HUNDREDS of autistic children enjoyed a performance of Aladdin at The Anvil.

The relaxed performance was put on at the Basingstoke theatre on January 2, and was adapted to be more suitable for those on the autistic spectrum or with other disabilities.

The auditorium lights were left on throughout and the audience was free to come and go during the Gazette Newspapers-sponsored show.

Additional wheelchair spaces were created, and the performance was also signed for those with hearing difficulties.

Foyers at The Anvil remained open and the audience could watch the show via a television relay if they preferred.

There was also a quiet zone with sensory equipment.

During the show, the music and sound effects were quieter and gentler in tone, with pyrotechnics replaced by a musical sound effect.

Ruth Jones, safeguarding co-ordinator at The Loddon School, for young people with learning difficulties, brought along a group of children from the Sherfield-on-Loddon school.

She said: “This was a great success.

“The staff were well trained and the afternoon was well thought out.

“Our schoolchildren, and staff, really enjoyed it.”