Due to the extreme heat, and in line with Public Health and union guidance, Hijinx and Carmarthenshire Theatres have made the difficult decision to cancel this Thursday’s Unity Festival programme in Llanelli (25 June), to safeguard the performers, the festival team and audiences.

We are disappointed that this decision was necessary, but the safety of everyone involved is our priority. The festival was due to run for 7 hours from 12.30pm – 7.30pm, which covers the hottest hours of the day, and therefore could’ve put the performers and audience at risk.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and appreciate your understanding.

You can still catch Unity Festival in Mold on 27 June and in Cardiff from 1 – 5 July. We hope to see you there!

A reflection by our Executive Producer, Ellis.

In 2016 I joined Hijinx, fixed term, to project manage that year’s Unity Festival. That year also happened to be the year of Fred, who, as it turns out, needs full-time supervision… so the rest is history. Ten years later, I’m somehow Hijinx’s Executive Producer, looking back across a decade of international collaboration, five Unity Festivals in the rear-view mirror and our biggest one yet fast approaching.

Our Unity Festival comes round every two years and it’s such a highpoint in my calendar. As we hurtle toward this year’s edition, I’ve been sifting through old rehearsal shots, foyer selfies, blurry late-night celebrations and production photos, 10 years of memories where certain faces kept reappearing. Artists and companies from across Europe. Younger versions of our own team, many of whom are still part of the Hijinx story today. And amongst it all, a slightly bewildered version of me, ten years newer to the job and still figuring out what a Unity Festival week feels like and that yes, it will all work out in the end!

The photo collage below captures something important about Unity. It’s never really been about a single moment in time. It’s about continuity. People returning. Relationships deepening. The same artists reappearing in new shows, new collaborations, and new stages of their journeys.

Ten years ago the world looked different in plenty of ways. Back then, conversations about disability representation were only just starting to move into the mainstream. Authentic casting was largely absent from main stages, and inclusive practice was far less common in rehearsal rooms. Since then we’ve seen disabled performers winning major awards, leading television dramas and reshaping expectations of what stages and screens should look like.

But if you spend time in disability arts circles, you’ll know something else too. Much of the work now being “discovered” by the wider industry has been happening for decades already. Companies across Europe and beyond have been quietly building extraordinary bodies of work, developing performers, touring internationally and proving every night that disabled artists belong at the centre of the cultural landscape.

Unity has always been our vehicle to bring those artists together, proving as much to ourselves as to our audiences what’s possible, and what strikes me most is how many of those artists and companies are still part of our story.

Ten years ago, we welcomed Compañía Danza Mobile to Unity with the stunning El Espejo and Bailo… Luego Existo. This year, they return to the Wales Millennium Centre with The Day the Man Stepped on the Moon, carrying another decade of stories, touring and collaboration with them.

A decade ago, Taking Flight’s Romeo & Juliet was part of a Unity programme that helped shape the festival we know today. In 2026, we’re thrilled to welcome them back with two new productions: Kitty O’Neil and Twitch, Glitch & Flap.

Somewhere in the collage you can spot Annabelle Mailliez from La Compagnie de l’Oiseau-Mouche, who joined us ten years ago as part of the Crossing The Line cohort (a European collaboration project that Hijinx was briefly part of in a pre-Brexit dream). In 2026, Annabelle returns with colleagues to support our co-production Bon Appétit, following multiple residencies both here in Wales and across the Channel in France.

Some relationships begin with a single performance and quietly become part of the fabric of the festival itself. That’s certainly true of our connection with Brian Rodriguez who, under the guise of ClownBaret, co-created Sleepwalkers with Hijinx in 2016. After also collaborating on Astronauts for the 2019 festival, he returns to Unity this year with his new ensemble Satélite Teatro for Astronaut Fusion: an ambitious coming together that perfectly captures the kind of legacy these collaborations can both build and leave behind.

Over the same ten years, Hijinx itself has been constantly shifting too. Teams have grown, changed shape, moved on to new adventures and been joined by new colleagues bringing fresh ideas and energy. The scale of what we do now has expanded in every direction: more productions, more partnerships, more international work, more opportunities for our actors. But Unity remains the one moment in the calendar when everything else pauses and the whole organisation turns its attention to the same thing. For a few intense, joyful days everyone drops what they’re doing and pitches in, with day-to-day roles suddenly giving way to something much more collective, chaotic and fun. It’s when you’re reminded just how multi-talented and generous this team really is. Every year I find myself looking around the festival hubbub feeling enormously proud, slightly in awe, and deeply grateful for the people who make Hijinx what it is.

