One of only a handful in the UK – Integrated Signed Performances of pantomime Aladdin Return to Victoria Theatre Halifax
HALIFAX, UK – This festive season, the Victoria Theatre Halifax is set to fly high with its spectacular production of Aladdin, promising a magical carpet ride that breaks the boundaries of traditional theatre accessibility.
The Victoria Theatre remains one of only a handful of venues in the UK to champion fully integrated British Sign Language BSL) performances of its pantomime. This pioneering approach to accessibility is important because, unlike traditional side of stage interpreted performances, two BSL interpreters are in full costume, completely immersed in the performance. This is great for audiences that rely on sign language because they can watch the action and the interpretation at the same time. The signer blends seamlessly into the performance, allowing deaf and hard of hearing audiences to watch the drama, comedy, and magic unfold without having to look back and forth between the stage and a static interpreter. By being part of the cast, the interpreter can capture the tone, pace, and exaggerated, energetic emotional characteristics of the pantomime. It’s also easier to see who’s speaking, as the interpreter will be alongside that performer.
"We are incredibly proud to be one of the few venues in the country offering this truly inclusive experience," said Tim Fagan, Theatres Manager. "Pantomime is all about community and shared laughter. By integrating our BSL interpreters into the performance, we ensure that our deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members are right in the middle of the magic, not just watching from the edge."
Expect the unexpected! Because the interpreters are woven directly into the cast, they don't just sign the show—they become part of the comedy. Audiences are treated to brilliant extra gags as the mischievous actors interact with, play off, and occasionally play pranks on the interpreters themselves. This unique dynamic adds an extra, hilarious dimension to the slapstick panto environment that hearing-impaired and hearing audiences can enjoy together.
Hearing and deaf family members will find themselves laughing at the exact same physical cues and punchlines at the exact same time, making their visit to the pantomime truly a shared family experience.
Aladdin runs from Friday, 11 December 2026 to Sunday, 3 January 2027, featuring a spellbinding adventure filled with dazzling costumes, show-stopping musical numbers, and side-splitting comedy. The two scheduled integrated signed performances are on Tuesday 29 December at 6.30pm and Wednesday 30 December at 1pm, as well as a side of stage BSL interpreted performance on Wednesday 16 December at 10am for school groups. The Victoria Theatre is also offering some fantastic group booking discounts for groups over 10 people, with better discounts based on the more tickets you book.
Experience the wonder of a pantomime where everyone is part of the story. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.victoriatheatre.co.uk/whats-on/aladdin or call the Box Office on 01422 351158.
