Relaxed Performance

Join musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a playful, interactive introduction to orchestral music.

Featuring 25 musicians performing a range of music in ways you’ve never imagined, this event is specially designed for people who may find traditional concerts challenging to attend, including adults and children with learning disabilities, movement disorders, sensory impairments, autistic spectrum disorder, dementia and other neurological conditions, or those with young children or babies.

Including interactive elements, close-up experiences of the musicians, BSL interpretation, Makaton singalong, and gentle sensory elements, this performance is relaxed, so attendees are welcome to enjoy the concert without worry. There will be opportunities to sing, dance, move about or just listen as preferred, and ‘chill out’ spaces will be available for anyone needing some quiet time before re-entering the auditorium. At the end of the concert, optional post-concert activities will invite you to try your hand at a range of musical activities, led by the RPO musicians themselves.

Timeline for the day:

• 2.15pm – 2.30pm: Sensory Introduction for audiences with sensory impairments (please book these as add-ons when booking your tickets for the main event)
• 2.30pm – 3.00pm: Auditorium doors open, audience take seats
• 3.00pm – c.3.50pm: Performance in Auditorium. Audiences are welcome to leave and return as required during the performance.
• 3.50pm – 4.20pm: Optional post-concert activities in smaller audience groups

Need to know

Audiences with hearing or vision impairments are invited to join members of the Orchestra for a short (c15min) sensory introduction to the musicians and instruments before the show. Please book a Sensory Tour 'merchandise' item for all members of your party who would like to join the introduction. 

There will be an area along the front of the auditorium with PE Mats. This area is not bookable, but can be used flexibly if your child would like to get closer to the orchestra for some of the performance. Please do accompany your child to this area. There are no seats, only mats to sit on.

Stalls seating is fixed, raked seating with good visibility of the stage in all areas. It is suitable for bookers who have no mobility needs and do not require additional space around them. There are steps to reach each row.

Spaces are available for wheelchair users and their families in the arena. This is the flat area in front of the stage and has good visibility in all areas. We can accommodate large wheelchairs in this area, and any additional equipment that may be required. These seats are not bookable online - please call the box office on 0118 960 6060 to discuss your needs and book seats. Specific seats or spaces will be allocated on arrival, but the seating type you select when booking will be available.

If anyone in your party would like to have a good view of the BSL interpreter, please select Stalls seating with lowest numbers (between Doors 1 & 2) or mention to the Box Office representative when booking by phone.

We are able to offer Audio Description of this performance. Please contact the Box Office in advance if you would like to book a headset for this - advanced notification is essential.

There will be spaces available Front of House for anyone needing quiet time away from the auditorium. You are welcome to re-enter the auditorium at any time.

 Presented by the RPO and Reading Borough Council, with additional support provided by Arts Council England, The Earley Charity, Goodwin Plc, Marchus Trust and other generous donors.