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Theatre, Workshop

The Tempest for Autistic Individuals and their Families

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.

"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 ★★★★★

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, clowns, monsters and magic, which everyone plays together. Each performance is adapted to the specific needs of the participants, however complex they may be.

 

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 tea and biscuits after the performance in the foyer.

 

Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June - 10.30 (10 years and under)

Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June - 14.00 (11 years plus, no maximum age limit)

 

Tickets £5 per family.

To book please CALL 020 8237 1000 (Riverside Studios Box Office) No online bookings.

For more information about Flute Theatre visit https://flutetheatre.co.uk/

 

“Today was the first day I forgot myself and was just there”

Autistic participant

 

"It was breath-taking, the way the actors adapted to incorporate what my autistic son was experiencing and communicating with his behavior 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

 

"Hi beautiful Flute people . I am posting this feedback on behalf of my son, who typed the following comment during his Facilitated Communication session yesterday." (Parent)

"The Flute Theatre is magnificent, and I had the most wonderful time. The staff are very kind and fun. I would like to go again." (Autistic Participant)

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