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Smart caption glasses

People wearing Smart Caption Glasses at a performance in the theatre

Smart caption glasses

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the performances, we are unable to provide Smart Caption Glasses for Death of England: Delroy, or for Dick Whittington.

Smart caption glasses are a revolutionary new way for people with hearing loss to enjoy performances at the National Theatre.

When wearing the glasses, users will see a transcript of the dialogue and descriptions of the sound from a performance displayed on the lenses of the glasses.

For the first time, service users can experience our productions from any seat in any theatre.

Glasses designed and manufactured by Epson

Smart caption glasses are the culmination of a 4 year collaboration between the National Theatre and speech and language experts led by Professor Andrew Lambourne

Smart caption glasses are supported by The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Kirby Laing Foundation

FAQs

How do I book a pair of caption glasses?

See the guide below for more details of how to book.
If you're booking for multiple productions and require glasses for each performance in your booking, you'll need to add glasses for each performance you've booked. 
Smart caption glasses are generally available for performances on, or shortly after the Press Night for each show.

How do smart caption glasses work?

Watch our instructional video to find out how to use the glasses.

Can I still wear my glasses when using smart caption glasses?

Yes you can. Smart caption glasses are adjustable and fit over your glasses.

Do I have to book a captioned performance to be able to book or use smart caption glasses?

No, you don't have to book for a captioned peformance. Smart glasses can be booked for any performance listed via the booking links at the bottom of this page.

Where do I collect my glasses when I arrive at the theatre?

Please come to Box Office of the theatre for which you have tickets - Lyttelton Theatre Box Office is in the main entrance pavilion, Olivier Theatre Box Office is on the Stalls floor on Level 2, Dorfman Theatre Box Office is in the Dorfman foyer. When you arrive, staff will be able to assist with picking up your glasses for the performance. Glasses will be available to collect up to 30 minutes before the start of the performance. If possible, drop coats and bags in the cloakroom before collecting your glasses.

How can I find out more about smart caption glasses?

For booking enquiries email the Box Office on [email protected] or call 020 7452 3961.
For more information about the glasses or our access provisions please email  [email protected].

Smart caption glasses will be available for the shows listed below

A guide to buying tickets and getting smart caption glasses

  1. Follow the show links below for performance listings where smart caption glasses will be offered
  2. Select a performance and add show tickets to your basket
  3. Then on the next page (/your-tickets), the smart caption glasses will be offered to add to your basket (subject to availability)
  4. Continue shopping or go to checkout

 

If you already have tickets for any of these shows, you can also book smart caption glasses by calling the Box Office on 020 7452 3961.