A national partnership bringing Beauty and the Beast to more audiences
Over the past two years, our Autism Friendly team has had the privilege of working with Disney Theatrical Group on the Australian tour of Beauty and the Beast the Musical in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Together, we delivered five Relaxed Performances across five cities, giving the chance for Autistic people and others who may need specific support to experience live theatre in a welcoming and supportive environment.
As the national tour concludes, we are reflecting on a partnership that has helped open the doors of major musical theatre to more people across Australia. We are also pleased to share that plans are underway to continue this collaboration with Disney’s next touring production in 2026, The Lion King.
An experience for everyone
This unique and inclusive performance was carefully tailored so that Autistic people and others who may need specific support could attend, engage and feel completely welcomed.
A relaxed performance means audience members are encouraged to be themselves, to make sounds, move around, fidget or use noise-cancelling headphones without fear of judgment.
Our Autism Friendly team assessed the show in every city and recommended thoughtful modifications for each Relaxed Performance. These adjustments were designed to reflect the diversity of audience preferences and support sensory needs.
Some of the modifications included:
- Resources for predictability and support: A visual story that explains the show step by step, and inclusive, welcoming language throughout the website and ticketing process.
- Enhanced accessibility during the event: Increased staff and volunteers to support guests, the removal of announcements during the performance, and the provision of a dedicated quiet room and multiple quiet spaces for anyone who may need a break.
- Adjustments for cast and crew: Noise reduction within the production, house lights kept dim throughout, and visual cues that act as ‘pre-warning’ mechanisms before potentially overwhelming scenes.
- Pre-show preparation: A short welcome that introduces characters and stage effects in advance, such as Lumiere’s flaming candle hands, explained in a respectful and approachable way.
Why this work matters
For Autistic people and their families, attending live theatre can sometimes feel out of reach due to sensory sensitivities or social expectations. By making adjustments like these, we help create opportunities for magical experiences that can be enjoyed by everyone.
It has been inspiring to see such a diverse audience attending Relaxed Performances in 2024 and 2025, with up to 80 percent experiencing a major musical for the very first time.
We are enormously proud of the role Aspect has played in supporting Disney Theatrical Group to create Relaxed Performances in every city of the Australian tour. Together, we have shown that when organisations share a vision for inclusion, theatre becomes a place where everyone belongs.
Hear from Disney
To mark this partnership, Disney Theatrical Group produced a testimonial video reflecting on the collaboration and the impact of Relaxed Performances across Australia.
Watch the video below to hear directly from Disney about why inclusion in theatre matters.
What's next?
As we close this chapter of Beauty and the Beast, we thank Disney Theatrical Group and venue partners across Australia for their shared commitment to inclusion. We look forward to continuing this work in 2026 with The Lion King, creating more inclusive theatre experiences for Autistic people and their families.
SAVE THE DATE:
A Relaxed Performance of The Lion King will be held on Saturday 29 August 2026 at 1:30pm.
