It’s impossible for anyone not to feel a real tingle of joy. Flute Theatre is unique - Lyn Gardner, The Guardian ★★★★★
Up to twelve autistic individuals become the participants for each performance, sitting with six actors in a circle on our stage. Their families or carers can join us in the circle or sit just behind to watch. The actors invite the participants to help them unravel Shakespeare’s story through sensory games which everyone plays together. Each performance is adapted to the specific needs of the participants, however complex they may be.
“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.”
The Tempest was the first production for autistic individuals created by Flute Theatre in 2014 as a partnership with RSC and Ohio State University. Since then, it toured around the world including US, Spain and Japan. During the pandemic we adapted the production with Peruvian actors at Teatro La Plaza in Lima Peru to perform online with families marginalised through Covid-19 and poverty. During the pandemic we delivered 976 live online performances for the international autistic community across four continents and three languages.
In April 2022 we were back at the Riverside Studios as a continuation of Flute and Riverside’s commitment to creating inclusive theatre for the neuro-diverse community. Our performances this summer mark the continuation of this work.
All participants and their families are welcome to join the cast for 30 minutes tea and biscuits after the performance in the foyer.
Performance schedule:
Monday 15th August 14.00 Age limit 11+
Tuesday 16th August 10.30 Age limit 4-10
Tuesday 16th August 14.00 Age limit 11+
Wednesday 17th August 10.30 Age limit 4-10
Wednesday 17th August 14.00 Age limit 11+
Thursday 18th August 10.30 Age limit 4-10
Thursday 18th August 14.00 Age limit 11+
Friday 19th August 10.30 Age limit 4-10
Friday 19th August 14.00 Age limit 11+
Tickets £5 per family.
To book please CALL 0208 237 1000 (Riverside Box Office). No online bookings.
For more information about Flute Theatre click here.