Our accessible afternoon performances make coming to a favourite opera as easy and stress-free as possible – keeping the drama on stage where it belongs!

With Dementia Friendly values at their core, these shortened performances of The Barber of Seville are open to all. Performed by a full cast and orchestra, they also feature a narrator to take you through the story and introduce the music from the opera. There are wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help. There is also a smaller capacity to allow everyone space, and brighter lighting levels in the auditorium, giving you the flexibility and freedom to move about as required.

About The Barber of Seville

Back by popular demand, Sir Thomas Allen (The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni) creates a riotous production of Rossini’s beloved comedy. The action centres around Figaro, one of opera’s most delightful characters and perhaps the only voice of reason in a world of young love and old foolishness. When Count Almaviva sets his sights on the beautiful Rosina, he enlists Figaro – barber, fixer, and all-round man of action – to help woo her. It is no easy feat: Rosina’s guardian Doctor Bartolo keeps her under lock and key with the intention of marrying her himself! 


Kindly supported by Scottish Opera's Education Angels
Part of Scottish Opera's 2023/24 season

• Maximum running time of 2 hours, including a 30 minute interval
• Afternoon start times for easier travel
• A narrator guides you through the story, with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and cast
• Welcoming front of house staff who have undergone training provided by Alzheimer Scotland
• Doors open 45 minutes before the start, allowing time to get settled in
• Wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help if you want to transfer
• Brighter lighting levels in the auditorium
• No need to keep quiet or sit still; you can come in and out of the auditorium during the show
• Lower capacity to allow everyone extra space
• Watch the live show on TV screens around the theatre if you need to
• Quiet areas available if you need to take a break
• Enjoy tea and cake in the café beforehand!

Mention opera and most people think of singing and music – but this is only part of the overall experience. What about scenery, costumes, lighting, direction and choreography? 

For those who are visually impaired, our audio description service provides a live commentary during the show, relating the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is available in advance, as well as a live audio introduction before the start of the performance. 

You can book tickets for audio-described performances via the venue box offices.

Call your local box office to book, or book online. Discounts available. Guide dogs are welcome. Find out more