Captioned Performances
At Captioned performances, the actors’ spoken words are converted into visible text via two display screens on stage, one on each side. The text scrolls at the same speed as the dialogue, making it easy to follow with the action on stage. This type of captioning is known as open captioning, and our Box Office team can advise on the best seats for viewing the captions.
We also offer closed captioning via The Difference Engine on selected shows. At these performances, the captions are presented on each individual’s personal smart device, usually a mobile phone or tablet, via The Difference Engine app. Please see the section at the bottom of this page for more information about the system, and how to connect.
Curve is a Stagetext Spotlight Venue
In October 2022, Stagetext asked the public to nominate a venue they love for great access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing audiences. Following the nomination period, we’re delighted to have been chosen as their very first Spotlight Venue.
“The theatre is just the right size, and the captions were the correct height for me to see and read. – I really, really enjoyed MAMMA MIA! when I went – the captioning was brilliant, and my seat was fantastic to read them. Thank you for making it accessible as I wouldn’t be able to enjoy theatre otherwise.” – Audience Member who nominated Curve
Upcoming Open Captioned Performances
The Owl Who Came For Christmas
Sat 16 Dec, 10.30am & 1.30pm
Sat 30 Dec, 10.30am & 1.30pm
Captioner: Theatre Captioner Network – Jenny Skene
Evita
Wed 20 Dec 2023, 7.30pm
Thu 28 Dec 2023, 2.15pm
Captioner: Theatre Captioner Network – Stevie Burrows
Come From Away
Thu 7 Mar 2024, 7.30pm
This performance will also be British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted. Come From Away is performed in one act, and does not have an interval.
Closed Captioning by The Difference Engine
We work with Talking Birds Theatre Company to bring The Difference Engine to Curve, enabling us to offer Closed Captioning on selected performances throughout the year.
The Difference Engine is an innovative tool that enables audience members to receive captions on their own mobile devices – such as smartphones and tablets – via a free app available to download on both the App Store (for iOS 7.1 and above) and Google Play Store.
For more details about The Difference Engine, including tips for downloading and using the app, please click here.
Upcoming performances that are available with Closed Captioning will be listed below as they are confirmed.
COMPANION TICKETS
Audience members who would benefit from the support of a friend, relative or carer during their visit may be eligible for a free Companion ticket with each standard ticket booked for a performance.
To access the concession, we recommend joining our Access Register Scheme so that you don’t need to resubmit evidence each time you book. For more details about the register, please see our Access page.
Header Image: A caption unit on stage for The Smeds and The Smoos (2021). A Tall Stories production in association with Curve. Photo by Nicola Allen.