Our Developments business makes a commitment to the arts and inclusion by sponsoring Chichester Festival Theatre’s Relaxed Performances
Our Developments business makes a commitment to the arts and inclusion by sponsoring Chichester Festival Theatre’s Relaxed Performances
Our Developments business has announced a new partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) as its ‘Relaxed Performances’ sponsor.
The sponsorship will support the prestigious theatre’s mission to provide greater access to the arts and provide a positive social impact for the community. This initiative aligns with our vision to build communities where everyone can thrive, on and off the stage.
Making theatre accessible for the local community
By making small changes to ensure a more comfortable environment – such as reduced volume and stage lights, a pre-show introduction and a chill-out area – the Relaxed Performances offer a welcoming opportunity for any theatre-lover who would benefit, particularly those who are autistic, neurodivergent, or have anxiety or learning disabilities.
Running for the past ten years, the relaxed performances have become a key part of CFT’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, with three shows taking place this year.
We’re so delighted to have the support of Wates Developments as the sponsor of CFT’s Relaxed Performances this year.
“Making theatre as accessible as possible is hugely important to us, and we know that these adapted performances make a big difference to the experience of those attending.
“After a recent Relaxed Performance, 95% of audience members surveyed said their experience had a positive impact on their quality of life. We’re thrilled that Wates Developments shares our commitment to making a positive social impact, and we’re excited to be partnering with them for the first time on this initiative.”
Charlotte Stroud
Senior Development Manager at Chichester Festival Theatre
Louise Rigglesford, CFT Senior Outreach & Community Manager, helped set up the initiative 10 years ago.
We recognised the need to create a space where people who might otherwise feel uncomfortable or excluded in a traditional theatre setting could experience the joy of live performance.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to see these performances grow in popularity and frequency over the past 10 years, allowing us to welcome a diverse audience who might otherwise miss out.
“Relaxed Performances mean so much to us and our audiences, and they underscore our belief that theatre can and should be for everyone.”
Louise Rigglesford
Senior Outreach & Community Manager at Chichester Festival Theatre
Our purpose at Wates is to create places where people can thrive, and it is well known that arts activities are beneficial to our mental health and wellbeing.
“We’re proud to support Chichester Festival Theatre in creating a welcoming environment where everyone can relax and enjoy their visit.
“Our partnership is a superb fit with our own values as an organisation, where we are committed to building a fairer tomorrow and have a number of diversity and inclusion policies in place to ensure we offer a work environment that is a safe space where everyone can be themselves.”
David Brocklebank
Executive Managing Director for Wates Developments
