A THEATRE in the North-East is offering a ‘relaxed performance’ of a live version of a classic children’s book for youngsters with autism.

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal says it is responding to overwhelming feedback from parents of children with autism and other sensory conditions, by putting on The Tiger Who Came to Tea, outside of school hours.

The venue recently became the first in the country to be awarded the Autism Access Award by the National Autistic Society, in recognition of its work with autistic audience members through the specially adapted relaxed performances.

The shows, which have a less formal, more supportive atmosphere in order to reduce anxiety levels, include toned down lighting and special effects.

Director of Operations Dawn Taylor said: “Our relaxed performances are extremely popular and exceptionally well received but we have had a lot of feedback that the mid-afternoon slot means that local parents find it difficult to attend as a family and the parents of those children who don’t attend a school where a trip is organised, are unable to bring their child out of school for the performance.”

Louise Relton’s son is autistic and has attended similar versions of the recent pantomime and the recent tour of Shrek The Musical.

She said: “In the past I tried to take my son to a regular theatre performance but he was unable to manage.

“The relaxed performances at Newcastle Theatre Royal have introduced him into a whole new world in a magical place and for that I can’t thank their team enough.”

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, on Friday 3 July, will start at 4pm.

Tickets are £8.50 and can be booked by logging on to www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 08448-11-21-22.