Scottish Ballet offers a variety of events designed to provide an illuminating insight into the current programme. Find out more about free pre-show talks, Insights, Ballet Cafe and audio described performances for the visually impaired below. 

 

Pre-show talks

Join members of Scottish Ballet's Artistic and Music teams for a fascinating free half-hour insight into the making of Hansel & Gretel. An exciting opportunity to ask anything you ever wanted to know about Scottish Ballet! 

Tickets FREE but must be booked at the box office. 

Hansel & Gretel pre-show talks

Tramway, Glasgow
12 & 13 December 2013 at 6.30pm
Box office: 0844 871 7673

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
8 & 9 January 2014 at 6.30pm
Box office: 0131 529 6000 

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
16 & 17 January 2014 at 6.30pm
Box office: 01224 641122 

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
23 & 24 January 2014 at 6.30pm
Box office: 01463 234 234

 

Family Insight

Take a little time out to discover the inspirations behind Hansel & Gretel's choreography, characters, music and designs. These insights offer the fascinating experience of watching the Company taking class on stage and, time permitting, talking to one of the dancers about their career. 

Scottish Ballet currently offers two Insight events: a Family Insight, and an Insight suitable for ages 10+. 

Tickets: £5.50/£3.50 concession/£12 family of 4. (Family ticket only available at Family Insight events.) 

Hansel & Gretel Insight

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Family Insight (ages 6+) - 14 December 2014 at 11am.
Box office: 0844 871 7673* 

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Family Insight (ages 6+) -  11 January 2014 at 11am.
Box office: 0131 529 6000*

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Family Insight (ages 6+) - 18 January 2014 at 11am.
Box office: 01224 641122* 

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Family Insight (for ages 6+) - 25 January 2014 at 11am.
Box office: 01463 234 234* 

*booking fee

 

Ballet Cafe

A fun and social afternoon for those aged 50+ where participants are invited to take part in a beginners' dance session, listen to an illustrated talk on Hansel & Gretel and relax for a chat over tea and cake. Participants will then have the choice of attending a performance on the same evening or the following day’s matinee. 

Hansel & Gretel Ballet Cafes

Glasgow (venue tbc)
18 December 2013 at 2pm 

Edinburgh (venue tbc)
8 January 2014 at 2pm

Aberdeen (venue tbc)
15 January 2014 at 2pm

Inverness (venue tbc)
22 January 2014 at 2pm

To book, contact Lorna Murray, Education Manager, on education@scottishballet.co.uk or 0141 331 6285.

 

Audio-described performances

Scottish Ballet provides live audio description for visually impaired patrons. Once patrons have booked to attend an audio described performance, they will receive a CD containing a brief synopsis of the ballet and detailed descriptions of characters, costumes and set. Cast lists and programme articles are also available in Braille or large print on request.

Prior to the described performance, a Touch Tour is offered: patrons gather in the stalls and have the opportunity to get up close to a selection of costumes and props as well as to ask questions about the production and learn some of the dance vocabulary which is used in the live description. 

Approximately 15 minutes before curtain up, the live description begins with a recap of the synopsis, characters, costumes and sets, and details the cast for the forthcoming performance. As the curtain rises, the audio description synchronises with the choreography. 

Hansel & Gretel audio described performances

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
22 December 2013 at 2pm, preceded by a Torch Tour at 12.30pm.
Box office: 0844 871 7673*

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
11 January 2014 at 2pm, preceded by a Torch Tour at 12.30pm.
Box office: 0131 529 6000*

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
18 January 2014 at 2pm, preceded by a Torch Tour at 12.30pm.
Box office: 01224 641122*

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
25 January 2014 at 2pm, preceded by a Torch Tour at 12.30pm.
Box office: 01463 234 234*  

*booking fee