Access Opera Performances
Specially created for those who would benefit from a more relaxed opera experience
If a full-length opera doesn’t feel like the right fit, our afternoon Access performances give you the flexibility and freedom to relax, move about as required, and have a fantastic time!
This Season offers specially created Access performances of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Verdi’s La traviata, both in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Performed by a full cast and orchestra, these performances also feature a presenter who will introduce you to 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.
Whether you’re living with dementia or Long COVID, more comfortable at a shorter show, struggling to get to evening performances, or would simply benefit from the relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy everything opera has to offer.
Dementia Friendly, open to all.
Audio description available >>
Tickets from £10. Free carers. Groups welcome.
Free tickets for secondary school groups (limited availability - please get in touch via tickets@scottishopera.org.uk)
'Great experience. We couldn't have been looked after better.'
Audience member
Kindly supported by The Scottish Opera Syndicate and Scottish Opera's Education Angels
Upcoming access opera performances
Access: The Barber of Seville
Access opera performanceSpecially created for those who would benefit from a more relaxed opera experience
Access: La traviata
Access opera performanceSpecially created for those who would benefit from a more relaxed opera experience
What to expect from our access performances
- Maximum running time of 2 hours, including a 30 minute interval, with all the best music
- Afternoon start times for easier travel
- A narrator introduces the story and characters, with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and cast
- Welcoming front of house staff who have undergone training provided by Alzheimer’s Scotland
- 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
- Watch the live show on TV screens around the theatre if you need to
- Quiet areas available if you need to take a break
- Audio-description available
- Enjoy tea and cake in the café beforehand!