It will be the theatre’s first ever ‘relaxed performance’ which is specially designed to ensure that children on the autism spectrum, plus those with learning difficulties or sensory and communication disorders, have the opportunity to enjoy a live theatre experience.

The relaxed performance is designed to make children – many of whom will be first-time theatre goers - feel comfortable and to reduce any anxiety. Some of the loud and bright elements of the pantomime will be reduced, strobe lighting and pyrotechnics will be removed, and staff and cast will accommodate movement and noise within the auditorium.

Liz Leck, the Hippodrome’s creative learning manager, said: “For the last six years, we’ve worked with hundreds of young people with learning difficulties in schools across the city. This relaxed performance is a natural progression, enhancing their experience of live theatre and making a real difference in their lives.”

She added that everyone associated with the Hippodrome was delighted the theatre had been selected to join this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge - with a focus on raising money towards the theatre’s first ever ‘relaxed performance’.

The special performance of the UK’s biggest pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, will take place on Thursday, January 30, at 1pm. The show will star John Partridge, Gok Wan, Stephanie Beacham and Gary Wilmot. Eve Smith, development manager (Individual Giving) added: “As an unsubsidised registered charity, the Hippodrome needs to raise funds towards this relaxed performance of pantomime through this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. We have an online target of £6,000 which will help provide discounted tickets, adapt break-out areas, and deliver tailored training to help our staff look after the specific needs of this audience.

“The Hippodrome team will be working closely with Autism West Midlands and specialists Open Theatre Company.

“Donations made online from 10am on Thursday 5, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 of December could be doubled, so we are encouraging everyone to save the date and help us provide a unique theatre experience for disadvantaged children.”

Anyone wanting to support the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs relaxed rerformance at Birmingham Hippodrome can make a donation on the Big Give website www.thebiggive.org.uk or by visiting www.birminghamhippodrome.com/biggive