Every year we welcome a deaf group called BID Services to our show.

They’re able to come along and enjoy every aspect of our performance thanks to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter who joins our team on stage.

The BID group leader, Jo, describes their trip to Circus Starr as a ‘highlight of the year’. She told us just how important it is that we have a signer at our performance.

“Seeing a BSL Interpreter at Circus Starr makes all the difference to our group. The majority of our staff, volunteers and young people use BSL as their first language, so ensuring access to all spoken/sung elements of the show is crucial.

Having an interpreter on stage as part of the performance showed the group it was an integral part of the show, as opposed to our youngsters having to rely on our staff to support them with communication.”

We love providing the group with tickets to our annual event. They had a great time at our show and Jo told us that they were inspired by our magical art form.

“The visit had a huge impact on the children – they loved it! Everyone felt so comfortable, and the Circus Starr team made us feel welcome, ensuring we had seats close to the BSL Interpreter and generally being warm and engaging throughout.

There were lots of excited conversations on the coach on the way back to youth club. We were all full of smiles, and the kids were eager to tell their parents and families about all the amazing things they had seen.  We even booked in a deaf circus performer to come to youth club a few weeks later to teach some tricks to the kids. Perhaps we have some future circus performers in our group?”

It is wonderful to know that our community event had such a positive impact on the group. We were only able to offer the signing and free tickets to BID Services thanks to the very kind support we received from local businesses.

Jo was extremely grateful to everyone who supported our event and their tickets.

“Thank you so much to all businesses who allow groups like ours to have the opportunity to visit the amazing Circus Starr. Very few of our members had seen a circus show before and the buzz amongst them both during and after the show was amazing. Without supporters such as you, many of our young people wouldn’t get to experience a live show of this sort that is accessible, welcoming and understanding of all young people and their individual needs.”