Sensory-friendly performance of All Shook Up at Mayo venue

THE Royal Theatre and Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society present a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance of All Shook Up.

The performance is for everyone, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment which can be enjoyed by all.

The Royal Theatre and Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society are delighted to present a show of this nature on Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in The Royal Theatre, Castlebar.

The Castlebar society is the first amateur musical society in Ireland to stage a sensory-friendly show and it is also the first time a relaxed performance will take place in The Royal Theatre.

Speaking about taking this initiative, Pat Jennings of The Royal Theatre said: “Relaxed performances provide a supportive theatre environment where audience members can express themselves as they wish, move around and exit and re-enter the auditorium freely.

“During this performance, there will be a laid-back approach to noise and movement coming from the audience, permitting and encouraging everyone to relax and be completely themselves while enjoying the show.”

Referring to this specific performance of All Shook Up, Ronan Egan, chairman of the society, advised: “The show's lighting and sound will be adjusted to reduce sensory stimuli and the lights in the auditorium will be kept on at a lower level throughout the performance to create a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment. There will also be a 'chill-out' area where people can go if they find they need some quiet time away from the auditorium.”

This performance is one of a run of four shows of All Shook Up, the family friendly musical, which takes place in The Royal Theatre from March 9 to 11.

Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, All Shook Up is a heartwarming tale about following dreams, love, and the power of music. This hip-swivelling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumping out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Hound Dog', 'Jailhouse Rock', and 'Don't Be Cruel'.

Tickets for all shows are available on https://www.castlebarmds.com/.