A THEATRE is staging a special “relaxed” performance of its panto for people with learning or behaviour disorders.

Sunderland Empire will stage Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for conditions including autism and ADHD from Friday, January 2.

Lights will be dimmed and special effects turned down to provide a calmer atmosphere.

The show stars Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen, Eastenders and Dancing on Ice star Matt Lapinskas as the Prince and children’s TV favourite Andrew Agnew (PC Plum in Balamory) as Muddles the Jester.

The cast also includes a couple who are playing two of the seven dwarfs, Laura Whitfield, 24, and husband Nathan, 35. They met during a previous production of Snow White and return following the birth of their son Nathan junior.

A pre-show familiarisation visit, to help prepare for the show, is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.30am and 11am.

A visual story to support the familiarisation visit has been created with the North East Autism Society, which tells audiences what to expect.

Hollie Coxon, the theatre’s Creative Learning Manager, said: “The Relaxed Performances are a real team effort in the planning and delivery on the day.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have such brilliant support from the team in general, the Snow White production and the North East Autism Society.

“For us, it’s a real pleasure to work with organisations and families in the preparation for their visit, and to then see so many smiling faces and families at ease at the relaxed performance.

“It’s fantastic to offer such an incredible assisted performance, which enables people with a range to needs to engage as an audience of our fabulous festive Panto!

“We are working with ASD groups, people with a range of learning needs, and groups and families with Dementia - and would encourage anyone who requires a more relaxed theatre experience to consider and to get in touch with us.

“Audiences will also have the flexibility to leave the auditorium and come and go as they please.

“There are no latecomer’s rules and no one will be asked to be quiet.

Quiet space will be available during the performance with activities for anyone who wishes to leave the auditorium.”

More information is available from the Creative Learning Team on 0191-566 1056.

For ticketing queries call 0191-566 1045 or e-mail sunderlandboxoffice@theambassadors.com