SHOWS
FOR
autistic people
Up to twelve autistic people become the participants for each performance, sitting with six 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 help them unravel Shakespeare’s story through sensory games which everyone plays together. Each performance is adapted to the specific needs of the participants, however complex they may be.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM for autistic
People and their families
Adapted by Kelly Hunter
We have revived the production in 2024 to perform alongside our new mainstage production of A Midsummer NIght's Dream. In Spring 2024 we performed the show in Romanian with our families from ANCAAR in Craiova and at Riverside Studios London and Brunswick Theatre Brighton with our UK families. with London families.
"On a personal level our family has been massively impacted by the welcome and warmth we received when we introduced our son Gregory to the Flute theatre experience. He has grown from being shy and uncomfortable being watched to showing sheer delight in playing the games with the actors. More recently has even stood up and sang on his own at our community choir gathering."
- KIM SMITH, PARENT
Twelfth night for autistic
people and their families
Adapted by Kelly Hunter
Up to twelve autistic people 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 of midsummer madness through highly enjoyable sensory games where music feeds love and love feeds us all with everyone playing together. Each performance is adapted to the specific needs of the participants, however complex they may be.
“A space for our pupils to express themselves safely and meaningfully. Our pupils laughed from start to end”
- Teacher, Queensmill School
“Thank you for such wonderful experience for our students”
- Teaching Assistant, Queensmill School
ORANGE TREE THEATRE
2024
Pericles for autistic
people and refugee families
Adapted by Kelly Hunter
Our unique production of Pericles for autistic people and refugee families allows us to perform interactively with audiences not ordinarily able to access performance and Shakespeare.
“Every autistic child should have the opportunity to experience the magic of the Flute Theatre. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Special Needs Teacher (Tower Hamlets)
“The impact you have had on the children, their enjoyment and self esteem has been profound. Flute theatre is a transformational experience for all lucky enough to be a part of. You have inspired children, staff and parents in the most warm, fun and magical way”.
Headteacher Virginia Primary School, Tower Hamlets, London
‘‘I am not sure that I can find the words to convey my gratitude to yourself and the whole company for yesterday's extraordinary experience. Aimé spoke for himself and I am reluctant to try to express what I believe he went through. As for myself, you all touched my soul to the deepest.
I think that what we were invited to be part of yesterday is what the ancient Greeks intended Theatre to be for humanity. I still feel it in my all “being” this morning waking up from a profound long rest.”
PARENT OF PARTICIPANT
“What a joy it was to watch Flute's stunning Pericles in Hall's Croft last night. The opening greetings/warm-up could have gone on for hours - it was such a great way of integrating company and audience. The style you have developed is an explosive and riveting blend of dance and movement, music, creative design, gesture, boundless emotion - and textual delivery, overflowing with energy and constantly exploratory power. I was almost hypnotised! Your production has added an unforgettable perspective, that of the fiercely- imagined tumultuous emotion latent, and finally bursting out, in the experience of the characters, from pirates to leads. Thank you!”
STRATFORD UPON AVON - AUDIENCE
THE TEMPEST
FOR AUTISTIC people and thier familes
Adapted by Kelly Hunter
The Tempest for autistic individuals was originally created by Kelly Hunter in 2014 for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Ohio State University. Since then, it has been performed across the world, adapted into Catalan, Spanish, Romanian, Ukrainian, Japanese and Hindi.
The Tempest for autistic individuals was originally created by Kelly Hunter in 2014 for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Ohio State University. Since then, it has been performed across the world, adapted into Catalan, Spanish, Romanian, Ukrainian, Japanese and Hindi.
“For the first time I forgot myself, and was just there.“
Autistic Participant
“ Flute Theatre’s groundbreaking version of the play is a unique theatrical experience, which genuinely puts the sense of play back into Shakespeare’s late work and that is truly interactive.”
The Guardian ★★★★
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