Enjoy the show the way you need to at a relaxed performance.
Our relaxed performances are designed to create a welcoming and inclusive theatre experience for anyone who may benefit from a more flexible environment.
Relaxed performances feature alterations to the show and/or the theatre space that are designed to make the experience more accessible and enjoyable for some audience members, including those with sensory sensitivities, autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
At our relaxed performances:
- The house lights will stay on throughout the show.
- The volume will be lower than at other performances.
- The rules are relaxed on making noise – and active responses are encouraged!
- The theatre doors will remain open, and you can come and go as you like.
- There are chill-out zones and quiet spaces for anyone who needs a break.
- The actors will introduce the show, talking about their characters and letting you know what you can expect from the performance.
- Some aspects of the show may be changed to make it more accessible for those with sensory and communication needs – such as by reducing the use of surprising sound effects and avoiding any strobe lighting.
- We may provide a visual story to help you prepare and understand what to expect from the show and our building.
The main difference between relaxed performances and chilled performances is that chilled performances present a particular show with no changes or adaptations.
Scroll down to see our next relaxed performances, and look out for the ‘RP’ symbol on other upcoming event pages.
Our upcoming Relaxed peformances
The All-New Adventures of Peter Pan
Fri 27 Nov 2026 – Sun 10 Jan 2027
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Audio described Find out more
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Captioned Find out more
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Relaxed Find out more
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Chilled Find out more
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British Sign Language Find out more
The Reluctant Dragon
Sat 5 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027
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Audio described Find out more
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Captioned Find out more
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Relaxed Find out more
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British Sign Language Find out more
Dog Man: The Musical
Sun 30 May – Tue 1 Jun 2027
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Relaxed Find out more
Cog Test - Book Now
Sat 1 – Sat 15 Jul 2028
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Audio described Find out more
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Captioned Find out more
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Relaxed Find out more
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Chilled Find out more
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British Sign Language Find out more
We’ve created visual stories for both our performance spaces, the Main House and the Studio, setting out what you can expect when you visit. These visual stories may be helpful for visitors on the autistic spectrum, or for anyone else who would like to know more about the Marlowe before a visit.
You can download the visual stories about our building here:
Main House – visual story
Studio – visual story
We also provide social stories for our relaxed performances, telling you more about what to expect during the show. If you sign up as a relaxed performance booker, we’ll send you our visual stories as soon as they’re available.
We’re delighted to welcome assistance dogs to the Marlowe, including our Main House and Studio theatres. We can also offer a dog-sitting service during performances – if you’d like to book, please contact us at least one week in advance.