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Relaxed Theatre and Ice Rink Sessions for Wheelchair Users

A relaxed performance is not a different show: it is the same show with the edges softened. Lights and sound are adjusted, noise and movement in the audience are welcome, there is a chill-out space if you need time away, and you can come back in. The National Theatre and Somerset House both run relaxed formats, and both pair them with wheelchair access arrangements. This guide explains what relaxed means at each venue and how to book it.

Rollivane editorialPublished 5 min read
Relaxed Theatre and Ice Rink Sessions for Wheelchair Users

Illustration of a theatre auditorium with soft warm lighting, a wheelchair user and companion in a wheelchair space watching a stage.

Facts checked against the linked sources on 2026-11-02. Prices, dates and session details can change; confirm with the provider before booking or ordering.

The National Theatre: relaxed, chilled and assisted performances

The National Theatre's access programme covers captioned performances, British Sign Language interpreted performances, audio-described performances with live commentary through a headset, and two calmer formats. Relaxed performances make technical changes such as adjustments to light and sound effects for people with sensory sensitivities, and also allow noise and movement in the auditorium, a chill-out space for anyone who needs time away, and re-entry when needed. Chilled performances allow noise and movement and re-entry without the production changes. Dementia-friendly performances add a relaxed auditorium, production adjustments, and a visual story sent ahead of time. For wheelchair users, the practical companion to all of this is the Access Scheme: members can book accessible seats online including wheelchair user spaces, receive information on upcoming access performances, get early booking for access tickets, and receive adjusted seat prices for themselves and a companion. The access team can be reached on 020 7452 3961 or at access@nationaltheatre.org.uk, and each show page lists its assisted performances.

Somerset House: relaxed sessions and dedicated wheelchair sessions

Somerset House's Skate programme runs relaxed sessions alongside its dedicated wheelchair sessions, which makes it a useful second example of the same idea in a different setting. Relaxed sessions run at reduced capacity with lower music levels for neurodiverse visitors and those with additional needs, while dedicated wheelchair sessions run throughout the season from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Wheelchair users are welcome at all sessions, but anyone booking with a wheelchair is asked to call 0343 208 1497 rather than booking online, so staff can schedule enough support and confirm the right session. The combination matters: a relaxed session gives you a calmer rink, and a dedicated wheelchair session gives you a rink planned around wheelchair users, and you can ask on the phone which suits your visit better.

How to book a relaxed visit

Start from the show or session page, not from a general listings site: the National Theatre lists assisted performances on each show page, and Somerset House lists its relaxed and wheelchair sessions in its skate programme. If the venue runs an access scheme, join it before you book, because that is usually what unlocks online wheelchair-space booking and early access tickets. When you book, confirm three things in one call or message: the wheelchair space or session, the companion ticket arrangement, and where the chill-out space is and how re-entry works. Arrive with time to spare so you can find the space, settle in, and ask front-of-house staff about anything that is unclear. If a venue's relaxed offering is not clearly labelled, ask directly: the term relaxed is used consistently across UK theatres, and box office teams will know what you mean.

Sources & further reading

Accessible theatre | National TheatreSkate at Somerset House | 2026 tickets

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