As Neurodiversity Celebration week continues alongside Sign Language week, The Kings Theatre is delighted to announce the introduction of sensory packs.

The Kings recognises that many people with neurodiverse conditions can experience overstimulation or under stimulation by their environment, referred to as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. To support a more inclusive environment, The Kings are now making sensory packs available on loan for audience members who may benefit from using them.

The packs include ear defenders/headphones, resistance bands, fidget items and stress balls.

These items are designed to reduce sensory overload and reduce stress.

The Kings have also added a ‘Visual Story’ to their website. This is a picture guide with simple written instructions that details exactly what each area looks like in the building and explains how audience members can access and navigate their way around on their visit.

They are designed to help prepare any visitors for a new experience and to help them to become familiar with the surroundings, thereby supporting people with neurodiversity by providing information about what to expect in advance of their visit.

The Kings is committed to ensuring to the best of their capabilities, that everyone’s visit to the theatre should be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

To borrow the sensory packs, audience members should go to the Box Office on arrival.

Visual Story: Accessibility Information – Kings Theatre Portsmouth (kingsportsmouth.co.uk)