Using GalaPro at the London Palladium 

By Maxine, Peer Support volunteer

Being profoundly deafened, I can’t enjoy theatre without subtitles or closed captions, which are rarely available for more than one or two shows. 

So, when booking a captioned show of Hello Dolly, I didn’t realise captions were available via the GalaPro phone app, which I was able to download and use during the performance. 

The theatre staff were on-hand to assist and were very patient with me, which helped with any ‘technological anxieties’ I had.  

Using the application

Once installed and activated, this app was very easy to use, see and follow.   

Before the show started, I explained to those seated nearby why I’d be using my phone during the performance, just in case it disturbed anyone. 

The app completely changed the theatre experience for me. I enjoyed the show so much because of the access to captions. There’s no need to constantly stare at the phone screen, as the captions are in real time, so brief glances really did support the context of the storyline. 

My friend, who is also deafened, used the app too, so we were both able to discuss how much we enjoyed the performance, which made the experience all the more inclusive and social. 

We both found the technology very easy and with staff support, I can’t fault the service. 

Checklist before you go

For anyone booking an accessible theatre performance, here’s a few things to check before you go.

• Check in advance what type of captions are being delivered. If they’re via GalaPro, do make sure you take a compatible smartphone, and can connect to the theatre’s wifi (if they have it) or use your own data. The London Palladium does not supply alternatives for those who don’t have an accessible phone.
• Set your phone to Flight Mode and the brightness onto dark mode. Although the captions were clear, the phone screen isn’t very big, so don’t forget your glasses!

And lastly, I found holding the phone for prolonged periods very awkward, so I would take a clip-on gooseneck phone holder next time. I’m not sure of other theatres, but these are not supplied at the London Palladium.