Plenty of other familiar faces remain: steady hands, returning collaborators, artists who’ve grown alongside us and audiences who’ve made Unity part of their calendar year after year. Equally, some of the artists we shared stages with have now retired. Some have become directors, choreographers or leaders of their own companies. We also remember those who’ve departed this life for the next, while sharing their light with new artists continuing the journey forward. Some of the performers we are welcoming to this year’s festival would have been in school ten years ago, dreaming of the future that is here.

And that’s the quiet magic of a festival like this.

Every two years we gather and say, in effect: look what everyone’s been making. Look how far things have travelled since last time. Artists meeting for the first time. Old collaborators bumping into each other in theatre foyers. Shows that challenge, delight, provoke and often leave you wondering how on earth they pulled that off.

So as we round the corner into our 2026 festival, it feels fitting to look both backwards and forwards:

• Back to the artists who helped shape Unity into what it is today.
• And forward to the artists who will define what the next ten years might look like.

Because if the last decade has taught me anything, it’s that the most exciting part of Unity is what happens next. The next show. The next collaboration. The next late-night conversation in a theatre foyer that sparks an idea nobody saw coming. The next artist arriving in Cardiff for the first time, unaware they’re about to become part of this strange, brilliant extended family too.

And somewhere in amongst it all, there’ll probably be another slightly chaotic collage of photos waiting to remind us that the next ten years have already begun.

Ellis Wrightbrook

Celebrating Inclusive Arts and Disabled Artists from across Wales and Europe

Hijinx has announced details of the Unity Festival 2026, set to take place from 30 June to 5 July this year at Wales Millennium Centre, Chapter Arts Centre and The Glee Club in Cardiff with satellite performances in Llanelli, 25 June and Mold, 27 June. The Unity Festival is one of Europe’s largest inclusive arts festivals and the only one of its kind in Wales.  

Comedy, music, drag, circus, theatre and dance can all be enjoyed by audiences throughout the festivities in engaging, thought provoking and entertaining performances.  

The programme includes staged shows and events alongside a programme of free pop up street entertainment designed to captivate audiences in Llanelli, Mold and Cardiff Bay.  Festival ticketed events go on sale from Friday 17 April.   

As well as performances by Hijinx artists, the festival will also welcome other companies from the UK alongside international performers from across Europe including:  Theater Thikwa, Blaumeier-Atelier, Danza Mobile, Vero Cendoya, Collettivo Clochart and ADM-VZW to name a few. 

Hijinx and Unity Festival Background 

Hijinx is one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, championing learning disabled and/or autistic artists through provocative, impactful and outstandingly entertaining productions. The Unity Festival now in its 12^th edition offers audiences a fresh perspective on theatre and performance, connecting artists from across Wales with international performers and offering an exceptional programme of street, foyer and studio entertainment. In addition the festival offers a platform for local, national and international artists and creatives to showcase their talent to the people of Wales.    

North Wales Partnership 

This year’s Unity Festival officially opens with street entertainment in Llanelli (25 June) and Mold (27 June) with performances by Kitsch & Sync, Stopgap Dance Company, tanzbar_bremen and Humans Move. The partnership with Theatr Clwyd in Mold is new for the festival this year and further establishes North Wales as an important hub for the company with Hijinx’s Academy already based there.  

Main Festival Programme 

The main programme of Unity Festival events will begin in Cardiff on 30 June continuing in the city until the culmination of the festival on 5 July. Performances will light up the foyer at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, the venue’s Weston Studio and outside the front of the building in Cardiff Bay. In addition, a programme of scratch performance will take place at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff giving local acts Same Hat Theatre and House of Deviant an opportunity to share work in development, with a comedy night produced by Hijinx’s Associate Artist (and stand-up comedian), Richard Newnham, also to take place at Cardiff’s Glee Club. 

Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Hijinx, Ben Pettit Wade said: 

“Performances that change the way that we perceive the world are the performances that remain with us forever. Visitors to this year’s programme will witness everything from the first man on the moon to a performance of Carmen with a difference!” 

Executive Director and Co-CEO of Hijinx, Eloise Tong adds, 

“Through bringing artists together, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, Hijinx presents a world that champions inclusion and challenges perceptions. We have a loyal following of people who have seen our productions and love what we do. A festival setting offers us the opportunity for more people who haven’t yet discovered Hijinx or the Unity Festival to enjoy new experiences and to delight in inclusive performance and theatre.”  

