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Access opera performance
The Merry WidowSpecially created for those who would benefit from a more relaxed opera experience
Theatre Royal Glasgow:
15 May 2025, 3pm (Matinee)
Festival Theatre Edinburgh:
3 June 2025, 3pm (Matinee)
Our accessible afternoon performances make coming to a favourite opera as easy and stress-free as possible – keeping the drama on stage where it belongs!
With Dementia Friendly values at their core, these shortened performances of The Merry Widow are open to all. Performed by a full cast and orchestra, they also feature a presenter to introduce the story, characters and music from the opera. There are wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help. There is also a smaller capacity to allow everyone space, and brighter lighting levels in the auditorium, giving you the flexibility and freedom to move about as required.
About The Merry Widow
A lavish Parisian party is a grand occasion for dancing, drinking, and (in)discreet love affairs. But Baron Zeta, the ambassador to the fictional cash-strapped state of Pontevedro, has a slightly more serious matter on his mind. Among his party guests is Hanna Glawari. Hanna is the glamorous Pontevedrian widow who arrived in Paris to enjoy her late husband’s immense fortune. Baron Zeta cannot bear the thought of Pontevedro losing half its national wealth should Hanna marry a Parisian. So, he assigns the charismatic Count Danilo to watch over her heart. But little does he know that they have quite the history...
Kindly supported by Scottish Opera's Education Angels
Part of Scottish Opera's 2024/25 Season
Show Details
Running time:
Approximately 2 hours including interval
Language:
Sung in English with English supertitles and narration
Access:
Find out about access in all venues >>
Audio description available >>
Extra accessibility measures for Access performances >>
Tickets:
£12.50 – wheelchair spaces should be booked in advance
Concessions:
Free for carers
Groups welcome
Free tickets available for school groups (limited availability - please email tickets@scottishopera.org.uk)
What to expect from our Access performances
- Audio description available at all Access Opera performances
- Shortened running times, including a 30 minute interval
- Afternoon start times for easier travel
- A presenter to introduce the story and characters, with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and cast
- Additional front of house staff on hand to welcome you
- Doors open 45 minutes before the start – so there’s lots of time to get settled in
- Wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help if you want to transfer
- Brighter lighting levels in the auditorium
- No need to keep quiet or sit still; you can come in and out of the auditorium during the show
- Lower capacity to allow everyone extra space
- Quiet areas available to take a break
- Enjoy tea and cake in the café beforehand!
Audio Description
Mention opera and most people think of singing and music – but this is only part of the overall experience. What about scenery, costumes, lighting, direction and choreography?
For those who are living with sight loss, our audio description service provides a live commentary, describing the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is provided in advance and there is a live audio introduction before the start of the performance.
Please book in advance for audio-described performances by calling the venue box offices:
Theatre Royal Glasgow:
15 May 2025, 3pm (Matinee)
Book now
Festival Theatre Edinburgh:
3 June 2025, 3pm (Matinee)
Book now
Listen to an example of a recorded introduction>>
Explore other audio-described performances and services>>
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