The first podcast in a new collaboration between Newcastle University and Opera North looks at captions; surtitles; subtitles: the point at which text and the performed voice meet, and a crucial aid to understanding what’s happening on stage - not only for audiences with access needs. 

Jo Robinson, Professor of Theatre and Performance and Head of the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics at the University, is joined by staff from across Opera North to explore the Leeds-based company’s history with captioning, the decisions that have informed its current approach, her own experience with creative captioning, and what the future might hold.

Christine Jane Chibnall is Opera North's Director of Planning, Alice Gilmour is Access Manager, and Stuart Leeks is Editor. Their discussion is illuminated by excerpts from Opera North’s audio archive.