A taste of Wales’ Entertainment and Produce at The Cardiff Food and Drink Festival  

The Unity Festival has partnered with the Cardiff Food and Drink Festival this year which takes place from 3 to 5 July presenting pop up outdoor performances and experiences around Roald Dahl Plass outside Wales Millennium Centre. The Unity Festival will offer entertainment for visitors to the Cardiff Bay event which celebrates and offers a taste of Wales.  

Industry Event to Develop Arts for the Future  

During the Unity Festival period, Hijinx will host an Artist Exchange Conference at Wales Millennium Centre, in partnership with the funding network, Cultural Bridge, which supports arts and cultural organisations across the UK and Germany to develop partnerships that explore social arts practice. The event will see creatives and decision makers from the industry reflecting on and sharing approaches to inclusive social arts practice and international collaboration to shape future ways of working. 

The Unity Festival is supported by Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government through Events Wales, The Leche Trust, Cultural Bridge, Taith, First Choice Housing Association, The Jenour Foundation and Grant Stephens Family Law. 

For more information on Unity Festival 2026 visit www.hijinx.org.uk 

Dancing Gnomes to cause mischief in free family performances this St David’s Day weekend! 

Kitsch & Sync Collective have joined forces with Hijinx and Theatr Iolo to present Coblyn, a new outdoor show for families – made possible thanks to the Welsh Government St David’s Day Fund.  

Coblyn is a family-friendly celebration of Welsh folklore, bursting with mythical mayhem, curious creatures, music, songs and folk dance.  Performed next to Chapter’s community garden, the show follows an unruly gang of magical gnomes, who cause chaos and mischief wherever they go. The free 20-minute performances will take place throughout the day at Chapter in Cardiff on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March. 

Kylie Ann Smith from Kitsch & Sync Collective, said: 

“I’m really excited to be making a new show inspired by Welsh folklore and magic with the wonderful team at Hijinx & Theatr Iolo! I always enjoyed celebrating St David’s day as a child, so it’s wonderful to have the chance to bring families together for a special weekend of free performances outside Chapter.”  

Coblyn is a visual show will include some Welsh language, but it is suitable for Welsh Learners and non-Welsh speakers. A guided Touch Tour and live Audio Description for blind or visually impaired customers will also be available in English or Welsh at every performance. 

Kitsch & Sync Collective, Hijinx and Theatr Iolo will also be offering Free Family Folk Dancing workshops during Half Term. The sessions will take place at Chapter on 17, 18 & 19 February with experienced Welsh folk dancer, Nia Rees. The workshops are suitable for children aged 7+ and their families. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance at Chapter.org 

The Free Family Folk Dancing Workshops will be run by a Welsh speaker, and all sessions will be run bilingually.   

Listings information: 

Coblyn is presented by Kitsch & Sync Collective, Hijinx and Theatr Iolo with thanks to the Welsh Government St Davids Day Fund and our co-commissioners, Awen Cultural Trust, Gwyl Fach y Fro, The National Eisteddfod and Tafwyl. 

Created by: Kitsch & Sync Collective 

Actors: Georgina Harris, Kylie Ann Smith, Andrew Tadd, Adam C Webb 

Costume Design: Kylie Ann Smith and Rhiannon Matthews  

Set and Props Design: Carl Davies  

Composition and Sound Design: Dyfan Jones 

Performance and Workshop Dates:

Coblyn Performances at Chapter Arts Centre:

Saturday 28 February 2026 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm 

Sunday 1 March 2026 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm 

Family Folk Dance Workshops:

February Half Term:

Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February 2026 

10.30am – 12pm and 1pm – 2.30pm 

Following the departure of former CEO Sarah Horner in early 2024, and a comprehensive company-wide consultation led by People Make It Work, Hijinx are delighted to announce that Ben Pettitt-Wade (Artistic Director) and Eloise Tong (Interim CEO) have been appointed as Artistic Director and Executive Director respectively, and will lead Hijinx together as Co-CEOs.

The company has grown significantly in recent years, and Hijinx feel a joint leadership model will strengthen the company for the future and ensure the artists and creative work are centred.

Ben joined Hijinx in 2007 and was responsible for setting up Academy (Hijinx’s professional actor training programme for learning disabled and/or autistic artists) and establishing Unity Festival (Hijinx’s international festival of inclusive and disability arts) before becoming Artistic Director in 2015. Ben has considerable experience in the sector and has cemented Hijinx as a national and international leader in high quality, inclusive performance. Hijinx are pleased to support him in his new role as Co-CEO.

