Accessibility & SEN
Practical, lived-experience guidance for accessible theatre, sensory-aware days out and more confident planning.
Clarissa’s Corner shares what has helped our autistic and ADHD family, alongside information for autistic adults and anyone who benefits from clearer access details, greater flexibility or fewer sensory barriers.
Start with the Support You Need
Before You Book
- Check the specific performance and venue information rather than assuming every “relaxed” show makes the same adjustments.
- Ask about sound, lighting, special effects, audience movement, re-entry and whether house lights remain partially on.
- Look for a visual story, sensory guide, venue photographs or pre-visit information.
- Check seating, aisle access, exits, step-free routes, toilets and quiet or breakout spaces.
- Contact the venue’s access team when the public information does not answer what you need.
- Confirm companion-ticket or access-registration requirements before purchasing.
Access Is Individual
What helps one autistic person, disabled visitor or SEN family may not help another. These guides share possibilities and lived experience rather than a universal checklist. You are never failing at a day out if you need to pause, leave early, change seats or try again another time.
Latest Accessibility & SEN Guides
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Sex & Disability – The Musical Puts Disabled Love, Desire and Independence Centre Stage
Sex & Disability – The Musical comes to artsdepot in North Finchley from 15–19 September 2026, putting disabled love, intimacy, care and independence centre stage.
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London Family Theatre – Summer 2025 Archive
Archive guide to family-friendly theatre and cultural highlights in London during summer 2025, preserved as a snapshot of that season.
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Relaxed Performances for SEN Families – Practical Tips
Practical tips for SEN families attending relaxed performances, including sensory preparation, seating, quiet spaces, visual guides and support cards.
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Relaxed Performances – Accessible Theatre Guide
A practical guide to relaxed performances, sensory adjustments, visual guides, quiet spaces and planning accessible theatre visits.
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Theatre Guide for Autistic Adults – Planning & Access Tips
Practical theatre planning and access tips for autistic adults, covering sensory preparation, seating, access teams, exits and relaxed performances.
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Support Cards for SEN & Autistic Visitors – UK Guide
A practical UK guide to support cards and travel aids for SEN and autistic visitors, including Access Card, CEA Card, Disabled Persons Railcard and TfL support.
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SEN Family Theatre Journey – Accessible Theatre Tips
Our SEN family theatre journey shares practical ways we plan accessible shows, manage sensory needs, choose seating and build confidence over time.
Quick Accessibility Questions
Are relaxed performances only for children?
No. Relaxed performances can support autistic adults, SEN families and anyone who benefits from a more flexible audience environment.
Do all relaxed performances make the same changes?
No. Adjustments vary by production and venue, so always check what applies to the exact performance you want to attend.
Does a support card guarantee an adjustment?
No. A card may help communicate an access need, but available adjustments depend on the venue, event, scheme and individual circumstances.
What if a visit does not go to plan?
Leaving early, taking a break or changing the plan is not a failure. Each experience can help you understand what would make the next visit easier.
National Maritime Museum — Sensory & Access Planning
Royal Museums Greenwich currently confirms accessible lifts to every floor, pre-bookable accessible parking, limited free wheelchair loans, free carer admission, ear defenders, sensory backpacks and a sensory map identifying louder/quieter and brighter/darker areas. The Museum also has captioned audiovisual displays, BSL resources, accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet in the Sammy Ofer Wing.
Check the official National Maritime Museum access guide → · Greenwich Family Events & Free Days Out →
SEND-Friendly Christmas: Jack and the BeanSTEM at Charlton House
For Christmas 2026, Charlton House in Greenwich is hosting Jack and the BeanSTEM on Sunday 29 November. The official event listing describes it as a SEND-friendly pantomime with Makaton, sensory toys, interactive and multisensory elements, wheelchair access and a sensory/quiet room.
- Performances: 11am and 1.30pm
- Running time: 45 minutes
- Tickets: £10 per adult/child ticket
- Carer ticket: one free carer ticket per group with qualifying PIP or DLA evidence
Check the official Jack and the BeanSTEM access and booking information. You can also find it in our Christmas & Pantomime Guide 2026 and Greenwich guide.
Queen’s House Santa — Relaxed SEND Sessions
Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed quieter Santa sessions at the Queen’s House for neurodivergent and SEND visitors on 15 November at 2.45pm, 28 November at 11.15am, 4 December at 5.15pm and 10 December at 5.15pm. Pre-booking is recommended.
See the Christmas & Pantomime Guide for current pricing and booking information →
Relaxed Father Christmas Sessions at the Old Royal Naval College
For Christmas 2026, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich has confirmed relaxed SEND-friendly Father Christmas sessions with softer lighting, reduced noise and fewer visitors. Father Christmas’s Workshop has relaxed sessions at 9.30am on 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 December. Selected standard Father Christmas and babies-and-toddlers dates also include relaxed sessions at 10.15am.
Children’s tickets are currently £5–£65 depending on the experience and date, with adults free. Advance booking is essential. Check the exact relaxed session and booking information. You can also see the wider Christmas & Pantomime Guide 2026 and Greenwich Days Out & Events guide.
Access arrangements, eligibility rules and prices can change. Always confirm current information with the venue or official scheme before booking or travelling.