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Hunter Heartbeat Courses | 2025

Two actors in orange costumes joyfully holding hands and connecting through eye contact during a sensory-friendly performance of Twelfth Night by Flute Theatre, using the Hunter Heartbeat Method to engage autistic participants through Shakespeare.

Twelfth Night for Autistic People

"Flute Theatre are incredible and what they offer is invaluable"

– Headteacher Virginia Primary School

Actors from Flute Theatre’s Twelfth Night hold one another in a dramatic and expressive lift, using the Hunter Heartbeat Method to communicate emotion through movement for autistic participants.
A group of Flute Theatre performers laugh and mime exaggerated belly gestures during an interactive scene from Twelfth Night, inviting autistic audience members to join through shared rhythm and physical comedy.
Two actors joyfully reach and smile during a sensory-friendly performance of Twelfth Night by Flute Theatre, engaging autistic participants through Shakespearean play and the Hunter Heartbeat Method.
Cast and autistic participants of Flute Theatre’s Twelfth Night stand in a circle with raised arms and lifted legs, engaging in a synchronised movement game using the Hunter Heartbeat Method to foster connection and play through Shakespeare.

Previous Performances

Orange Tree Theatre Richmond 2024

Riverside Studios 2024

Adapted and Directed by Kelly Hunter

Designer Alice Hallifax

— Orange Tree Theatre (2024)

Flute Theatre actors perform an interactive moment from Twelfth Night, using expressive gestures and rhythm to engage autistic participants seated in a circle through the Hunter Heartbeat Method.
Kelly Hunter

"My fourth show for autistic individuals and the happiest, funniest and most musical by far. For this production we finally have a new floorcloth for our autism shows designed with care and attention by Alice Hallifax in yellows, oranges and russetts to bring sunlight, warmth and laughter into the space. Twelfth NIght begins by asking us to play in a world of music and love which is exactly what we have done. The games are funny and irreverent, replacing Shakespeare's yellow stockings with a sea of yellow hats and offering the chance to hide behind veils of orange and yellow for Olivia's initial vows of celibacy. In nature there's no blemish but the mind, none can be called deformed but the unkind Act 3 sc4 The show was created at a time of intense human suffering in the world and we have all sought refuge in its warmth and kindness."

– 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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