Jersey Opera House expands access to pantomime with Relaxed, BSL and Audio Described performances

Jersey Opera House is making this year’s pantomime more accessible to audiences across the Island, with dedicated Relaxed, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted, and Audio Described performances of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Co-produced by Evolution Productions, Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Jersey Opera House from Friday 18 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with the three accessible performances designed to ensure more people can enjoy the excitement, humour and magic of a traditional family pantomime.

The programme forms part of Jersey Opera House’s wider commitment to improving accessibility and removing barriers that can prevent people from experiencing live theatre.

BSL Interpreted Performance – Tuesday 22nd December 7pm

For the BSL interpreted performance, Andrew Higgins, a British Sign Language interpreter will translate the spoken dialogue, songs and key elements of the production live for D/deaf and BSL-using audience members.

Andrew will be positioned so that customers booking the designated seating area can clearly see both the interpretation and the action taking place on stage.

The performance will enable BSL users to experience the story, jokes, songs and atmosphere of pantomime alongside the wider audience.

Audio Described Performance – Tuesday 29th December 2pm & 7pm

The Audio Described performances will support blind and visually impaired audience members by providing live verbal descriptions of the production.

Through a headset, customers will hear descriptions by Audio Describer Clare Le May, helping to communicate elements such as characters, costumes, movement, scenery and visual action.

Ahead of the Audio Described performance, a Touch Tour will also be available, giving blind and visually impaired audience members the opportunity to familiarise themselves with elements of the production before the show, including selected props, costumes and parts of the set. Further information and booking details are available from the Box Office.

Relaxed Performance – Sunday 3 January, 1pm

The Relaxed Performance has been designed for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment. This may include autistic and neurodivergent people, those with sensory sensitivities, living with Dementia or learning disabilities, families with young children, and anyone who may find a traditional theatre setting challenging.

The performance itself will retain all the fun and excitement of Jack and the Beanstalk, while adjustments will be made to elements such as lighting and sound where appropriate. Audience members will be able to move around or leave and re-enter the auditorium if they need to, and there will be no expectation to remain completely still or quiet throughout the performance.

Jersey Opera House has also adapted the Stalls seating plan specifically for the performance. Rows K, L and M will be removed to provide eight additional wheelchair spaces with companion seating, alongside the existing wheelchair spaces at the rear of the Stalls.

Additional space will be provided between bookings in designated areas of the auditorium, helping audiences choose seating that best suits their individual needs.

A new Relaxed Performance infographic and dedicated seating plan have also been created to help customers understand the adjustments being made and the different seating options available. These can be viewed on the Jersey Opera House website or requested directly from the Box Office team.

Complimentary companion tickets are available for customers who require assistance and are not limited to wheelchair users.

The Relaxed Performance is open to everyone, and customers do not need to have a diagnosed condition or disability to attend.

Making theatre accessible to more Islanders

Rebecca Stanier, Programme Manager at Jersey Opera House, said:

“Providing Islanders with opportunities to experience exciting live theatre is the heart of what we do, being able to offer these accessible performances is a big step towards encouraging even more audience members to visit the Opera House, removing access barriers. It felt like the perfect opportunity to focus on providing these accessible performances for our biggest production and longest running show this year – Pantomime.”

Evolution Productions, producers of Jack and the Beanstalk, said:

“At Evolution, we have extensive experience making the joy and magic of pantomime accessible to everyone. We love creating opportunities for all audiences to enjoy the laughter, spectacle and shared magic of live theatre at Christmas.

We’re delighted to be working with Jersey Opera House to bring audiences together for our spectacular and hilarious show, creating wonderful memories for the whole family!” 

This year’s production is presented in partnership with the Channel Islands Co-operative Society.

David McGrath of The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, said:

"The Jersey Opera House is an important part of our island's cultural heritage, and we're incredibly proud to support its first professional Christmas pantomime as headline sponsor. At the Coop, we're committed to investing in the communities we serve, and this partnership is about helping create moments that bring people together. As a food retailer, we're naturally pleased to see a story where a bag of beans turns out to be a very good investment."

The planning of the accessible performances has also been informed by people with both professional and lived experience. Jersey Opera House would like to thank Learning Disability Nurse Alice Ruellan, Victoria Gordon, Business Manager for The Jersey Green Room Theatre Company and Alan Gardner, Relational Support for Mont à L ’Abbé School for generously sharing their time and expertise to help the team consider the needs of audiences when developing these performances.

Further information about each accessible performance, including the Relaxed Performance infographic and dedicated seating plan, is available on the Jersey Opera House website and from the Box Office team. Customers are encouraged to contact Box Office to discuss any individual access requirements before booking.

Assistance dogs are also welcome at Jersey Opera House, with the Box Office team able to advise on suitable seating.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Friday 18 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 at Jersey Opera House.

Accessible performances:

• BSL Interpreted Performance – Tuesday 22nd December 7pm

• Audio Described Performance – Tuesday 29th December 2pm & 7pm

• Relaxed Performance – Sunday 3 January 2027, 1pm

For more information or to book tickets, please call our box office on 01534 511 115.