Co-written by former Northern Ballet Premier Dancer Pippa Moore MBE and VocalEyes, our audio descriptions offer a unique insight into our productions and bringing our performances to life.
You will hear descriptions of the movement, action and drama on stage with music played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.
15 minutes prior to the performance, you will hear pre-show notes which describe the set, props and costumes via your headset or audio description device.
Upcoming events
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering visually impaired patrons access to a free Insight Talk in place of a traditional Touch Tour.
Insight Talks are free of charge and can be booked at the same time as the audio described performance at your chosen venue. The one hour talk will introduce elements of the production to aid your understanding of the show, providing an insight into the ballet as you hear descriptions of the scenery as well as have the opportunity to see and feel some of the costumes.
Our listings below let you know where and when our Audio Described performances and Insight Talks will be taking place.
Audio Descriptions and Insight Talks are subject to Government and industry guidance to provide Covid safe experiences for audiences and staff.
Southampton Mayflower, Merlin
Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 December
Audio Description: Saturday 4 December, 2pm
Insight Talk: Saturday 4 December, 12pm - 1pm
To book tickets or for more information, please call Southampton Mayflower’s access line on 02380 711813
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre, Casanova
Tuesday 22 - Saturday 26 March
Audio Description: Saturday 26 March, 2pm
Insight Talk: Saturday 26 March, 12-1pm
To book tickets or for further information, please call Sheffield Lyceum Theatre’s Box Office on 0114 249 6000 or contact access@sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Edinburgh Festival Theatre, The Great Gatsby
Thursday 21 - Saturday 23 April
Audio Description: Saturday 23 April, 2.30pm
Insight Talk: Saturday 23 April, 12.30-1.30pm
To book tickets or for further information, please call Edinburgh Festival Theatre’s Box Office on 0131 529 6000
Salford The Lowry, Casanova
Wednesday 18 - Saturday 21 May
Audio Description: Saturday 21 May, 2pm
Insight Talk: Saturday 21 May, 12-1pm
To book tickets or for further information, please call The Lowry's access line on 0333 320 2838 or contact access@thelowry.com
Milton Keynes Theatre, The Great Gatsby
Tuesday 24 - Saturday 28 May
Audio Description: Saturday 28 May, 2.30pm
Insight Talk: Saturday 28 May, 12.30-1.30pm
To book tickets or for further information, please call Milton Keynes Theatre’s access line on 0800 912 6971
Cardiff New Theatre, The Great Gatsby
Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 June
Audio Description: Saturday 11 June, 2.30pm
Insight Talk: Saturday 11 June, 12.30-1.30pm
To book tickets or for further information, please call Cardiff New Theatre's Box Office on 0343 310 0041
Visually Impaired Patron
'I used to go and see dance companies regularly before losing a lot of my eyesight. I did not think I would be able to go to any dance performances ever again… A friend encouraged me to go to an audio-visual performance and touch tour and your ballet was my first experience of this… it made such a positive difference and I will be returning to see further dance performances. Thank you Northern Ballet for such a good touch tour.'
Visually Impaired Patron
'I didn’t know what to expect but the music and description gelled really well together. I was enthralled with it — it was as if everything else around you didn’t exist.'
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