Assisted Performances
We offer a range of assisted performances for My Neighbour Totoro, including audio described, British Sign Language-integrated, captioned (both by the stage and hand-held) and relaxed performances. We also offer supporting resources including audio notes, a BSL synopsis video and a sonic story, which can be found below.
Age guidance: 6+. This production is not suitable for children under four years of age, including babes in arms. Younger children and babes in arms are welcome at our relaxed performances.
To learn more about the venue see the Barbican's Access guide page, where you can take a video guided tour of the theatre, download audio guides and request a visual story for the building.
Suported Resources
Please note resources are based on the 2022/23 production of My Neighbour Totoro.
Audio
Sign Language
Sonic Story
Visual Story
ABOUT ASSISTED PERFORMANCES
Audio described performances include a live commentary giving details of all the visual aspects of a production. The commentary is interspersed with the actors' dialogue. Before the play begins you can hear an introduction to the production which gives details of the set, costumes and characters. The commentary is delivered via radio headsets, available from the cloakroom desk in the theatre foyer before the performance.
We offer performances with integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation where the interpreter is directed as part of the action onstage. You will see the interpreter interacting with the actors onstage and they will be in costume.
Captioning is live subtitling for theatre. The character names and what they are saying are displayed on large screens next to the stage. The subtitles run at the same time that the lines are said, along with sound effects.
A relaxed performance is where the ambience of the auditorium and theatre 'rules' are relaxed. The performance may also be adapted to support people's needs; for instance, loud noises and music might be turned down. These performances are ideal for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
For more information on assisted performances offered by the Royal Shakespeare Company, see our Assisted Performances page.