Relaxed Performances of Disney’s Frozen the Musical: An Inclusive Adaptation of the Hit Broadway Musical
For the past 3 years, the Theatre Royal Drury Land in London has been hosting Disney’s Frozen the Musical, the hit broadway adaptation of the equally successful Disney animated film of the same name. During their run, the show also included relaxed performances, where every aspect of the show, including its light and sound design has been adjusted to support audiences who are on the autism spectrum, have a learning disabilities or have any other specific sensory and communication needs.
The results are shows where parents, children and people of all ages can have access to a live musical production that they otherwise not have been able to attend. This is why efforts by Disney’s Frozen the Musical are relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities.
Children with autism, Down syndrome or other mental disabilities often do not have access to the arts for the sole purpose of entertainment. When they do, it is usually done under the guise of therapy. Conventional entertainment arts such as theatre and cinema often do not meet the sensory needs of children with mental disabilities. Attending these events could potentially trigger public reactions, that more often than not antagonize them in the eyes of other people in the audience. This will only add fuel to the stigma and discrimination that people with mental disabilities already face in their day-to-day lives.
Yet, just like everyone else, disabled children and adults find joy in the arts. It is their right to have access to entertainment that can enhance their quality of life, the same way that it does for other people without mental disabilities. The Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults (MENCAP) has found that there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom, and almost 350,000 of them are children. Hence, the importance of initiatives such as relaxed performances, to give all of these people access to quality entertainment that is tailored for their needs.
The relaxed performances of Disney’s Frozen the Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane showcase the transformative power of inclusion by adapting lighting, sound and other elements to accommodate sensory and communication needs. These performances ensure that disabled children and adults, who often face barriers to accessing entertainment, can enjoy the magic of live theatre. By providing an inclusive experience that brings joy and fosters acceptance, these initiatives challenge stigma and promote equality. The show demonstrates that small adjustments can create meaningful access, proving that the arts can be a source of both delight and social progress.
Find out more about relaxed performances and other initiatives by Disney’s Frozen the Musical on their website www.frozenthemusical.co.uk or Instagram @frozenlondon.