Not one but eight London theatres have jumped on board with Auracast, each bringing the new assistive listening technology to some of the biggest shows currently being performed.
The Delfont Mackintosh Theatres group has installed Ampetronic’s Auri system in the Gieldgud, the Noel Coward, the Novello, the Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales, the Sondheim, Victoria Palace and Wyndham’s Theatre.
These venues are staging hits such as Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Les Miserable, Oliver!, and Mamma Mia! Also being performed is Inter Alia starring Rosamund Pike and Dracula with Cynthia Erivo.
Forthcoming attractions include Bettlejuice The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, and a revival of To Kill A Mockingbird.
The Delfont Mackintosh Theatres group has already put into place a number of features to try and make its performances as accessible as possible. They include performances with audio description, British Sign Language and captions. There is also support for wheelchair users and those who have assistance dogs.
For people with autism and other additional needs, the theatres have visual stories that can help people familiarise themselves with what to expect on a visit and reduce anxiety.
And now, their services have been enhanced with the launch of Auracast.
What Auracast means for visitors to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres
Auracast is a way to hear more clearly in a public venue including theatres. A good sound engineer will create a sound mix that allows for clarity with dialogue making it easier to understand. An Auracast can have multiple channels, allowing for Audio Description and translations at select performances if a venue wishes to provide them.
And theatregoers can also customise the volume on their receiving device, be it headphones, earbuds, Cochlear or hearing aids.
They can also choose where to sit within the venue, meaning they have maximum flexibility when booking.
The Delfont Mackintosh Theatre group joins the National Theatre in installing an Auracast system.
In this case, it has installed Ampetronic | Listen Technologies’ Auri system, which is also in use in Contact Manchester and Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. For most theatregoers, this won’t matter as they will hear the Auracast and not worry about which company has made it possible. Some will notice a difference in the receivers used – generally this will be those using a Telecoil or wired headphones to tune in to the Auracast.
Announcing the Auracast installation, the theatres posted on their Facebook page: “We’re excited to confirm that Auracast, the new assistive listening technology that offers full auditorium coverage, is now available at all Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.
“Just collect the receiver from the cloakroom, where our team are available to answer all your questions. Newer, Auracast-enabled hearing devices can also connect to the signal via the Bluetooth settings menu on your smartphone.”
They also produced an explanation video, where staff explain how the Auri system works:
Craig Davey, National Sales Manager, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies, is thrilled that the Delfont Mackintosh Theatre group has installed Auri in its venues.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with David Prosser and the team at Autograph. We are delighted to see Auri rolled out across such a prestigious group of venues as the DMT Theatres,” he said.
“Auracast is an excellent fit for these venues, enabling visitors to use their own compatible devices – whether hearing aids or headphones – while also allowing the venues to provide equipment where needed. This ensures the system is accessible to everyone who can benefit from it.
“Beyond supporting those with hearing loss, the system also enhances accessibility more broadly. It has the potential to deliver audio description for visitors with sight loss, as well as provide a more comfortable listening experience for neurodivergent audiences through the use of personal headphones.”
The Auri system has been installed by Autograph Sound.
For more details, log on to: https://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/accessibility
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