I’m excited to take the next step in what has been a nineteen-year journey with Hijinx. It’s been a journey filled with joyous moments with our incredible artists, brilliant freelancers, dedicated staff team, trustees and loyal audiences, that has taken us to many incredible places, both physically and metaphorically. I’m proud of what we have achieved together and looking forward to what the next chapter will be, working with this amazing collection of people that make up Hijinx. – Ben Pettitt-Wade

Eloise was appointed as Interim CEO in July 2024 to support the company through this period of transition. Hijinx are delighted that she will continue on a permanent basis as Executive Director and Co-CEO.

I joined Hijinx during a period of change for the company. We have achieved a huge amount in the past year and are now in a more stable place. I am so excited to work alongside Ben and build on what we have started. Hijinx can and does change lives and my role is to create the conditions where our staff team, freelancers, actors and participants can thrive. – Eloise Tong

Chair of Hijinx’s Board of Trustees, Andrew Healy, comments:

With these appointments, Hijinx is very fortunate to have two such knowledgeable and experienced people to lead its work as one of the world’s most exciting inclusive theatre companies. Ben and Eloise clearly share our vision for a world in which learning disabled and/or autistic people are empowered, valued and have fair access to opportunities as artists and in every facet of life, and we are looking forward to what the future brings.

Ben and Eloise have already begun to review Hijinx’s structure and operating model, and some changes will be introduced to increase efficiency and safeguard Hijinx for years to come. The company are looking forward to another busy year in 2026 with a nation-wide tour of Meet Fred in celebration of the production’s 10^th anniversary, and the return of Unity Festival.     

The tenth anniversary tour of a darkly funny and sharply political tale of a puppet navigating society and disability rights 

Directed by Ben Pettitt-Wade 

Touring Wales and England 23 January – 5 June 2026 

“The humour here is brilliantly black with mordant social and political relevance. ” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Herald (on Meet Fred)  

Created and performed by an inclusive ensemble of disabled and non-disabled artists, Meet Fred returns for a 34-venue tour for its tenth anniversary, using the story of a two-foot-tall puppet to interrogate how society restricts independence for those who don’t fit its norms. 

At the heart of the show is Fred, a cloth puppet who wants to live an ordinary life: find love, get a job and be part of society. But when his Puppetry Living Allowance is threatened, his world begins to unravel. Blending dark humour, mesmerising puppetry and sharp political commentary, Meet Fred offers a subversive examination of bureaucracy, disability rights and what it means to be human. More than a decade after its premiere, the show remains urgently relevant, reflecting ongoing debates and budget cuts surrounding inclusion, independence, and disability rights. 

Since 2016, Meet Fred has toured extensively across the UK and internationally, performing in more than 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Featuring three exceptional learning disabled and/or Autistic performers from Welsh company Hijinx, who devised the production along with puppetry experts Blind Summit, to demonstrate the power of inclusive collaboration and the creative impact of lived experience. 

Director Ben Pettitt-Wade said, “We could not have dreamed when we created Meet Fred back in 2016 that it would have taken us across the world, on so many adventures. At the time of making the show many of the artists we made the show with were facing cuts to their disability benefits, an experience which they brought into the room and ultimately became reflected in the struggle we see faced by Fred. With the threat of cuts to disability benefits again hanging in the balance, Meet Fred is a call to arms for anyone who has fought, and is fighting, against a system not designed for them, as vital now as it ever was.” 

Hijinx Actor Lindsay Spellman and original Meet Fred cast member, said, “Being part of Meet Fred has changed me a lot as a performer and as a person. When I started, I didn’t have the same confidence I do now. Touring for so long has taught me so many skills — performing in different places, meeting new people, getting paid and managing that money, learning to travel and work as a team. I’ve grown so much, and I don’t think I’d have found that anywhere else. I’m really proud to still be part of this show, and I can’t wait to bring it home. We’ve done a lot around the world — now our friends and families here in the UK can finally see what all the fuss is about!” 

Hijinx is an award-winning, inclusive theatre company based in Cardiff, creating bold, outstandingly entertaining productions. The company exists to break down barriers to the arts, and all its productions are devised with and feature learning disabled and/or autistic performers alongside neurotypical performers. To support this work, Hijinx runs a network of Academies across Wales, offering professional performance training to learning disabled and/or autistic actors—many of whom face significant barriers to accessing traditional drama schools. These actors are represented on Hijinx’s casting platform, www.hijinxactors.co.uk, the UK’s largest casting platform dedicated to actors with learning disabilities and/or autism. In 2024, it established The Ensemble, a selection of Academy members who research and develop future production concepts and potentially bring these ideas to life, ensuring that every show is built on genuine talent, collaboration, and equality. Hijinx also offers a Wales-wide network of community performance projects through Hijinx PAWB, runs a biennial international inclusive arts festival, Unity Festival, creates short films with Hijinx Actors, and trains businesses to communicate effectively with clients, customers and staff with learning disabilities and/or autism. 

