National Kaunas Drama Theatre Team Explored Accessibility Practices in London Theatres

 From May 17–22, 2026 the team of National Kaunas Drama Theatre — director Justinas Vinciūnas, cultural project manager Rūta Malaškevičienė, and education managers Valdonė Talutytė-Masienė and Monika Abraitytė — visited London. During the visit, the team met with representatives of three organizations: National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Touretteshero. The visit focused on accessibility practices in theatre, observing the adaptation of performances into the “Relaxed Performance” format, and meeting specialists working to create more accessible theatre environments.

At National Theatre, the NKDT team gained insight into long-term accessibility practices developed for diverse audiences. Five meetings were organized with specialists from different fields: accessibility consultant Georgia Choudhuri, Head of Accessibility David Bellwood, lighting programmer Laura Choules, audience services specialist Keira Pagett, and producer Adwoa-Alexis Mintah. During these meetings, NKDT representatives learned about audience services, communication methods, technical solutions, and organizational practices that help ensure a safer and more comfortable theatre experience. The team also observed the process of adapting the performance Dangerous Liaisons into the “Relaxed Performance” format and discussed ways of implementing accessibility solutions in different productions while preserving artistic quality and creative vision.

At Shakespeare’s Globe, the NKDT team met with theatre manager Angie Fullman and accessibility consultant David Deacon, who explained that the theatre places particular emphasis on preparation before audiences even arrive at the venue. The meeting introduced principles of clear communication, the importance of recognizing individual audience needs, and practical ways to help visitors prepare for the theatre experience in advance. Representatives of the theatre shared their experience in creating an environment where audiences can feel safe and confident even before the performance begins. The discussions also highlighted the importance of collaboration with communities, volunteering, and consistent accessibility planning across various theatre activities.

 At Touretteshero, the NKDT team explored inclusive creative practices focused on involving people with diverse experiences and needs in artistic processes. The meetings placed strong emphasis on community, creative freedom, and creating safe environments for both artists and audiences. Representatives of Touretteshero shared their understanding of accessibility as a creative process that encourages not limitation, but the search for new ways to make art more open and accessible.

The NKDT team met with Touretteshero artistic directors Matthew Pountney and Jess Thom, who introduced principles and practices of inclusive creative work. These practices are aimed at involving people with diverse experiences and needs in artistic processes. The meeting highlighted the importance of community, creative freedom, and creating safe environments for both artists and audiences. The organization’s leaders also presented visual tools developed to help neurodiverse audiences better prepare for attending performances.

After returning, the NKDT team discussed the experiences gained in London and is currently analyzing possibilities for applying them within the theatre. The visit forms part of the preparatory work for the festival Dive into Theatre (“Nerk į teatrą”), which in November 2026 will focus on neurodiverse audiences. Based on the knowledge gained during the visit, the theatre continues developing plans to adapt two NKDT repertoire performances — Hello, Fox! and Open the Door — into the “Relaxed Performance” format, with the aim of creating a more accessible theatre experience for diverse audiences.

NKDT information