Community Theatre Company Enhances Show Accessibility

Rickmansworth Players, an amateur theatre company based in Hertfordshire, stated its objective to be “inclusive for everyone” through the adaptation of additional performances to accommodate varied audiences. The group aims to demonstrate that “entertainment is for everyone.” In May, the company modified its staging of the play *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time* to include a relaxed performance. Furthermore, its upcoming musical, *The Little Mermaid*, is scheduled to feature a British Sign Language signer for two specific shows. Sarah Rodrigues, who serves as both an actor and marketing manager for the non-profit organization, expressed that the company sought to “move forward with the times.” Ms. Rodrigues elaborated that because the theatrical adaptation of Mark Haddon’s widely recognized book, *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time*, centers on an autistic boy, their intention was to encourage individuals “who go through those same experiences to come and see the show.” She explained that modifications such as adjusting the lighting, introducing all characters, and arranging a meet-and-greet session were feasible only because the unpaid cast and crew dedicated themselves to implementing these alterations, taking time off their regular employment for the relaxed performance to proceed on a Friday afternoon. The performer acknowledged that the initial changes presented challenges, but stated that “the reward from it is just amazing,” adding that the supplementary expenses have been “outweighed by the new audience that you get coming in.” “There’s clearly a need there, or a want there, from a different audience,” she further commented. She stated, “We want to move forward with the times and being a community theatre we want to be much more inclusive to the whole community.” “We want to get a more varied audience to prove that entertainment is for everyone,” she continued. “We are determined to be as inclusive as possible, whether you want to take part or just come and watch, we know there is more to do,” she concluded. *The Little Mermaid* is scheduled for performances at Watersmeet, Rickmansworth, between November 20 and 23, with the British Sign Language interpreted shows taking place on Thursday night and Saturday afternoon. News updates for Beds, Herts, and Bucks are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.