TWO theatre productions which have been designed or adapted to be accessible to hard of hearing audiences will be staged at the Artrix venue in February.

A spokesman said: "A swinging sixties story of unconditional love, "The Best Thing" will come to the Artrix on Saturday February 6.

"It is a co-commission with the London International Mime Festival, and this is a bittersweet tale of mistaken morals, broken hearts, beehives and record players which is suitable for both hearing and deaf audiences". Suitable for people aged 12 and over, the production is billed as "a funny, heartbreaking and human production by Vamos, the UK’s leading full mask theatre company".

The Remarkable Tale of Oliver Twist, which is presented in the style of a Victorian music hall, will showcase some of Dicken’s best characters "in an imaginative and colourful way".

A spokesman said: "Packed full of surprises, Red Earth’s production which is being staged at Artrix on February 21 and will include "projected captions and graphics to improve access for children and adults with different communication needs, including those who are hard of hearing and not sign language users".

TC Peppercorn, Artrix’s Learning and Engagement Co-Ordinator said ‘We’re delighted to be able to stage these two productions as part of our commitment to widen our community engagement programme’

Tickets and further details on 01527 577330 or www.artrix.co.uk