Accessibility Notes

We publish any specific venue accessibility notes on the event and ticketing pages, but if you have any questions do get in touch!

For open air performances – if you have any access requirements and would find it useful to be sat in a specific spot, let the team know on arrival and we’ll do our best to make sure you’re sat somewhere where you can enjoy the show! For indoor performances it’s best to reach out to us or the venue ahead of your visit.

As You Like It 2026

We’re working with Extant and Enhance Facilitator Chris Campion to fully integrate visually impaired access with our 2026 tour of As You Like It. All performances will be accessible without the need for audio description or adapting the show, thanks to Extant’s tailored approach to integrating access, alongside a bespoke Touch Tour.

If you’ve ever been trying to open a stubborn picnic package mid-show you’ve almost certainly been able to tell the different between an epic swordfight and someone being hit with a bike wheel by sound alone. That’s exactly how we’re integrating accessibility, by being even more intentional with the audio elements of the show from the ground up – we won’t be changing Shakespeare’s text, and you can expect the same joyous HandleBards show.

‘Very descriptive and it allowed me to create a visual picture in my head.’

Here’s a list of partner venues where we’re offering pre-show Touch Tours. Information about how to book the touch tours can be found on the link below, or send us an email at info@handlebards.com.

Thursday 11 June 2026 – Furzey Gardens

Friday 26 June 2026 – Painswick Rococo Gardens

Saturday 18 July 2026 – National Trust Ilam Hall

Tuesday 21 July 2026 – Ordsall Hall

Friday 4 September 2026 – Norwich Playhouse

Keep scrolling for an accessible plain-text version of the As You Like It programme, and accompanying show-notes.

The notes encapsulate the visual aspects of the show and are written with access for visually impaired audiences at the core. The Touch Tour offers exploration of set, props and costume: offering an immersive space in which to imagine the work before the show begins.

As You Like It Show Notes

You can download a Word document of the As You Like It show notes below. There’s also an embedded PDF below the download. This document is intended for visually impaired audience members and describes some visual surprises or moments in the show.

As You Like It Accessible Programme

You can download a Word document of the As You Like It programme below, it’s formatted in plain text with alt-text for any images or logos throughout. There’s also an embedded PDF below the download.