Hijinx

Hijinx Theatre was founded in 1981 by Gaynor Lougher and Richard Berry. The Company’s mission statement is to create high quality theatre which is accessible, entertaining and challenging for small communities throughout Wales and England.

In the spring and early summer we create a play for adults with learning disabilities and their community. We have created many plays over the years on a variety of pertinent themes, starting from the basic premise that people with learning disabilities experience the same emotional needs as everyone else, but more obstacles are put in their way. We have developed a good working relationship with Mencap Cymru who provide excellent advice about topical issues in the learning disabled community. A Background Information Pack is produced for each production with copies left with carers to enable follow up work on the themes of the play.

Each autumn we tour a new production for the general public in community venues for eleven weeks. The company has developed a strong commitment to new writing over the last 15 years, commissioning plays from many of Wales’ leading playwrights. We have developed a strong fusion of music, movement and visual imagery in all our work.

“Hijinx are past masters of the tight, subtle, disarmingly simple art of dramatic storytelling.
David Adams ~ The Western Mail.

“If you want small-scale perfection, try Hijinx Theatre. Their shows are with almost uncanny reliability little masterpieces, miniatures where every aspect of the product is finely crafted.”
David Adams ~ The Guardian.

Hijinx are revenue funded by the Arts Council of Wales and Cardiff County Council, performances in England are sometimes supported by a touring grant from the Arts Council of England to whom applications are made on a project by project basis. (For more detailed information about funding see the Funding page).

If you would like to make a donation to our charity, you can donate online with confidence via using the button below:

Hijinx very grateful to VSI-thinking for sponsoring the Hijinx website.

THE NATIONAL LOTTERY AWARDS

On Saturday 5th September, Gaynor Lougher (Artistic Director) and Gareth Clark, one of our Odyssey Theatre members (Full Circle), Val Hill (Administrative Director), Ben Pettitt-Wade (Outreach Officer) attended the National Lottery Awards Ceremony at the BBC studios in London as invited guests along with Odyssey Members Matthew, Gary & Geraldine Cook. Odyssey Members Bob Pontin, Natalie Gwynedd, Kirsty Rosser, Martin Vick, Stuart Campbell & Luana Dee also went made the trip to take their place in the Audience.

It was a fantastic evening, and although we didn’t get to the top spot, it has been just amazing to have been nominated and to reach the finals. Our thanks go out to all who voted for us and also to Legal & General for making sure everyone could get there on the train!

This has been a fantastic opportunity and it has enabled us to let thousands of people know what Odyssey Theatre is all about!

A great big thank you to everyone who supported us.

Hijinx Theatre Ltd. is registered in England & Wales No 2161783. Registered Charity No: 1078358. A member of the Independent Theatre Council.