The Everyman is for Everyone.

That’s the brilliant message that’s inspiring a series of extra shows designed for theatre-goers with special needs this January.

Beauty and the Beast, which runs at The Everyman until Sunday, January 14th, will include an audio-described performance with a pre-show touch tour of the set on Friday, January 5th.

There’s also an ISL-interpreted performance on Saturday, January 6th, and a relaxed performance on Sunday, January 14th, 2024.

Situated on the newly revamped MacCurtain Street, the historic venue, formerly known as the Everyman Palace Theatre, and founded by the Everyman Theatre Company, owes its existence to community initiative. Its mission is to give back to all its communities and the citizens of Cork with accessible pathways to experience live entertainment.

In a bid to widen access, all donations to The Everyman this pantomime season will go towards supporting more accessible programming in 2024.

“We always say that The Everyman is for everyone and we take this statement very seriously,” said CEO and Executive Director at The Everyman, Sean Kelly.

“This year we’re presenting our most accessible Panto ever. For the first time in a single run, audiences can avail of a relaxed performance, ISL-interpreted performance, and an audio-described performance with touch tour.”

Education and Community Manager, Maev O’Shea said the experience of participating in cultural life should and could be for everyone:

“As signatories of the Arts for All Charter in 2022, The Everyman made a public commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“We promised to build our inclusion and diversity strategy. With our accessible Panto performances, we are working towards delivering on that promise. We’re opening our doors and making our venue accessible in new ways.

“We’re also celebrating our diverse creative community and audience – The Everyman is for Everyone. Oh yes, it is!”