We offer audio described, captioned, handheld captioned, integrated British Sign Language interpreted and chilled performances for Hamlet, along with supporting resources including audio notes and a sonic story.
Select the button below to go through to a list of assisted performances for this production and purchase your tickets. Alternatively, you can call the Box Office Access line to book: 01789 331275 (Monday – Friday, midday–6pm)
To find out more about the themes and content of this play see our content advisory page.
STEP FREE ACCESS
There is no step free access to seats for this production. If you think you'll have difficulty getting to your seat or moving in and out of the auditorium, please email tickets@rsc.org.uk in advance so they can assist and advise on the best seating options.
Captioners and interpreters
The captioner for captioned performances of Hamlet will be Emily Magdij.
The Audio Describers for audio described performances of Hamlet will be Gethyn Edwards and Carolyn Smith.
The interpreter for integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances of Hamlet will be Clare Edwards.
TOUCH TOURS
We have Touch Tours for Hamlet on the 8 March at 11am and the 13 March at 11am.
These Tours introduce elements of the production to aid your understanding of the show. You will hear descriptions of the scenery and have the opportunity to feel props and costumes used in the show ahead of the performance. Call 01789 331275 or email access@rsc.org.uk for details of the next Touch Tour and to book.
ABOUT ASSISTED PERFORMANCES
AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES
Audio described performances include a live commentary giving details of all the visual aspects of a production. The commentary is interspersed with the actors' dialogue. Before the play begins you can hear an introduction to the production which gives details of the set, costumes and characters. The commentary is delivered via radio headsets, available from the cloakroom desk in the theatre foyer before the performance.
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES
We offer performances with integrated British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation where the interpreter is directed as part of the action onstage. You will see the interpreter interacting with the actors onstage and they will be in costume.
When booking for a signed performance, tell the box office so that we can give you a seat where you can see the signer clearly.
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES
Captioning converts the spoken word into text, which is displayed on an LED screen to the side of the stage. This enables you to read the dialogue as the actors speak the words. Please note the screens are not clearly visible from all seats in the auditorium.
HANDHELD CAPTIONED
We offer handheld captioning devices for select performances. Handheld captions are not a replacement for our current captioning screens, but a handy alternative for anyone who may benefit from captioning. If you would like to reserve a handheld captioning tablet, please contact the Access Line on 01789 331275 or email tickets@rsc.org.uk.
CHILLED PERFORMANCES
A chilled performance takes a more casual approach to noise and movement in the auditorium, but the performance itself is unchanged. This performance is ideal for people who feel more at ease knowing they can go in and out of the auditorium during the show. This performance is for everybody and babes in arms are welcome (not walking or requiring their own seat).
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
We offer a range of supporting resources for Hamlet including audio notes and a sonic story, which can be found here when available.
SONIC STORY
We offer a sonic story for Hamlet. This is a graphic which highlights the key sounds from throughout the performance. It's available to all audience members, but we hope it will be particularly useful for anyone who might benefit from understanding the sensory elements of the show before they see it.
Download The Hamlet sonic story (PDF)
AUDIO NOTES
You can listen to the audio notes for Hamlet below, or download the notes as an MP3 file to listen later.
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE SYNOPSIS
We offer a British Sign Language synopsis of Hamlet featuring our BSL interpreter Clare Edwards. This video also includes captioning.
