Wolverhampton's Beverley Knight excitedly looks ahead to her first-ever relaxed performance - with Cinderella at Birmingham Hippodrome
A relaxed performance of Cinderella will take place in Birmingham at the end of this month.
The two shows, taking place at the city centre's Hippodrome, are aimed at those with special needs.
Adaptations of the panto will include the house lights being left on, the doors left open to allow for free movement, and loud noises and lighting effects reduced.
The break areas will also include a playroom and sensory room, giving members of the audience a place to relax during the show.
Looking ahead to the show, Wolverhampton soul star Beverley Knight, who plays The Fairy Godmother, said she looks forward to being able to see the children's faces in the crowd.
“I am very excited about giving my first ever 'relaxed' performance of a show," said Beverley.
"As the house lights will be on, I’ll be able to see all the children’s expressions on their faces.
"I imagine it will be one of the most heart-warming, inspiring days of my career.”
The two special performances of Cinderella will take place on January 24.
Birmingham Hippodrome broke its record for having staged the the most relaxed performances in the theatre's history back in December, with a special rendition of The Snow Dragon in the Patrick Centre Studio.
The theatre staged six inclusive performances last year and has already committed to six for 2018, which will include classics such as Hansel and Gretel and Peter Pan.
Birmingham Royal Ballet will also have its very first relaxed performance of Sleeping Beauty on February 20.
Liz Leck, creative learning manager at Birmingham Hippodrome, said: “Everyone’s welcome here at Birmingham Hippodrome and we want to ensure we create an environment that is inclusive and suitable for people with specialist needs.
"Our relaxed performances provide an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and able to react to a show as they wish.
"I want to say a big thank you to all the supporters, volunteers and funders of our relaxed performance programme."
To find out more about the Relaxed Performance and Access Programme, call the creative learning team on 0121 689 3064 or visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com/relaxed
