Meet the Team
"It's a privilege to run Flute. The plays create a living practice for everyone involved." — Kelly Hunter, Founder & Director
Kelly directing in Barcelona (2017)
Joshua Welch
Associate Artist/Performer
“It's been a life changing experience to re-awaken the true meaning of play and joy, seeing the effect it has on the children and their families creating true community all over the world. Flute Theatre’s arms reach far and wide”
Natasha Haward
Associate Artist/Performer
“Having the privilege of working with Flute has enabled me to witness first hand the true power, possibilities and purpose of Theatre. It's taught me that with authenticity and love, magic will happen and indeed it does.“
Actors
Board of Trustees
Dr Jamie Ward
“The effect of the actors on the children’s behaviour is remarkable — and very moving. In some of the shows I was trying to be a detached scientist type, but I kept getting drawn in by what was going on, and found myself wiping away a tear or two. The work of Flute really is quite special.” For more on the scientific work Jamie does with Flute, see Deconstructing The Dream.”
Professor Robert Shaughnessy
“Flute’s work is extraordinary in the deepest sense of the word, remaking our understanding and experience of what Shakespeare is, and can be. It creates a space to meet, to play, and, above all, to dream.”
Ninad Samaddar
“With Flute Theatre I rediscovered the steps leading back to my immortal inner child.”
Jane Claire OBE
"Working with Kelly and all the talented people involved with Flute is a source of great pride to me. I never fail to be moved by what they achieve and the positive effect they have on the lives of young people and their families."
David Jobson
“I was drawn to Flute as someone who is on the high end of the spectrum and a Shakespeare fan who performs as a hobby. I wanted to know more and was invited to participate in the shows. Now I feel proud to be a part of the family and contributing to the cause.”
Professor Michael Dobson
“I have become increasingly interested in Shakespeare beyond mainstream professional performance, and I have been enthusiastically involved in Kelly Hunter's work with excluded audiences since 2001.”
Talia Rodgers
“I’ve followed Kelly’s unique work with Flute for many years and am passionate about its ability to transform and enrich lives. I could not be more proud to be involved as a trustee.”
Michael Walling
"I first came to a Flute performance with my daughter in 2016. It was The Tempest at the Southbank. The moment at the end when she played as Ariel, joyfully spinning with Prospero, has been seared into my memory ever since. “Be free!” he said. And wonderfully free she became - as all autistic people can and should be."
Patrons
Janet Suzman DBE
"I am honoured to be associated as a patron with Kelly Hunter and her company. She does such innovative and adventurous work, based on Shakespeare’s ever-joyous poetry, reaching into a neglected and ignored hinterland in our society. The results are thrilling for both the participants and the actors. Hurrah for Flute!"
Ambassadors
Jirye Lee
"While the therapeutic benefits of the Hunter Heartbeat Method have been scientifically researched and statistically proven, it is important to note that this is not therapy. Therapy may work, or it may not—but this method always works. Someone in the room inevitably finds joy, and that joy becomes the ultimate measure of its success. And it happens every time. Without fail."
Support our theatre
Funding for the arts is currently said to be at a ‘terminal decline’ but we will continue to create our life changing opportunities whatever the challenges.
“Flute Theatre is the only place my child feels accepted” Parent.
Please help us continue with a one off donation or a monthly subscription. Your donations go directly toward our performances with marginalised people and always will.