SVI aims to create opportunities for people to experience arts and culture in meaningful, inclusive ways. A recent group visit to Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes at the Hippodrome brought some of our members closer to the magic of live performance. Birmingham Royal Ballet, who we have worked with previously around accessibility, kindly donated some tickets to their performance. The matinee on Saturday 21 March included a pre-show touch tour followed by an audio-described performance of the double Olivier Award-winning ballet.
For Teresa, the experience was nothing short of transformative:
“I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible opportunity to attend The Red Shoes ballet, thanks to your generous support. As a blind person, experiencing the show through the audio description was truly transformative. The vivid detail of the audio narration allowed me to feel every pirouette, every gesture, and every emotion.
“The touch tour beforehand was equally powerful; being able to physically connect with the costumes and props gave me a sense of the fullness of the performance. This kind of access is more than just a convenience; it is a bridge to a world that, without it, can feel distant.
“I hope that by sharing this, you’ll see just how vital these inclusive measures are. They don’t just open doors; they open hearts and possibilities. I hope this inspires further investment so that many more people like me can share in such a profound artistic journey.”
Lisa also shared how much she enjoyed the afternoon, particularly the opportunity to engage with the production in a hands-on way:
“I really enjoyed the afternoon. The touch tour was great and was able to hold and feel the wonderful outfits and even the Red Shoes.
“The audio description was excellent and I was able to follow what was going on during the performance in stage.”
The day began with a touch tour at 1:00pm, giving attendees the chance to explore costumes, props, and key elements of the production up close. This was followed by the 2:30pm performance, where audio description ensured that every moment on stage could be fully appreciated.
Experiences like this highlight the huge impact of accessible arts programming. Through initiatives like these, Sandwell Visually Impaired continues to open doors, build relationships and ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy inspiring cultural moments together.
