A unique theatrical experience which genuinely puts the sense of play back into Shakespeare and is truly interactive. Flute Theatre is unique. - Lyn Gardner The Guardian ★★★★★
Flute Theatre create ground-breaking productions of Shakespeare for autistic individuals and their families using the Hunter Heartbeat Method created by Artistic Director Kelly Hunter.
Each performance is adapted to the specific needs of the participants, however complex they may be. Up to twelve autistic individuals become the participants for each performance, sitting with seven actors in a circle on our stage. Families and carers can join us in the circle or sit just behind to watch. The actors invite the participants to experience Shakespeare’s story through highly enjoyable sensory games of fishermen, pirates and storms which everyone plays together.
It was breath-taking, the way the actors adapted to incorporate what my autistic son was experiencing and communicating with his behaviour into the performance… they entered his world rather than demanding that he enter theirs… I could relax because my son was with people who really “got” him and understood how to work with autism.
Parent of participant
My autistic child has been playing with Flute theatre for several years. He is at his best during these periods when he attends drama. The actors are an incredibly skilled talented, empathetic, patient group, whose knowledge of working with people with autism is unparalleled. I am an active part of the autism community, and I don't know any other organisation with such experience of engaging the neurodiverse for long periods of time, and entering their world. This is more than an arts experience, it's a rare moment of creating a world for autistic people, rather than one they have to survive in.
Parent of participant
This autumn, we can offer our performances in Russian for Ukrainian refugee families who are displaced by war. When you call to book, please tell us your needs.
If you are interested in watching our performance as an observer only, we have a limited number of “Observer’s Seats” for each performance. Please call to book.
Show running time: 90 minutes
All participants and their families are welcome to join the cast for 30 minutes for a Christmas special tea and biscuits after the performance in the foyer.
Monday 19th December 10.30 10 years old and under
Tuesday 20th December 12.30 10 years old and under
Monday 19th December 14.00 11 years old and over
Tuesday 20th December 16.00 11 years old and over
Tickets £5 per family.
To book please CALL 0208 237 1010 (Riverside Box Office) No online bookings.
For more information about Flute Theatre visit https://flutetheatre.co.uk/