AN Aberystwyth theatre and a local drama group has been praised for making a show accessible to the deaf.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre and the Wardens worked together to ensure there was a signed performance of this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

The Arts Centre offered to pay for an interpreter, if the Wardens were willing to allow someone to sign the show, and the drama group was happy to oblige.

British Sign Language interpreter, Anthony Evans, took part in an 11am performance.

Commenting on the show, he said: “Accessible events for British Sign Language users are few and far between in some areas of Wales, and this addition to the calendar has been welcomed by many deaf people and parents of deaf children.

“As an interpreter, I work in many venues and with many groups of people.

Aberystwyth Arts centre and the Wardens were not only keen to make this event accessible, they made it easy. Their enthusiasm shone through and I hope I can work with them again.”

Louise Amery from the arts centre was equally delighted with the show.

She said: “The Arts Centre was really pleased to be able to support a BSL signed performance of this year’s panto. We very much hope that it will become a regular fixture and something that we can also offer at other times of the year.”

Louize A Miller, an advisory teacher for the Ceredigion Sensory Service for pupils with hearing loss, thanked everyone involved for organising the event.

She said: “The show was amazing. Over 70 deaf children and their families from across Ceredigion were able to come to see this wonderful pantomime, many of whom communicate through British Sign Language.

“Without the provision of a BSL interpreter wonderful shows like these are inaccessible.

“The actors also did an amazing job at using some BSL signs during their performance and included the BSL interpreter into the show which made it extra special for many of our young signers.

“A very enjoyable and memorable performance with many thanks to the Wardens and Aberystwyth Arts Centre for helping to make this show accessible.”