Foreign tourists will be able to enjoy West End shows when a new translation device becomes available in London's theatres.

Although overseas visitors are responsible for a third of all theatre ticket purchases in the UK capital, up until now they have had to rely on a screen next to the stage to relay subtitles, in just one language at a time.

The new handheld wireless gadgets can provide simultaneous translation in eight languages, including French, Russian and Japanese. Unlike comparable products, the transcript is provided by professional translators, rather than a computer.

London's Shaftesbury Theatre, home of the hit musical Hairspray, has become the first venue to offer AirScript, which was developed by Cambridge Consultants of Britain. Patrons pay £6 (about $10 US) to use the device.

A member of the theatre's staff is responsible for ensuring the translation of each line is sent out on time, coinciding with the action on stage.

The pioneering technology not only makes real-time translation possible in a wider selection of languages, but is a minimal distraction to other audience members.

"A lot of work has gone into getting this simple, yet effective concept working effectively in an incredibly short timeframe," the Shaftesbury Theatre's James Williams told the Press Association, "and we're delighted with the response we're seeing from our audiences."

The announcement of a device that uses humans, rather than software, will be welcomed by translators at a time when translation technology is increasingly automated. Only last week, internet giant Google announced changes to its online translation tool that allows users free access to real-time translation into 51 different languages.

29 November 2009