- Lichfield Garrick
- Accessibility
- Dementia-Friendly Performances
Dementia-Friendly Performances
What makes a performance or a film screening Dementia Friendly?
Dementia-friendly performances and films provide an adapted environment that is comfortable for people living with Dementia. The lights are kept on at a low level, there will be a comfort break at an appropriate pause point in the middle of the performance (an interval), or the film will be paused (where possible), and audience members can move around or leave the studio as required and sing along to the familiar songs.
These are typically held in our Studio space, where we adapt the seating to provide more seats with step-free access, but please book early if this is essential to your visit.
Noise and movement
The attitude to noise and movement is relaxed, and we ask anyone who attends to be supportive of this. Audience members can leave re-enter the cinema as required. We aim to include a comfort break around halfway through, particularly for long films.
Show Experience
We make slight changes to sound and lighting if necessary, and we never have a full black-out in the auditorium. We have a hearing loop which offers amplification and audio description of films. Start and end times may be slightly delayed due to the nature of the performance or screening.
Quiet Space
For anyone who needs to leave their seat, we have a Quiet Space outside the auditorium (where this is in the venue will be highlighted on the day, as well as in your pre-show email), which can be used throughout the show. You can return to the show when you are ready and are welcome to leave and return whenever you like.
Staffing
All staff on duty are Dementia Friends and so understand what we can do to help our audiences live well with Dementia. We will have extra staff and volunteers on hand to help you find your way or answer any questions.
Around the Building
Every door will have clear and simple signage to help you find your way to the cinema, café, toilets, and box office.
Please speak to the Duty Manager if you require any additional assistance prior to the performance.
“In life you need to feel safe, warm and be happy. My wife and I really felt this when we visited Lichfield Garrick to watch Calamity Jane. Thank you for a special afternoon” – Dementia-Friendly film screening audience member.
