Theatre Activities

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. Families can learn more about The Sleeping Beauty with our new project Forty Winks.

Pre-show talks

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

Tickets FREE but must be booked at the box office.  

The Sleeping Beauty pre-show talks 

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Thu 22, Fri 23 and Thu 29 December at 6.30pm
Box office: 0844 871 7647 

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Thu 19 and Fri 20 January at 6.30pm
Box office: 01224 641122 

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Thu 26 and Fri 27 January at 6.30pm
Box office: 01463 234 234 

Insights

Take a little time out to discover the inspirations behind The Sleeping Beauty'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/£3 concession/£12 family of 4. (Family ticket only available at Family Insight events.) 

The Sleeping Beauty Insights 

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Insight (for ages 10+) - Thursday 22 December at 11am.
Family Insight - Saturday 24 December at 11am.
Box office: 0844 871 7647* 

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Insight (for ages 10+) - Thursday 19 January at 11am.
Family Insight - Saturday 21 January at 11am.< br/>Box office: 01224 641122*

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Insight (for ages 10+) - Thursday 26 January at 11am.
Family Insight - Saturday 28 January 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 The Sleeping Beauty 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.

The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Cafes

Tramway, Glasgow
Wednesday 21 December at 2pm-5pm

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Wednesday 11 January at 1.30pm-4.30pm 

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Wednesday 18 January at 2pm-5pm 

Please note that the Ballet Cafe at Eden Court in Inverness has been cancelled.

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.

The Sleeping Beauty audio described performances

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Thu 29 December 2011 at 12.30pm
Box office: 0844 871 7647* 

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Saturday 21 January at 12.30pm.
Box office: 01224 641122* 

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Saturday 28 January at 12.30pm.
Box office: 01463 234 234* 

Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Saturday 04 February at 12.30pm
Box office: 08448 11 21 21* 

*booking fee