The Devil Wears Prada – Relaxed Performance

On Saturday 7 June 2025 we held, in partnership with Kevin McCollum, David Furnish, Jamie Wilson and Nederlander Theatres, the first ever Relaxed Performance of The Devil Wears Prada!

It was a truly joyful day at the Dominion Theatre as we welcomed families from across London and beyond to a Relaxed Performance of the hit new musical based on the iconic film.

Since 2012, our Relaxed Performances are created to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for those who may find the traditional theatre experience challenging – including individuals who are neurodivergent, autistic, or experience sensory sensitivity, Tourette syndrome or anxiety.

So, what made this performance special?

• 🎟️ All tickets were priced between £10–£20, helping families take the risk out of booking.

• 🪑 The theatre ran at reduced capacity, with fidget seating available to allow movement and flexibility.

• 🔊 Adjustments to the show included reduced sound levels and softened lighting effects.

• 💡 House lights remained gently on throughout, supporting comfort and ease.

• 🎨 Chill-out spaces offered quiet zones with sensory toys, colouring areas, squash, earplugs and soft seating.

• 🧾 A visual story was sent to all bookers before the show to help prepare for the visit.

• 🎭 A pre-show cast introduction welcomed the audience and explained the story in a warm, friendly way.

And how did it go?

Based on the responses from the post-show survey…

66% had attended a relaxed performance before.
33% were attending a relaxed performance for the very first time!
98% would attend another relaxed performance, and 92% would recommend one to a friend.

85% said the sound and lighting levels were “just right.”
98% rated the cast’s pre-show introduction as “good” or “very good.”
Over a third of families used the visual story, with glowing feedback on its clarity and usefulness.
Chill-out spaces were used by nearly 1 in 5 families, offering vital comfort throughout the show.

What audiences said

“The show was absolutely phenomenal, my son was beaming throughout, and so was I. It was entertaining, engaging, and truly a joy to watch. The music was outstanding, and the cast was exceptional. Their interaction with the audience was so warm and positive, it was genuinely touching.” 

“Please continue, these are just wonderful for kids that find it a little tricky to navigate life in general. They shouldn’t need to miss out on opportunities but sadly sometimes do so these performances honestly bring tears to my eyes (happy tears!) when I think about what an amazing job you are doing and allowing everyone the opportunity to do a real theatre trip-thank you!”

“It means that we are able to take our children to see West End shows without anxiety about other audience members getting unhappy if my son starts moving about. […] The staff were fab at this show and I thought the character introductions were fab. Relaxed performances make me feel quite emotional as they have opened up theatre to us as a family.”

“My daughter loved the colouring area in the chill-out space – it made such a difference.”

“Thank you for allowing families like ours, with sensory processing needs, to experience the magic of live theatre.”

🎥 Watch our video to get a feel for the day!

Want to watch the full cast introductions? Head to our TikTok or Instagram.

We’re proud to champion Relaxed Performances that welcome everyone into the world of live theatre, and we’re incredibly grateful to The Garek Trust and The Noël Coward Foundation for helping make it all possible.

If you’re a school, family or organisation that would like to learn more about our Relaxed Performances – or a producer/venue that wants to put on a Relaxed Performance and would benefit from our help and expertise – get in touch using the form below.

Live theatre is for everyone. Let’s keep opening the doors.

Video: www.chaaustaoglu.com
Photos: @charlieflintphotography