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Relaxed theatre and cinema in the North West
A relaxed performance is the same show with small changes: the house lights stay a little up, loud or sudden effects are softened, and nobody minds noise or moving about. Many venues also run a chill-out space and send a visual guide in advance. These are the theatres and cinemas in the North West that publish relaxed sessions, and the dates they have announced so far.
Theatres and cinemas
| Venue | Relaxed sessions | Visual guide |
|---|---|---|
| The Lowry Salford Quays | Relaxed performances have adjusted lighting and sound and a relaxed approach to noise and moving in and out of the auditorium. | Not stated |
| Vue Altrincham Altrincham | An autism-friendly screening at 10.30am on the last Sunday of every month. | Not stated |
| Vue Birkenhead Birkenhead | An autism-friendly screening at 10.30am on the last Sunday of every month. | Not stated |
| Vue Preston Walton-le-Dale, Preston | An autism-friendly screening at 10.30am on the last Sunday of every month. | Not stated |
| Vue Cleveleys Thornton-Cleveleys | An autism-friendly screening at 10.30am on the last Sunday of every month. | Not stated |
| Theatre by the Lake Keswick | At least one Relaxed Performance of every Made by TBTL show, with sound effects and lighting toned down and doors kept open. The next is A Christmas Carol on Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 11am; 2027 dates come with the new season later in November | A visual story for every relaxed performance |
| Vue Carlisle Carlisle | An autism-friendly screening at 10.30am on the last Sunday of every month. | Not stated |
| Brewery Arts Kendal | Relaxed cinema screenings with a more relaxed attitude to noise and movement | Not stated |
| Storyhouse Chester | Not published | A visual story pack to help you know what to expect |
| Chester Picturehouse Chester | Relaxed screenings with lights on low, volume reduced and freedom to move around: a new release on the second Monday, a family film on the third Sunday and a classic on the last Friday of each month | Not stated |
Dates announced
Relaxed performance · KeswickA Christmas Carol: relaxed performance
Confirmed by the venue
Tue 24 Nov 2026, 11am
- Adapted
- Carer ticket
- Visual guide
- Relaxed panto · Carlisle
Sleeping Beauty: relaxed performances
Tue 15 Dec and Wed 30 Dec 2026, 2pm
- Adapted
Relaxed panto · ManchesterDick Whittington: relaxed performance
Wed 30 Dec 2026 (time not listed yet)
- Adapted
Relaxed panto · LiverpoolThe Rock 'n' Roll Panto: Beauty and the Beast, relaxed performance
Thu 14 Jan 2027, 1.30pm
- Adapted