Supported performances
We offer a range of perfroamnces that are:
- audio described
- BSL interpreted
- captioned
We also offer a Relaxed Performance of the Pantomime
every year.
The free MobileConnect app allows you to connect to audio
description or an enhanced show soundtrack through your mobile
device with your own headphones
Audio described
performances
Audio described performances are available for several
productions each season, usually matinees. They can be booked by
calling 029 2087 8889.
Reduced price tickets are available in the front Stalls
for each visually impaired visitor and one companion.
Visually impaired people may be entitled to a free or
heavily discounted ticket for their personal assistant/carer.
Please speak to Box Office before booking your tickets.
Audio description is a live commentary given by a trained
describer, interspersed with the actors' dialogue. Description is
relayed via discreet headsets linked to the infrared audio system
or via the MobileConnect app. You can use your
personal device to access MobileConnect, alternatively we offer
mobile devices here at the theatre which you are welcome to borrow,
as an alternative to the infrared headsets.
Infrared
headsets
Infrared headsets are available from the front of house
management office on arrival - please ask a member of staff. The
description starts 15 minutes before the performance with details
of the set, scenery, characters and forthcoming audio descriptions.
Please talk to a member of Front of House staff when you arrive
about collecting your headset.
When booking for an Audio Described performance, please
indicate your preferred seats and the number of headsets you
require, if you're not using MobileConnect. Please note that a
returnable £5 deposit is required.
The Infra Red signal for these headsets does not reach a
small number of seats in the stalls area so please speak to our box
office prior to booking your seats. MobileConnect is available
everywhere in the auditorium.
Large print and Braille
Free cast lists in large print and Braille and
pre-production notes are available for a small number of
productions on request in advance.
Our staff can also bring interval drinks to the seats of
visually impaired people on request. Please speak to a
staff member before the show
begins.
British Sign Language Interpreted
Performances
The New Theatre offers British Sign Language interpreted
performances for several shows each season. In an interpreted
performance, our registered qualified British Sign Language
interpreter stands to one side of the stage, interpreting the text
into British Sign Language alongside the live
performance.
For these performances, a block of reduced price front
Stalls seats is reserved for D/deaf people to ensure a good view of
the interpreter. Please call 029 2087 8889 to book stating that you
will be using this service.
Whenever possible we will provide the details in advance
of the BSL interpreter in our brochure
and on the website.
Captioned
performances
We offer captioned performances for several productions
throughout the year. Captioning converts the spoken word into text
that provides people with hearing loss with access to live
performance.
In captioned performances, the words appear on a screen
usually on the right hand side of the stage at the same time
as they are sung or spoken. Captions also include sound effects and
offstage noises.
Reduced price seats at the front of the Stalls are set
aside for captioned performances.
Please call 029 2087 8889 to book stating that you will be
using this service.
Hearing enhancement and
headsets
To enhance enjoyment for people who are hearing impaired,
an Infrared audio system is available throughout the
auditorium. You can also use
MobileConnect.
Headsets are available for anyone who is hearing impaired
or wishes to use the audio description service available for
certain performances.
There are two different types of headsets available. The
first requires hearing aids to be removed, as it fits into the
ears. There are three settings giving amplified sound in one or
both ears or providing audio description of the performance in one
ear.
Alternatively, there is a headset that is placed around
the neck and requires hearing aids to be switched to the 'T'
setting. Please note this type of headset is not always compatible
with newer models of hearing aids.
We recommend the advance booking of headsets. Please call
029 2087 8790 to book your headset.
You can collect your headset before the performance from
the Front of House office in the Stalls bar area.
Please note that a returnable £5 deposit is
required.
The Infrared signal for these headsets does not reach a
small number of seats in the stalls area so please speak to our box
office prior to booking your seats.
For people using hearing
aids
An induction loop system service is available at the right
hand counter of the Box Office for bookings and customer enquiries.
Please note there is not an induction loop in the auditorium (see
options above).
Relaxed performances
We offer relaxed performances of the pantomime for people
with autism, learning disabilities and sensory and communication
disorders. Please ask at Box Office for details.
For any assistance during your visit, please ask our
friendly staff. As part of our commitment to access for all, all
staff receive basic disability awareness
training.
Support dogs
Hearing dogs, guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome
in the theatre. We can offer suitable seats on request when
you book. Staff can care for support dogs during your visit on
request. If you would like to arrange this in advance
please phone the Front of House Management office on 029
2087 8790.
Please ask for information on special effects that might
affect the comfort of your dog during the performance.
We welcome feedback on our customer service. During your
visit, please contact the Duty Manager with any special
requirements and ask them to pass on your comments.
Please raise any problems during your visit as you
encounter them. We will do our best to resolve them there and then
to your satisfaction.
If you wish to provide more detailed feedback after a
performance, you can email us ntmailings@cardiff.gov.uk, or
telephone us on 02920 87 88 89.
Information for people with sensory and communication
needs
Your visit
The auditorium will be open approximately 30 minutes prior to
the start of the show. The bar will be open at this time and there
are foyer areas on each level of the theatre where you can
wait.
These areas may get crowded at this time. Tickets are required
for entry into the theatre and you will need to show them to Front
of House staff, who will direct you to your allocated seat. The row
and seat number will be printed on the ticket.
If you would like to go to your seat before everyone else does,
please ask a member of staff who will arrange this for
you.
Our visual
story provides images and an overview of the theatre-going
experience for anyone who would like to find out more before they
arrive. We can also arrange for visits to the theatre in advance of
a performance. Call 02920 8787 90 to arrange this with out House
Management team.
The performance
Before the performance begins there will be people walking in
and out of the auditorium looking for their seats. There may be
some music playing and an announcement may be made to the
audience.
Just before the performance begins, the lights will be dimmed in
the auditorium. The curtain will be raised and the audience sit
quietly, waiting for the action to begin. There may be laughter or
clapping during the performance.
There is usually an interval about half way through the
performance. The audience claps and the safety curtain will be
lowered. The lights come on and people have the option to go into
the foyer areas for refreshments or to use the toilet.
The interval will last around 20 minutes and there will be an
announcement advising people to take their seats for the second
act. The lights are dimmed once more and the curtain will be
raised.
At the end of the performance the audience claps, the curtain
will be lowered and the lights will go on again. It can take a few
minutes for the audience to filter out of the auditorium and there
can be large crowds at this point.
Please note that some performances contain strobe lighting, loud
bangs (such as gunshots), loud music and flashing lights. Please
check with Box Office when you book tickets whether the show
contains these elements. There will also be signs on the doors to
advise people of this prior to entry.