New technology could make the theatre more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

CaptionCue was tested at the National Theatre’s Temporary Theatre earlier this year, with 78% of people responding positively to it.

It shows closed captions on LED screens at the side of the stage, on an screen integrated in the middle of the stage, and also on tablets.

Melanie Sharpe, Chief Executive of Stagetext, who conducted the research, said: “We are excited about the possibilities that CaptionCue offers for the future.

“With additional research and development it has the potential to increase the number of captioned performances produced in theatres around the UK and create more choice for caption users who benefit from the service.

“Captioning opens up theatre to the estimated ten million people in the UK are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing, that’s one in six of the population.

“Many people who could benefit from the service simply don’t know it exists. More promotion of captioning will bring people back to the theatre and sometimes for the first time.”

Action for Hearing Loss say 40% of over 50-year-olds have some form of hearing loss, with that rising to more than 70% of over 70-year-olds.

The February tests saw 166 people try out the CaptionCue technology.

The audiences included people with and without hearing issues.

The technology means there is no need for a captioner, as the screens show automated captions.

It is funding by Nesta, Arts & Humanities Research Council and public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Stagetext is a charity that tries to make the theatre more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing people.

CaptionCue and StageText work to promote theatre for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. For more information, click here.