Actors rehearsing Chekhov at Cambridge Arts Theatre

Jonathan Nash, who is currently providing the audio description for a production of The Cherry Orchard at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, says it is important that he 'performs' live as many unforeseen events can occur during a show.

"Lots of people think that audio description could be pre-recorded but actors never leave the same pauses, sometimes they miss certain lines out, they do different things, things go wrong," he said.

The Vocal-eyes project has met with a keen response from blind and partially-sighted theatre-lovers.

Patrick Miles, who rarely visits the theatre after losing most of his sight in an accident several years ago, hopes the project will transform his play-going habits.

"I think it's just a wonderful idea. It's an eye-opener - if that's the right thing to say! It expands your experience. I'm grateful for this great opportunity," he said.

Lights, camera, action: filming The Bill

Audio description can also work on television, and it was tried some years ago on ITV's police series The Bill.

"The big benefit of it comes with drama, particularly as emotion through the face and the body is so important to the sighted viewer but is missed by blind people," said Dr Nicholas Lodge of the Independent Television Commission.

Recent episodes of The Bill have not been audio described but in the coming era of digital television, broadcasters will have to provide the service for at least 10% of their programmes.

More than 40 theatres around the UK have audio description capabilities and the trend is growing.

Cinemas and football clubs such as Arsenal are also eager to use the Vocal-eyes project to reach the one million blind and partially-sighted people across the UK.