Talking Programmes are an extended Audio Description service for visually impaired audience members, specifically for foreign language theatre.

The Talking Programme is a pre-recording delivered through the Audio Description headsets prior to the live Audio Describer who describes the action on the stage during the performance. Much like a printed programme, this pre-recorded optional introduction provides supplementary information about the production to enrich understanding of what is happening on stage.

Audio description is a live commentary for people with a visual impairment that paints a picture of the action taking place during the performance. The description is delivered through a headset and begins before the production. The Audio Describer sets the scene with an overall description of the set and continues throughout the play during natural breaks in the dialogue. They will describe the action, scenery, facial expressions and costumes.

The headsets can be collected from a Duty Manager before the performance.

The Talking Programme service and audio description will be available at Festival 2012. We will update this page with listings when the full programme is launched.