Show lighting is a problem

My disabled adult daughter has epilepsy. Activities and entertainment suitable for her are few, her favourite has always been attending shows at Sunderland Empire.

We have always taken precautions, such as wearing sunglasses – we realise this does look a bit odd in a dark theatre – then, when being prompted, closing her eyes. Obviously, this means missing parts.

She has enjoyed some great shows in the past. Unfortunately this is now difficult because of the increasing use of flashing lights.

The last show we watched she had two seizures in the first half. We left during the interval.

She would loved to have seen Billy Eliott, but when I enquired about tickets I asked about the lights. I was told there were flashing lights in the show. We didn’t want to risk it so didn’t buy the tickets.

I know the lights can enhance a performance but does it really need to be so much. Statistics show, there are about 400,000 people in the UK with epilepsy so she is not alone.

Kat Stephenson