DanceSyndrome’s Approach to Access at ORIGIN: A Mixed Bill
At DanceSyndrome, accessibility isn’t something we add at the end of a project. It is part of what makes a DanceSyndrome event feel unique and authentically “DanceSyndrome.”
On Thursday 19th November 2026, we will present ORIGIN: A Mixed Bill at The Lowry in Salford. ORIGIN brings together six performance pieces created through our iCreate project, supported by Arts Council England and The Granada Foundation. Over the past three years, iCreate has opened up opportunities for Artists with learning disabilities to become choreographers, performers and visible role models. It has amplified new voices, shared new perspectives and developed ambitious new work that challenges perceptions and champions inclusion in the Arts.
Taking access to “another level”
Following our recent EXPRESS ’26 performance, one audience member told us:
“The joy, the inclusion, the talent, the friendships, and respect on stage were just so wonderful to watch. The adjustments to make the show accessible were on another level to anything I have seen before.”
Comments like these reinforce our belief that access should be embedded throughout both the audience and Artists’ experience, not treated as an added extra at the end of the process.
At DanceSyndrome, we believe access is part of artistic quality. By placing it at the centre of our work, we hope to demonstrate what is possible and help to raise expectations across the industry.
The reality is that accessibility is not always embedded in performances because it comes at a cost. Additional rehearsals, technical support, backstage staff, BSL interpretation, audio description, touch tours, visual stories and accessible marketing materials all require investment. Often, these elements are neglected due to a lack of funding. That is why DanceSyndrome campaigned to raise an additional £9,500 to cover access costs through The Big Give Arts for Impact in March 2026. The success of this campaign has meant that we are able to raise the bar in relation to accessibility at this event.
Setting a new standard
iCreate has been all about setting new standards and thinking about new ways forward for Artists. Accessibility has been key to the creative processes throughout the project and will continue to be central to the presentation of the work at ORIGIN.
We understand that access is subjective and what is accessible to one person may not be for another. Our aim is to make each DanceSyndrome space feel as welcoming and inclusive as possible, so we are always open to feedback about how we can meet individual needs in different ways.
Sophie Tickle, Artistic Director of DanceSyndrome, said:
“We want every DanceSyndrome performance to feel welcoming, supportive and genuinely inclusive. Accessibility isn’t separate from the artistic experience, it is a key part of it. We know that adjustments require time, practice and investment, but we believe they are essential, not optional.”
“We hope ORIGIN will demonstrate what is possible when accessibility is embedded throughout the process. By continuing to push boundaries and listen to audiences and Artists with disabilities, we want to help shape a future where inclusive practice becomes the norm rather than the exception.”
Support before the show
For many people, with and without disabilities, visiting a new venue can feel daunting. Knowing what to expect in advance can make all the difference.
That’s why our Dance Leaders, David Corr, Ellie Bamber and John Burrow, have created an access tour of The Lowry’s Quays Theatre. We hope this video helps to answer questions about the space and alleviates anxiety for anyone planning to attend.
As part of our commitment to making our events accessible to all, David, Ellie and John provide a tour of the venue space to help audiences become familiar with their surroundings before they arrive.
What to expect at ORIGIN: A Mixed Bill
Accessibility features at ORIGIN will include:
- BSL interpretation
- Integrated captions/subtitles
- Audio description and associated touch tour at 6pm
- A relaxed performance, in the sense that audience members are welcome to enter or exit the space when necessary
- Access Guide available to support people throughout the evening
- An access table in the foyer, with the opportunity to meet our Ambassadors with learning disabilities
- Audience Sensory Support Kits with ear defenders, tinted glasses, fidget/stress toys, and mini fans
- A Visual Story will provide images and easy to read descriptions of what will happen in the show
- Written programme notes will describe the pieces to make the narrative of the pieces accessible
- Carefully considered lighting and sound, to create a balance between enabling people with sensory differences to enjoy the show and giving design and creative ownership to our Artists with disabilities
- Auditorium lights will be raised between each of the six different pieces to allow the audience to take a moment to prepare, in their own way, for the next performance piece
- Audible descriptions of the piece will be shared between each performance
- Additional support staff in the theatre and backstage will help everyone to have their needs met
- The Lowry operates a scheme where audience members with disabilities can bring an essential companion (parent/carer/support worker) for free. You can register for this scheme by completing their Access Register Application Form on their website or by calling their Access team on 0161 876 2183.
We hope that these adaptations remove barriers for audience members and look forward to welcoming a diverse audience to ORIGIN: A Mixed Bill at The Lowry on Thursday 19th November 2026.
