DONCASTER SETTING THE YORKSHIRE STANDARD FOR ACCESSIBLE THEATRE By Emma Gullon.

 CAST opened its doors back in 2013, it’s mission has been to create equal and diverse opportunities for the people of Doncaster. Our town’s level of  work limiting illnesses is 23% higher than the rest of the UK, therefore this modern theatre has equally modern methods on how to make the arts accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Last year, CAST received a lot really positive feedback for their panto Jack and the Beanstalk, the first fully BSL integrated panto in the U.K. This included two relaxed performances, fully accessible public spaces,captioning and audio description. As well as the traditional family orientated performance, there was never a moment where  a fully integrated character didn’t use sign language as well as perform alongside the rest of the cast.They will be returning with this groundbreaking performance style this year with Beauty and the Beast . Doncaster has the largest D/deaf community outside of London, and this unique project broke down the barriers for the audience so everyone was included in the experience.

CAST is officially the only theatre in Yorkshire to have with a fully accessible Changing Places theatre toilet with a ceiling track hoist and height-adjustable adult sized changing bench. This theatre believes in giving all of their audience members the dignity and equal opportunities they deserve. CAST also take into consideration the costly element of having a disability; the theatre offers free carer tickets and discounts for disabled people on every ticket, meaning that everyone can enjoy a night out at an affordable price.

CAST’s motto is ‘Make Your Mark’, and it does more than that with their approach to people with disabilities. Theatre itself is about equality and an experience for anyone to enjoy, and Doncaster is being  recognised for the work this amazing theatre does to ensure that!