Panto really is for everyone – oh yes it is – and in recent years the relaxed performance has become a festive feature of the seasonal run at Lighthouse. 

Once again, this year’s performance has been prepared in collaboration with some of the young people that make up the audience as writer-director Chris Jarvis, who also stars in Beauty and the Beast as Dame Betty Bonbon, met via Zoom with members of BCP Council’s SENsational youth clubs for those with special educational needs or disability. 

“We had a great session with Chris who listened to suggestions from the young people as to what would make their experience of the show even better,” says BCP Council Youth Worker Beverley Clarke. 

“They came up with a list of considerations such as toning down the loud bangs, not having flashing lights and no water guns. Somebody said they found the glass doors at Lighthouse could be intimidating and one of our non-verbal children pointed out the sweets on sale could be a choking hazard. 

“It's important to many of our young people that they are prepared for what is going to happen so Chris explained the story to them and went through some of the French words so everyone would understand that bonbons are sweets for example.” 

The young people are looking forward to using special smiley face cards to show their appreciation at the end of the show and even had a trial run to thank Chris for spending time with them online. 

In conjunction with Short Breaks, a BCP Council community organisation providing positive activities for young people with additional needs, more than 200 young people will be able to see the Relaxed Performance of Beauty and the Beast at Lighthouse on Tuesday 21 December. And thanks to the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, supported by footballer Marcus Rashford among others, a further 100 places are available for young people and their carers to see the show after enjoying a hot meal at The Beacon cafe at Lighthouse. 

Tickets for relaxed performances are subsidised by the annual Lighthouse Big Christmas Appeal. 

"Amazing things happen when people donate,” says Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain. “We are dedicated to being accessible for everyone in our community and without a relaxed performance many families might not be able to see the show and do something special together. 

“Through the Big Christmas Appeal the incredible generosity of our customers helps support relaxed and dementia-friendly performances throughout the year.” 

Beauty and the Beast, starring Chris Jarvis and Michelle Collins, runs until 31 December. Tickets on sale now at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk. 

To donate to the Big Christmas Appeal, visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/christmas