An extraordinary 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.
Up to twelve autistic individuals become the participants for each performance, sitting with seven 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 experience Shakespeare’s story through highly enjoyable sensory games of storms, love and magic, which everyone plays together. Each performance is adapted to the specific needs of the participants, however complex they may be.
“Today was the first day I forgot myself and was just there” (Autistic participant)
“The atmosphere is lively, joyful and magical. It is the only place we enjoy during the holidays, where we feel like home, knowing that no one is going to judge our child. As a family we find peace, joy and comfort in Flute sessions”. (Parent of participants)
“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)
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: 90-120 minutes
All participants and their families are welcome to join the cast for 30 minutes tea and biscuits after the performance in the foyer.
Tickets £5 per family.
To book please CALL 0208 237 1010 (Riverside Studios Box Office) - no online bookings.
Wednesday 13th August
11.30 11 years and under
16:30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Thursday 14th August
11.30 11 years and under
14:30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Friday 15th August
11.30 11 years and under
14:30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Saturday 16th August
11.30 11 years and under
16:30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Sunday 17th August
10.30 No age restriction
Tuesday 26th August
14.30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Wednesday 27th August
11:30 11 years and under
14:30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Thursday 28th August
11:30 11 years and under
16.30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Friday 29th August
11:30 11 years and under
14:30 11 years plus, no maximum age limit
Saturday 30th August
10.30 No age restriction
For more information about Flute Theatre visit https://flutetheatre.co.uk/