Julie Walters calls on theatres to stage more relaxed musicals to broaden access

Relaxed performances are often the only chance for many people with an autism spectrum disorder to see a play

The actress said noisy children were no more distracting than older people (Rex)

One of Britain’s best loved actresses has called for theatres to be required, by law, to stage more relaxed performances, to broaden access to plays and musicals.

Julie Walters, who has been acting since the 1970s and who made her name on television as Victoria Wood’s comic sidekick, said theatre directors should “by law” have to schedule special weekly or monthly shows for those who find staying still and quiet a challenge.

Only a handful of British theatres regularly hold relaxed performances, which were started in 2006. They are often the only chance for many people with an autism spectrum disorder to see a play.

In a relaxed version of a show, loud music, sound effects, strobe lighting and bright lights are toned down. The lights in the auditorium remain dimly lit and the house is only half or two-thirds sold, to leave plenty of space around each family.

In an interview with The Independent on Sunday, Walters called relaxed performances a “great idea,” adding: “I think by law they should have to do them for a matinee a week or a month.” She said noisy children were no more disruptive to actors on stage than older people.

“You expect matinees to be a bit odd, a bit shuffly. There was that famous one at Bristol, it was Macbeth, and he comes out and says: ‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow’ – his famous speech – and this woman goes: ‘Well, that’ll be Wednesday!’ ”

Relaxed performances would enable parents with children to get out more and watch plays.

“You wouldn’t want to frighten kids but it should be at the parents’ discretion,” Walters added.

Kirsty Hoyle, who pioneered the notion and works with her group Include Arts to help theatres put on the shows, says audiences should expect “the opposite” of the quiet carriage on the train.

This year, Ms Hoyle plans to launch a relaxed concert project. She said Include Arts was partnering with a number of UK and international live music venues to hold special performances.