The Magic of Musicals relaxed performance

The Magic of Musicals relaxed performance at the Martin Harris Centre receives high numbers of visitors of all ages.

On Friday, 8 June the Martin Harris Centre hosted its fourth "relaxed performance" - a celebration of ‘The Magic of Musicals’.

A relaxed performance is an event which is designed to be more informal than other events and more welcoming to those who might not usually attend concerts or performances. Small changes, such as leaving the house lights on and allowing visitors to move around the concert hall throughout the event can create a more friendly environment for small children, people living with dementia, and those with physical or learning disabilities.

This month's relaxed performance was a medley of songs from musical theatre and films with orchestral and vocal performances from the Manchester University Music Society and was hosted by Alison Jeffers from the Drama department. Sing-along favourites from musicals such as Oliver, Hairspray and Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat were performed along with Disney hits from The Jungle Book and Frozen.

The event was particularly well-attended by parents and young children who were able to meet the performers and handle the instruments. Children joined in with their own instruments or clapped their hands and even jangled keys in time with the music! The freedom to move around the concert hall meant that visitors were able to come and go as they wished which was especially popular with energetic children!

Visitors complimented the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the event and thanked the Music students for showing such a warm welcome to children and babies. The event was presented as part of the Martin Harris Centre's campaign to become a more accessible arts venue.