About Shakespeare’s Globe
The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in the heart of London continues the legacy of the original Globe where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.
Alongside the Sam Wanamaker Theatre, the Globe runs three core strands of work:
- Theatre Production
- Tourism and Exhibition
- Education
All three exist to celebrate and share the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
David Bellwood, Access Manager at Shakespeare’s Globe, is responsible for providing physical and cognitive access across the organisation ensuring that everyone can experience the Globe’s work in full.
The Globe team wanted to identify and remove barriers for Deaf patrons across performances, exhibitions, and tours.
In 2015, Victoria reached out to explore how she could support the Globe in improving Deaf access across the visitor and performance experience.
David was keen to collaborate:
“Improving access for Deaf people is high on my agenda. My role is to make sure that reasonable adjustments are made so that everyone has equal access.”
Victoria listened to Built for Good’s needs and proposed a strategic review of all customer touchpoints, including existing documentation, website FAQs, and communication materials.
She provided targeted recommendations to improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility.
This work ensured that both cinema staff and audiences could easily find the information they needed and feel confident using the technology.
“Since the audit, and with Victoria’s support, we have carried out BSL Synopsis Workshops and expanded our work with Deaf actors, filmmakers and directors. We work with Victoria to support everything other than interpreting our performances, which are carried out by our longstanding provider.”
— David Bellwood
“We find that having an interpreter at meetings makes the conversation more honest. People see we are making an effort, so speak more openly with us. In addition, because of the wide pool of interpreters Victoria has access to, we have been able to expand our programme of meetings with Deaf filmmakers and directors.”
— David Bellwood
The collaboration has shaped a long-term commitment to making Deaf theatre experiences world-class — both on and off the stage.
“Firstly, just do it. I would absolutely recommend Victoria as she is always reliable, has a wide pool of strong Sign Language Interpreters which we often call upon at short notice, and they are all friendly and easy to work with.”
— David Bellwood, Access Manager, Shakespeare’s Globe
“Improving access for Deaf people is high on my agenda. My role is to make sure that reasonable adjustments are made so that everyone has equal access.”
— David Bellwood
“Make sure the interpreter is given full preparation about the requirements needed for the booking. This is essential in maximising the benefit to the Deaf and hearing people involved and makes the booking run smoothly.”
— David Bellwood
“Since the audit, and with Victoria’s support, we have carried out BSL Synopsis Workshops and expanded our work with Deaf actors, filmmakers and directors.”
— David Bellwood
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