MORE than 1,000 disabled and autistic children and their families sang their hearts out as The Mayflower became the first major theatre to stage a relaxed performance just for them.

Less than half of them had ever been to any theatre, before seeing the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk take to the stage – and their joy was clear to see.

Mayflower spokesman Robin Hancox said: “It was so worthwhile.

We were all blown away by it. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much and there was a real buzz.”

Several rows of seating were brought out of the auditorium to allow for more wheelchair spaces, the volume was turned down and the house lights turned up a notch to make youngsters feel comfortable.

The event was such a success a repeat is already planned in 2014 during the run of Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.

l Julian Clary, Nigel Havers, Lee Mead, Paul Zerdin and Jeffrey Holland continue in Jack and the Beanstalk until Saturday night.