Theatre Royal Glasgow
Our accessible afternoon performances make coming to a favourite opera as easy and stress-free as possible – keeping the drama on stage where it belongs! With Dementia Friendly values at their core, these shortened performances are open to all.
Performed by a full cast and orchestra, they also feature a narrator to take you through the story and introduce the music from the opera. There are wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help. There is also a smaller capacity to allow everyone space, and brighter lighting levels in the auditorium, giving you the flexibility and freedom to move about as required. Whether you’re living with dementia or Long COVID, more comfortable at a shorter show, struggling to get to evening performances, or would simply benefit from the relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy everything opera has to offer.
About The Barber of Seville
Back by popular demand, Sir Thomas Allen (The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni) creates a riotous production of Rossini’s beloved comedy. The action centres around Figaro, one of opera’s most delightful characters and perhaps the only voice of reason in a world of young love and old foolishness. When Count Almaviva sets his sights on the beautiful Rosina, he enlists Figaro – barber, fixer, and all-round man of action – to help woo her. It is no easy feat: Rosina’s guardian Doctor Bartolo keeps her under lock and key with the intention of marrying her himself!
The multiplying disguises, pranks, and daring escapes engineered by Figaro are enhanced by Simon Higlett’s enchanting designs, bright with Spanish colours. This revival is sung in English for a fresh spin on Rossini’s larger-than-life characters and antics.
With Rossini’s signature toe-tapping ensembles, high-speed patter and lively arias, this masterpiece is a joyful theatrical experience packing in one comic scene after another.
Sung in English with English supertitles
Translation by Amanda Holden
Additional information
• Audio description available
• Maximum running time of 2 hours, including a 30 minute interval
• Afternoon start times for easier travel
• Welcoming front of house staff who have undergone training provided by Alzheimer Scotland
• Doors open 45 minutes before the start, allowing time to get settled in
• Wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help if you want to transfer
• Brighter lighting levels in the auditorium
• No need to keep quiet or sit still; you can come in and out of the auditorium during the show
• Lower capacity to allow everyone extra space
• Quiet areas available if you need to take a break
Theatre Royal Glasgow
Opened in 1867, Theatre Royal Glasgow went through two fires before the turn of the century. Standing tall through thick and thin, the theatre has since presented a wide variety of productions covering all genres, including residents Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. Featuring a Victorian auditorium, Theatre Royal presents first class entertainment.
Theatre Royal Glasgow
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