ve just come off stage after a phenomenal show to a packed house at the Norwich Playhouse. As always the wonderful Chopin was there with me, but tonight British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter Martin (my tics initially introduced him as our ‘stripper’) was also on stage.
Central to Backstage in Biscuit Land is the idea that making theatre accessible makes it better, and ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy the show is very important to us. We have a number of BSL-interpreted dates on the tour including Cambridge, London, Harlow and Ramsgate (more info here).
Before tonight’s performance we also had our first touch tour. Touch tours enable audience members to explore the set, the props and the costumes before the show starts. They can be particularly useful for blind or partially-sighted people, but they’re great for anyone. We can do a touch tour at any show, so please get in touch if you’d like one.
Every show we do is relaxed. This means we extend a warm welcome to people who may find it difficult to follow the usual conventions of theatre etiquette, including anyone who may move around or make noises.
There were several other people with Tourettes in tonight’s audience and it felt great to know that everyone was actually experiencing an inclusive environment, not just hearing about what that means from me.
There’ve been a few shows where I’ve been approached afterwards by the parents of young people with Tourettes, some saying their child hadn’t wanted to come because they were worried about making noises. I want everyone to know that tics are very welcome in Biscuit Land. If you’re thinking about coming but are worried about what to expect you can download our visual story or drop us a line.
I’m off to bed now to swap Biscuit Land for Dream Land.