This weekend, the 11yo and I attended the Gala Opening for Mrs Wishy-Washy, a play produced by the Tim Bray Theatre Company.
It was delightful. It was charming. It was lots and lots of fun.
Tim Bray are very explicit about making children’s theatre as accessible as possible. While we personally don’t require a touch tour or an audio description, knowing that this and other accessible options are available tells me that the team will get it if we need to leave early, or if the 11yo gets overwhelmed and struggles to regulate her emotions. As a parent, it means I feel like we can be our full selves when watching a performance, and that I don’t have to manage the (unrealistic) expectations of non-disabled.
Mrs Wishy-Washy was perfect for us - lots of repetition, plenty of humour, a few songs, and nothing scary or unexpectedly loud.
We had such a good time. The audience was fully into the show, calling out to the actors, clapping along, cheering and generally enjoying themselves. Our 11yo felt so at home and so able to join in and laugh and give me an ongoing commentary. She also learnt a few new signs from the sign language interpreter!
It’s hard to describe how it feels, to be able to go to something as ordinary as a theatre production and not feel rather anxious about how others perceive your child. To just be able to be there, to relax and enjoy the performance, and be in the moment.
Thank you to all those children’s places and spaces who are explicit and intentional about accessibility. Thank you for creating spaces that are inclusive and welcoming.
It was a welcome and sorely needed change of pace from my work week.
It gives me such hope that we can absolutely create an accessible and enjoyable society!
PS - if you want to support the arts in any way, please do! Our current fave is of course Tim Bray, but there are plenty of other amazing and accessible art spaces doing fabulous work. The more support the merrier I say!