Globe Theater Relaxed Performances

Posted by Allison (CT by way of FL) on 03/03/23 08:05 PM

Hello All,

I saw another post about the Globe and it reminded me that I had my own query, but didn't want to hijack that post.

What is a Relaxed Performance? It seems like it's easier to exit and enter the theater area; is there more to it than that? Midsummer is my favorite Shakespeare play, so I would love to see even a few minutes of it, but I'll have two elementary-aged boys with me. I wonder if this Relaxed Performance might be better for them (aka it will be more socially acceptable if they fidget).

Also, what is the difference between the £5 and the £10 Groundling/Yard tickets? Do the £10 ones get you closer to the stage?

Thanks!

Posted by Kernow

Cornwall

03/03/23 08:34 PM

332 posts

Relaxed performances embrace the democratic nature of our theatres. During these performances, we take a more relaxed view of Front of House etiquette, including an open-door policy so that patrons can come and go as they please. We offer familiarisation visits for patrons who benefit from seeing the theatres before the day of the performance.

A visual story will be available to download from our production web page near the time to each relaxed performance. The visual story includes information about the production and your visit to our site.

There are ear defenders available in different sizes to borrow from the Welcome Desk in the main foyer

When browsing lists of performance dates online or in print, look out for the letter R which will indicate a relaxed performance. You can also see all upcoming relaxed performances on one page.

Posted by Allison OP

CT by way of FL

03/03/23 08:47 PM

214 posts

Sorry, I see my mistake. I thought my giving a quick “it seems like…” would imply that I, too, had read the description on the Globe’s website. I should have been more direct in my ask.

Does anyone have first-hand knowledge or experience with the Relaxed Performances?

I appreciate the copy/paste, though.

Posted by jef

03/03/23 09:06 PM

114 posts

Hey Allison- for what it's worth, I am sure I will be fidgeting too :).

Posted by Helen

Bristol, UK

03/04/23 09:06 AM

1454 posts

I’d say that if you want to be able to concentrate on the play and really take it all in then perhaps avoid the relaxed performances. They are aimed at a neurodiverse audience who may struggle to sit still and be quiet in the way that is generally expected in a theatre. I know they don’t work for all people who are eg, autistic because the environment is more noisy and unsettled.

It may be good for you and your boys if you think they will only cope with a small portion of the play anyway.

Posted by Leslie

Southern California

03/04/23 09:34 PM

443 posts

I haven't been to a Relaxed Performance, but as I recall from Groundling tickets in the past, no one stands perfectly still for the whole performance--it's pretty much impossible for that length of time. That said, there's a big difference between fidgeting, shifting your feet, and moving around, bumping into other people. You'll have to decide what your boys are capable of. We went with a couple friends and our 4 kids--aged 11-18--and did just fine.