Royal Shakespeare Company Announces Its First British Sign Language Theatre Tour

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), will host its first British Sign Language theatre tour to coincide with the Swan Theatre’s first British Sign Language interpreted show of Christopher Marlowe’s, The Jew of Malta on September 8.

The RSC’s British Sign Language Theatre Tour will give people the chance to learn more about the history behind the RSC’s Swan Theatre, which celebrates its 30^th anniversary next year, as well as the opportunity to explore a range of wigs and costumes from The Jew of Malta. The one hour tour will be led by British Sign Language interpreter Clare Edwards and theatre goers can also take part in a special interpreted post-show talk on the play. The production which is directed by Justin Audibert centres around religious conflict and revenge, and also features Jasper Britton who plays the complex Machiavellian protagonist Barabas.  

Elizabeth Wainwright, the RSC’s Head of Theatre and Operations, said: “We want everybody to feel welcome in our theatres and to be able to experience our work. Earlier this year we had our first Semi-integrated British Sign Language performance, and I am delighted that we are now offering our first British Sign Language Theatre Tour. To round it off, we are also inviting people to stay behind and find out more about the play as part of a free special interpreted post show talk.”

The RSC continues its commitment to Semi-integrated British Sign Language performances with Ella Hickson's acclaimed re-telling of JM Barrie's classic children's story - Wendy and Peter Pan. The performance, which takes place on 20 January, will see the interpreter up close with the actors in the thick of the action dressed as part of the show. The performance will also be followed by an interpreted post-show talk back.

The RSC also offers an online interpreted synopsis of The Jew of Malta, including the character sign names and details of how to book tickets. Visit www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/the-jew-of-malta/bsl-interpreted-synopsis.aspx   

The Jew of Malta
Swan Theatre: Until September 8, 2015
British Sign language Performance: Tuesday, September 8, 2015, 7.30pm
British Sign Language Theatre Tour: Tuesday, September 8, 2015, 4.45pm – 5.45pm
For tickets visit www.rsc.org.uk/buy-tickets/e/bsl-interpreted-tour/l/stratford-upon-avon

Wendy and Peter Pan
Royal Shakespeare Theatre: 17 November 2015 – 31 January 2016
Semi-integrated British Sign Language performance: 20 January 2016, 7.15pm, tickets from £16

£5 tickets for 16-25s
The £5 ticket scheme for 16 – 25 year olds gives access to £5 tickets for all RSC productions whether we are performing in Stratford-upon-Avon, London or on tour.  Tickets can be booked in advance on the phone, online or in person with some available for sale on the day of the performance. The scheme is supported by Project Partner, BP.  

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