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Performances for autistic people | August 2025

Actors performing in Flute Theatre’s adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Five performers in rustic costumes and hats are seated or standing on stage in warm theatrical lighting, engaging with the audience in an inclusive Shakespeare performance.

A Midsummer Nights Dream

“It’s magic”

– Audience Member

An actor balanced on a tall ladder reaching out dramatically during A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while others look on and interact below, all in dim, moody lighting.
Three actors lying on the stage floor during A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with playful, exaggerated expressions as they engage with the audience, illuminated by green stage lights.
Three actors on stage performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with one in patterned trousers standing tall, another in a yellow dress leaning towards a kneeling actor, all set against a dark backdrop with dramatic green lighting.
Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's dream played on the main stage with two actors embracing one another.

Previous Performances

Marin Sorescu National Theatre International Shakespeare Festival

Craiova Romania May 2024

Itaka Shakespeare Festival

Novi Sad Serbia July 2024

Adapted and Directed by Kelly Hunter

Lighting Designer Craig West

Designer Alice Hallifax

Music Mercedes Maresca

— Flute Theatre Itaka Shakespeare Festival Novi Sad Serbia 2024

Actors performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream on an outdoor stage for the Shakespeare Festival Novi Sad Serbia 2024 with a medieval castle-like backdrop, one lying on the wooden floor in the foreground, another adjusting props, and a third in the distance near the arched set entrances.
Actors performing in Flute Theatre’s adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Five performers in rustic costumes and hats are seated or standing on stage in warm theatrical lighting, engaging with the audience in an inclusive Shakespeare performance.

Cast

Bottom/Demetrius

Joshua Welch

Flute/Lysander

Jacob Lovick

Hermia/Snout

Carina Abi-Saber

Oberon/Theseus

Mohit Mathur

Puck

Aleix Melé

Snug/Helena/Titania/Hippolyta

Catherine Kay

Starveling

Mercedes Maresca

Kelly Hunter

"Directing this play makes anyone feel like Peter Quince and this production was no exception as I endlessly gave out parts, scripts and instruction to my team - the big difference being that my particular team are incredible at what they do. I couldn't be luckier. At the heart of the play is a sensory world turned upside down - seeing ears, hearing eyes, tasting hands and speaking hearts - eyes that love and minds that see. Our company of seven performers take all the roles endlessly transforming themselves from spirits who fly faster than thought to donkeys that barely move to overs who only see as far as their own love lives. Only Puck remains a constant - shifting in his own body but never playing out other parts."

– Founder & Director

—Kelly Hunter

A diverse group of performers energetically engage in a live Flute Theatre performance, using expressive gestures and movement on a dimly lit stage. The actors wear casual, comfortable clothing in natural tones, creating an inclusive and accessible environment tailored for autistic individuals. This performance, inspired by Shakespeare and adapted using the Hunter Heartbeat Method, highlights Flute Theatre’s commitment to neurodiverse storytelling. Audience members can be seen watching with interest in the background. Flute Theatre also offers training and courses for actors, educators, applied theatre students, and families to support autism-friendly performance practices.

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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.  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.

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