by Katie Thompson
What’s the festive season without a Christmas performance? Whether you love to get lost in the seasonal score of a classic ballet or you can’t wait to get involved with a laugh-out-loud pantomime, Norwich has plenty of performances on offer this Christmas.
And Christmas shows are for absolutely everyone, right? Maybe wheelchair access is a high priority, or you want a show that’s captioned, signed or relaxed- there’s loads to get you into the festive spirit! So, if you’re searching for a show suited to your needs, here’s a list of amazing accessible performances this Christmas.
The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza everyone can enjoy!
For an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza, look no further than the Thursford Christmas Spectacular! This incredible spectacle will take your breath away, not least in part thanks to its fully festive line-up. Here, you can expect jaw-dropping variety acts, comedy that’ll have you chuckling away and spine-tingling music from a 32-piece orchestra. Oh, and you might recognise a Christmas tune or two!
You won’t want to miss the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe and Thursford has great accessibility for all, including level access throughout the site, wheelchair-friendly spaces (please book these seats via telephone on 01328 878477) and an essential companion discount. Plus, Thursford allows entry for qualified guide dogs, so your furry companion can join in the festive fun, too (please inform Thursford via their Box Office).
See Northern Ballet’s magical retelling of this festive favourite at Norwich Theatre Royal
If you’re thinking of a classic Christmas tale, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol probably comes to mind! Well, you’re in luck, because you can see Northern Ballet’s magical retelling of this festive favourite at Norwich Theatre Royal from 19 to 23 November. You’re sure to leave glowing with Christmas cheer!
And if you want to be fully immersed into the snowy streets of Victorian Leeds, then Norwich Theatre’s Touch Tour and audio-described performance on Saturday 23 November will do just that. Touch Tour workshops will introduce you to pieces of production prior to the show, where you can hear scenery descriptions, feels the props and costumes, and discover ballet movement with a former Northern Ballet Premier Dancer. And when the show has started, you’ll hear unique insight as the performance is brought to life with live descriptions of movement, action and drama on stage. Book via the Norwich Theatre website.
Christmas isn’t complete without a panto we can all get involved in!
Here at VisitNorwich, we believe that no Christmas is complete without a trip to the panto. Oh, no it isn’t! And in Norwich, we’re always guaranteed a few hours of fairytale fun thanks to the show at Norwich Theatre Royal. This year, you can enjoy a performance of Aladdin and join a stellar cast as Aladdin tries to find his fortune, fall in love and defeat the baddie!
There’s plenty of accessible performances, too. On 27 December, the 6pm performance is both BSL interpreted and captioned, while 30 December’s 2.30pm matinee is audio-described and you can take part in the Touch Tour beforehand (book these online). Plus, there’s a relaxed performance on 2 January at 2.30pm (call the Box Office on 01603 630 000 to book).
Norwich Theatre itself offers step-free access, accessible lifts and toilets, as well as a great team on hand to help. You can even join their free MyTheatre Accessibility booking scheme for a stress-free experience that prioritises your comfort and enjoyment- find more details on their website.
Cinderella Rocks! adds a little rock’n’roll to this classic fairytale
We all love a classic Cinderella tale, but what about when you add a little rock’n’roll to the mix? Well, this December, you can enjoy The Garage’s all-female, girl-power panto, Cinderella Rocks! Join Cinderella as she tries to become a famous star and headline the royal party, much to the dismay of her evil sisters! It’s sure to have you rocking around the Christmas tree!
This show is suitable for under 8s and their families. The Garage’s Access Scheme offers a great service to anyone who’s deaf, disabled or neurodivergent or has any other accessibility requirements. There are multiple relaxed performances (13, 20 & 21 December), which are sensory-adapted and dementia-friendly, and BSL interpreted shows to enjoy (20 & 21 December). You can book via The Garage website.
Get into the Christmas spirit with Cromer Pier’s Christmas Show
The Cromer Pier Christmas Show is back for another spellbinding year and it’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. There’s fantastic comedy and magical music, dazzling dance routines and amazing variety acts, as well as eye-catching costumes and sparkling sets. And it’s part of the only full season end of pier show in the world! How’s that for a Christmas treat!
Cromer Pier and its theatre are easily accessible for wheelchairs and those needing assistance, including a designated area for wheelchair users within the auditorium and disabled toilet facilities. Plus, guide dogs are welcome and hearing loops available- just prebook with the Box Office team on 01263 512495.
Cinema City is a great accessible venue to watch live screenings of The Royal Ballet!
At Cinema City, you can wonder at whimsical wintry performances on the big screen, thanks to screenings of The Royal Ballet’s Cinderella and The Nutcracker this December. Be transported into a wonderful world of pumpkin carriages and fairy godmothers in Cinderella (10 December), before marvelling at the magical Land of Sweets alongside Clara in The Nutcracker (17 December). Both live recordings are full of fantastical costumes, gorgeous sets and, of course, captivating dance.
Cinema City is accessible from street level and provides lifts and toilets for those with wheelchairs or limited mobility. All screens are full accessible with dedicated wheelchair spaces. They even have a lowered Box Office counter and a dedicated accessibility line (02072 947 908). Booking in advance online, in person or via telephone (08719 025 747) is always recommended, so you can enjoy these festive shows to the full!
