Hamilton | First-Ever Relaxed Performance 2026

Published: 21 May 2026

We were thrilled to welcome over 1,200 people to be in "The Room Where It Happens" for an inclusive and accessible evening...

On Wednesday 29 April, Go Live in collaboration with the award-winning musical Hamilton hosted the UK’s first ever Relaxed Performance of the show at the Victoria Palace Theatre (a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre)…

It truly was a joyful evening welcoming families and friends from across London, and the surrounding areas, to watch this hit musical in a relaxed environment.

Since 2012, our Relaxed Performances have been designed to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for people who find the standard theatre-going experiences challenging for reasons such as neurodiversity, autism, sensory sensitivity, Tourette syndrome and anxiety. These performances are all about creating a space where everyone can enjoy the magic of live theatre comfortably, confidently and in a judgement-free zone.

To make the night as accessible and enjoyable as possible, the theatre-going experience was adjusted in the following ways…

A detailed show report from Go Live was provided to tailor the performance with softer sound levels, reduced special effects and technical tweaks designed to support sensory‑sensitive audiences
Reduced ticket prices at £20 to £55, easing pressure for families who may worry about needing to leave early or being unable to attend on the day
A visual story was provided ahead of time to offer a simplified version of the plot and clear guidance on what to expect during their visit to the theatre, plus printed versions on the day to follow along
Chill-out spaces were set up on each level of the theatre, complete with soft seating, sensory toys, refreshments, visual stories and colouring activities
Freedom to move, with noise and movement welcomed throughout the show and the option to come and go whenever needed
Low-level house lights were kept on to support safe movement during the show
A pre-show welcome from the cast to familiarise audiences with the show and some of the technical elements

Audience members were full of praise for the adjustments, with 84% saying the lighting levels felt just right and 74% feeling the same about the sound. Many also shared how the visual story ‘helped them know what to expect’, while the chill‑out spaces were described as a ‘Fantastic’ ‘thoughtful option’ and ‘very relaxing.’

Watch our video to see what it takes to put on a Relaxed Performance!

Go Live have been championing Relaxed Performances since 2012, building long‑standing relationships with our regular relaxed audiences while also welcoming new ones – including many who had never previously attended or even considered booking a Relaxed Performance. This ongoing commitment has helped open the doors of theatre to an ever‑growing and wonderfully diverse range of people.

58% have attended a Relaxed Performance before, with 40% attending one for the first time!

86% of responders referenced an access need when asked why they had booked the performance

96% agreed the staff were welcoming and helpful

100% found the pre-show cast welcome very good or good

100% would recommend a Relaxed Performance to a friend

It was a relaxed, uplifting and truly inclusive night – a celebration of the joy that comes from making the arts accessible to everyone. Audience feedback reflected that same spirit, with responses that were overwhelmingly positive:

“The staff were so welcoming from the moment we approached the theatre… The introduction about what to expect was one of the best I have seen at an accessible performance and helped prepare both of my children who have learning difficulties and ASD. Most of all, a big thank you for making it possible for me to share one of my favourite shows with my children. The arts are so important and making it possible for everyone to experience it is so essential.”

“Thank you for hosting the first accessible Hamilton show. I loved the inclusivity of last night’s event with everyone able to come and go during the show, staff on hand to help wheelchair users etc. It was brilliant to see the huge diversity within the community and for everyone to be able to see the show, despite differences! Also loved the opening intro when King George explained what to expect in terms of flashing lights and loud bangs which my autistic daughter particularly appreciated.”

“From before we even entered the theatre, I was already happy. Our access chaperone greeted us before we even got to the main entrance and explained the whole process to us. Once inside, she went above and beyond to find the perfect seating option for my son, who is in a wheelchair. It was absolutely perfect, and watching his face when the performance first came on was priceless. Huge massive well done to everyone involved—10 out of 10.”

Watch our video to witness the buzz from this inclusive evening:

The first relaxed performance of Hamilton in the UK was a clear success, demonstrating the positive impact of accessible and inclusive theatre experiences for audiences. Through adaptations, supportive staff and resources, the event created a welcoming environment for audiences who may not have been able to enjoy Hamilton in a traditional theatre setting.

Huge thanks to everyone at Hamilton, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres for making this accessible and inclusive experience possible.