Access Opera: The Merry Widow
Scottish Opera’s 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 are open to all. Performed by a full cast and orchestra, they also feature a presenter to introduce the story, characters and 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 Merry Widow
A lavish Parisian party is a grand occasion for dancing, drinking, and (in)discreet love affairs. But Baron Zeta, the ambassador to the fictional cash-strapped state of Pontevedro, has a slightly more serious matter on his mind. Among his party guests is Hanna Glawari. Hanna is the glamorous Pontevedrian widow who arrived in Paris to enjoy her late husband’s immense fortune. Baron Zeta cannot bear the thought of Pontevedro losing half its national wealth should Hanna marry a Parisian. So, he assigns the charismatic Count Danilo to watch over her heart. But little does he know that they have quite the history...
What to expect from Scottish Opera’s Access Performances
- Audio description available
- Shortened running times, including a 30 minute interval
- Afternoon start times for easier travel
- A presenter to introduce the story and characters, with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and cast
- Additional front of house staff on hand to welcome you
- Doors open 45 minutes before the start – so there’s lots of 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
- Quiet areas available to take a break
- Enjoy tea and cake in the café beforehand!
Sung in English with English supertitles and narration
Kindly supported by Scottish Opera's Education Angels
Part of Scottish Opera's 2024/25 Season
Tickets from £12.50*
Dates
-
Tue 3 Jun 2025 3:00 PM AD
Audio Description Available
An additional audio track for audiences with sight loss, explaining what’s happening on screen or on stage during gaps in the dialogue and sound effects.
Relaxed Environment
Characterised by increased lighting level, reduced sound level, no trailers/advertising and freedom to move around/make noise, relaxed environment presentations are for children and adults on the autism spectrum or with learning disabilities, and their families, friends and carers.
Access
Capital Theatres aim to be accessible to all.
We are committed to making your visit to our theatres as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. All of our Front of House staff undergo disability awareness training and Dementia Friend Training and will be pleased to assist you should you require any information or help.
Essential Carers go free - please phone the Box Office during Mon to Sat, 11am - 3pm on 0131 529 6000, or email bookings@capitaltheatres.com to book.