RNIB NI puts the spotlight on audio description at ‘Theatre in the Dark’ panel event
Theatre in the Dark panel
Partnering with Millennium Forum theatre, RNIB Northern Ireland co-hosted a pre-show panel event, on Thursday 28 May, highlighting the importance of audio description for blind and partially sighted theatre goers, to those involved and interested in the NI arts scene.
The event took place just before the audio described performance of the highly acclaimed Miss Saigon, with panel members discussing the next possible steps in increasing the number of audio described performances across Northern Ireland, in sustainable ways.
Panel members consisted of: Lisa Heaney (Box Office and Access Manager at Millennium Forum), Jacqueline McFarland (Audio describer), Jonny Marshall from RNIB’s Media, Culture and Immersive technologies team, and local people with lived sight loss; Annmarie Houston and Richard Moore.
Robert Shilliday, Country Director, RNIB Northern Ireland, said:
“If you have sight loss, visiting the theatre, cinema, or watching a performance on screen at home, can be enhanced dramatically through audio description. Audio description (AD) brings alive what is happening on stage or screen, discreetly describing the action, scenery, facial expressions, and costumes of the actors.”
“Audio description is vital in making arts and culture accessible and inclusive for blind and partially sighted people, and we want to work towards making sure more venues offer more audio described performances at theatres across Northern Ireland.”
“I would like to sincerely thank Lisa Heaney and the wonderful team at Millennium Forum for hosting this unique event as part of their 25th Anniversary celebrations and commend them for making sure accessibility is at the heart of everything they do."
“I would also like to extend RNIB NI’s thanks to Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairí McHugh, for attending today, alongside Cara Hunter MLA, and helping us to put the spotlight on the need for audio description in the world of arts and culture.”
After the event, both the Mayor and Cara Hunter MLA put on blindfolds and the audio description headsets for the first part of the evening performance so they could get an insight into what it’s like for someone with a vision impairment to attend a live show.
Then Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said:
“It was interesting to see how somebody who has no sight or partial sight encounters obstacles, not least when coming to a fantastic show like this.
“I've been an ambassador for RNIB for the previous year during my time as Mayor and I was delighted to come along tonight and support them and such a wonderful show as well. Credit to all involved.”
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said:
"Experiencing part of the performance while relying on audio description gave me a real appreciation for how important this service is. For many of us, it's easy to take for granted being able to follow what's happening on stage, but for people living with sight loss, audio description can make the difference between feeling included and feeling left out.”
"The arts should be open to everyone. Whether it's a visit to the theatre, a concert or any other cultural event, nobody should face unnecessary barriers to taking part.
“It was encouraging to hear directly from those who use audio description about the impact it has and the confidence it gives people to enjoy these experiences independently.
"I want to thank RNIB Northern Ireland and the Millennium Forum for highlighting this issue and for the work they are doing to make our cultural spaces more accessible. Their partnership is helping to ensure that more people can enjoy the arts, and it's a reminder that accessibility needs to be considered from the outset, not added as an afterthought."
Lisa Heaney, Box Office and Access Manager, Millennium Forum, said:
"At the Millennium Forum, we believe that theatre should be accessible to everyone.
Audio Described performances play a vital role in ensuring that people who are blind or partially sighted can experience the magic, emotion and spectacle of live theatre alongside family and friends.
We are delighted to offer an Audio Described performance of Miss Saigon, one of the most visually stunning and powerful productions ever to visit our stage. Through expert live description, audiences can fully engage with every aspect of the storytelling, from the intricate staging and choreography to the finer visual details that bring the production to life.
“A significant milestone for us has been the development of local Audio Description provision. We now have three fully trained Audio Describers in house, giving the Millennium Forum greater capacity than ever before to deliver Audio Described performances across a wider range of productions.
“Accessibility remains a key priority for the Millennium Forum and we are committed to breaking down barriers to attendance and creating opportunities for everyone to experience the power of live performance."
For further information on RNIB’s work in making our society more inclusive, or to discuss any further partnership opportunities, contact [email protected]
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Notes to editors
- Further interviews with everyone involved are available.
- For media enquiries, contact: Laura Cummings by email: [email protected], or phone: 07763 579141.
- Miss Saigon ran at the Millennium Forum from 26 May to 30 May as part of the theatre’s 25th anniversary year.
- An audio described performance took place on Thursday 28 May
- Audio description provides live commentary describing visual elements such as action, expressions, costumes, and scenery for blind and partially sighted audiences.
