Accessible theatre is more than a courtesy—it is a vital bridge that opens rich cultural experiences to all. VOX Productions' upcoming staging of Lady Macbeth Uncut exemplifies this commitment by embedding accessible design at its core— with two performan adapted for audiences who are deaf or have low vision.
Theatre for All
Accessible theatre carries deep importance. Beyond compliance, it signals inclusion—acknowledging diverse ways of receiving and interpreting stories. For individuals with low vision, touch tours actively dismantle the barrier between stage and seat; for deaf audiences, Auslan interpretation weaves their cultural expression into the performance. These adaptations do more than translate—they transform theatre into a shared space of belonging and empowerment.
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Moreover, by foregrounding accessibility, Lady Macbeth Uncut challenges industry norms, inviting mainstream audiences to appreciate how inclusivity enriches storytelling. It underscores that accessibility and artistic integrity are not opposing forces, but complementary ones.
In an era where representation reigns, accessible theatre extends representation to the fullest—enabling audiences to not only watch but experience stories in ways that resonate deeply. VOX Productions’ accessible staging of
Lady Macbeth Uncut exemplifies how theatre can honour its heritage while inviting everyone into its narrative web.
Lady Macbeth Uncut, written and adapted by Catriona Clancy and directed and produced by Nicky Whichelow from VOX Productions reframes Shakespeare’s classic from Lady Macbeth’s standpoint, highlighting her strength within a patriarchal society.
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VOX Productions, known for amplifying social issues through innovative theatrical art, ensures the production is accessible both conceptually and physically .
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For patrons with low vision, one of the performances at Sandgate Theatre on Saturday 13th September at 1pm has been adapted for those with low vision.
The low visionn package incldues includes a touch tour prior to the Saturday matinee, an audio described program and an audio described script and scene summary both sent in advance of the performance.
This pre-show experience allows audiences to physically explore set pieces, props, and costumes—transforming abstract visual cues into tactile understanding. Such multisensory engagement is critical: it enables these audience members to build a mental map of the theatrical world before the action begins, enriching their encounter with the narrative.
For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, Lady Macbeth Uncut offers an Auslan-interpreted performance at PIP Theatre on Saturday 6th September at 2pm from the wonderful team at FAB Interpreting.
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Integrating sign language into the fabric of the show ensures that the lyrical intensity of Shakespeare’s text remains unlost and that poetry is felt in visual expression as much as in spoken word.
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