Device overcomes language barrier

West End hit Hairspray is to pioneer a device which could transform theatre trips for overseas visitors by giving them real-time translations.

The musical is the first to use Airscript, a wireless handheld screen which allows them to follow the script in their native language, and will also help those with hearing difficulties.

Around one-third of the tickets sold for London's theatre shows are bought by foreign visitors.

The system allows several languages to be screened simultaneously with users choosing the one they prefer, initially from English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese.

Until now, audiences who face a language barrier have often had to rely on screens beside the stage.

Developed and manufactured in the UK by Cambridge Consultants, the system has been trialled at London's Shaftesbury Theatre where Hairspray is being performed.

Alexander Vegh, chief executive officer of the company which created the translations, Show Translations, said: "Existing translation solutions in theatres do not cater for everyone satisfactorily. For example, a screen to the side of the stage can only provide one language and can be very distracting for the audience members who don't require translations.

"What we wanted to deliver was a solution that can provide multiple simultaneous translations at any theatre on an individual basis, including for those who are deaf or hearing impaired."