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.
Accessible & SEND-Friendly Things Coming Up
Quick planning cards for upcoming relaxed and SEND-friendly sessions. Details were last checked on 18 September 2026; always confirm availability before travelling.
Relaxed Morning in the Magic Garden
Hampton Court Palace
RELAXEDREDUCED CAPACITYLOWER NOISE4 October · 9.30–11am
A quieter Magic Garden session with lower visitor numbers and noise, hand dryers switched off, adapted staff radio use and no tannoy.
Book the £1 relaxed session →Santa’s Grotto Relaxed Sessions
Queen’s House, Greenwich
RELAXEDSEND-FRIENDLYQUIETER SESSION15 & 28 Nov · 4 & 10 Dec
Dedicated quieter Santa sessions described by Royal Museums Greenwich as ideal for neurodivergent and SEND visitors.
Check relaxed Santa availability →Jack and the BeanSTEM
Charlton House, Greenwich
SEND-FRIENDLYMAKATONSENSORY SUPPORTQUIET ROOM29 November · 11am & 1.30pm
A multisensory pantomime with sensory toys, Makaton, wheelchair access and a sensory/quiet room.
Plan the SEND-friendly panto →Relaxed Father Christmas Sessions
Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
RELAXEDSEND-FRIENDLYSOFTER LIGHTINGREDUCED NOISE4, 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13 December · 9.30am
Calmer sessions with softer lighting, reduced noise and fewer visitors on site.
Check the relaxed session →These are quick-planning summaries, not substitutes for the organiser’s full access information. Cards are removed from this strip after their final listed session.
Latest Accessibility & SEN Guides
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Pip and Posy Live on Stage at Blackheath Halls – April 2027
Pip and Posy Live on Stage comes to Blackheath Halls on 10–11 April 2027. Discover tickets, age guidance, running time and the relaxed performance.
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Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella: Sensory Adapted Performance at Sadler’s Wells, January 2027
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella has a sensory adapted performance at Sadler’s Wells on 10 January 2027, with a priority ticket offer closing 16 October. Details on access, prices and sensory guidance.
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Children’s Theatre London: Family Shows, Musicals & Theatre for Kids
Looking for children’s theatre in London? Discover family shows, West End musicals, toddler theatre, puppetry, book adaptations, children’s theatre venues and Clarissa’s Corner reviews.
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Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem at Stratford East: Cast, Dates & Tickets
Stratford East’s 2026 pantomime Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem runs from 21 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. Full cast, creative team and ticket details.
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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.
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.
NEW: Adult Disability, Care & Community Access
A new practical Clarissa’s Corner guide is being built specifically for adults with learning disabilities, complex needs or limited mobility — and the carers and support workers taking them into the community. It focuses on real-world details such as step-free access, accessible toilets, adult changing, hoists, carer arrangements, sensory/noise level and whether someone can take part mainly by watching or listening.
Preview the draft accessible community activities guide → (draft only — not yet published)
Winter Wishes at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — 1 December 2026
Winter Wishes is a free, lower-sensory event for successful organisational applicants on Tuesday 1 December 2026, 10am–2pm. It offers reduced capacity and adjustments to sound and lighting. The application deadline was 30 September 2026 and has passed. Read our Winter Wonderland 2026 guide, including Winter Wishes and companion-ticket access information, and confirm any outstanding enquiries with the official Winter Wishes page. This is not an open free-entry session for general visitors.
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 →
Access arrangements, eligibility rules and prices can change. Always confirm current information with the venue or official scheme before booking or travelling.