Theatre Royal Glasgow
Our accessible afternoon performances make coming to a favourite opera as easy and stress-free as possible – keeping the drama on stage where it belongs! With Dementia Friendly values at their core, these shortened performances are open to all.
Performed by a full cast and orchestra, they also feature a narrator to take you through the story and introduce the music from the opera. There are wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help. There is also a smaller capacity to allow everyone space, and brighter lighting levels in the auditorium, giving you the flexibility and freedom to move about as required. Whether you’re living with dementia or Long COVID, more comfortable at a shorter show, struggling to get to evening performances, or would simply benefit from the relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy everything opera has to offer.
About La traviata
This beloved production, which began life at Scottish Opera in 2008, has been seen at opera houses around the world.
Violetta Valéry lives on borrowed time. In Paris’ hedonistic high society, she squeezes each day for its joys before her illness catches up with her. When the idealistic young Alfredo offers true love, happiness seems possible – but her past has exacted a price. Giuseppe Verdi’s devastating tragedy has inspired countless retellings, including cult favourite films Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge!.
With his characteristic eye for detail, Sir David McVicar (Il trittico, Falstaff, Pelléas et Mélisande) gets to the love and loss at the core of this doomed love affair in his passionate, gripping, and startlingly intimate Belle Époque production. Tanya McCallin’s sumptuous designs centre Violetta’s journey and enduring legacy despite her fleeting life. Verdi’s magnificent score sweeps the characters through every shifting mood – from the wildly dramatic to the most vulnerable moments.
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Additional information
• Audio description available
• Maximum running time of 2 hours, including a 30 minute interval
• Afternoon start times for easier travel
• Welcoming front of house staff who have undergone training provided by Alzheimer Scotland
• Doors open 45 minutes before the start, allowing time to get settled in
• Wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help if you want to transfer
• Brighter lighting levels in the auditorium
• No need to keep quiet or sit still; you can come in and out of the auditorium during the show
• Lower capacity to allow everyone extra space
• Quiet areas available if you need to take a break
Theatre Royal Glasgow
Opened in 1867, Theatre Royal Glasgow went through two fires before the turn of the century. Standing tall through thick and thin, the theatre has since presented a wide variety of productions covering all genres, including residents Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. Featuring a Victorian auditorium, Theatre Royal presents first class entertainment.
Theatre Royal Glasgow
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