Based in London, Blind Summit is recognised as one of the UK’s most exciting puppetry companies, acclaimed for productions such as The Table and Citizen Puppet. The company frequently collaborates with organisations including Complicité and ENO. Hijinx first connected with Blind Summit in April 2014, when the company was invited to lead a week-long puppetry workshop for Hijinx’s Academy Actors in Cardiff. 

Running Time: 85 mins| Suitable for ages 14+ (contains strong language, adult themes and puppet nudity)

Supported by Arts Council Wales and Arts Council England. 

We’ve just landed back from Japan, suitcases overstuffed and minds overflowing. Fred discovered his spiritual home there… and he’s still sulking about being dragged back to Wales. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇯🇵

A quick recap

We flew out on 23 September: first stop, Tokyo! to begin two busy, brilliant weeks of meetings, performances, and unexpected magic. The aim was simple: to build new connections with venues and festivals, explore how Hijinx’s inclusive approach might travel, and perform Meet Fred as part of the Bird Theatre Festival and BeSeTo Festival in Tottori.

Tokyo: First hellos, full diaries

Our first few days in Tokyo set the tone for the trip. We met with teams from Arts Council Tokyo, Saitama Arts Centre, the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, and KAAT. Each conversation full of curiosity about inclusive practice and how learning disabled and/or autistic artists are supported in Wales.

There’s something energising about those first international meetings. We weren’t there to pitch in the corporate sense; more to trade stories, swap ideas, and start relationships rooted in possibility. A big thank you to our Tokyo translator, Lisa Sumiyoshi, for helping us hit the right note.

Our biggest engagement in Tokyo was with our new collaborators, Slow Label — a remarkable Japanese inclusive arts organisation led by Kris Yoshie. We’re incredibly grateful for this new friendship. Kris welcomed us with such warmth and openness, and generously helped to coordinate much of the trip, introducing us to so many brilliant movers and shakers in her network. We ran a workshop and presentation for Slow Label at Human Plaza exploring how inclusive practice can shift cultural spaces, create genuine access for performers, and foster mutual learning between our two companies. It was a day full of warmth, humour, and connection.

From Tokyo, we travelled to Tottori (via a meeting at Toyohashi Arts Centre). Ben and I prepared the set, adding some special Japanese touches [link to timelapse], and were in production mode once the cast arrived from the UK.

The performances, two intimate shows at the Bird Theatre as part of the BeSeTo Festival, were electric. Watching Meet Fred land in a new culture, with a new rhythm of laughter, in front of an entirely new audience, felt like discovering it all over again. Not least because we had a special line-up, including the return of original ‘Fred head’, Dan McGowan.

Our Hijinx actors: Lindsay, Iwan, and Gareth each experienced Japan in their own way:

“It was very warm, sometimes too warm, but I brought plenty of outfit changes. What stood out most was how kind and polite everyone was … and I loved the food.” – Lindsay

“Walking around, I noticed things I’d never seen in the UK. It felt like stepping into a new world, but also a place that somehow felt like home.” – Iwan

“I didn’t like all the bites on my legs [from exploring the forest], but I loved performing Meet Fred and leading the workshop with Ben.” – Gareth

Osaka: Bunraku and big ideas

After Tottori, we travelled to Osaka, a city that moves at its own fast rhythm. Our first stop was the National Bunraku Theatre, where we were lucky enough to attend a full performance. Fred came along too (he promised not to heckle), and there was real poetry in witnessing the artform of his ancestors.

Gareth, Ben, and I also visited Expo 2025 as guest contributors to the “Wales & Japan: How We Collaborate on the SDGs” event, alongside the Future Generations Commissioner. Gareth and Ben interviewed each other about how Hijinx’s work aligns with the global goals: particularly inclusion, equality, and representation. It was a huge privilege to be part of such a high-profile event, and the conversations suggested that Hijinx made a real impact.

Looking ahead

We came home tired, grateful, and full of plans. Conversations with Japanese partners about future exchanges, co-productions, and artist residencies are already underway; finding ways to make the connections we’ve built genuinely two-way.

The trip wasn’t just about taking Meet Fred on the road, it was about meeting people who believe, as we do, that theatre is stronger when everyone’s voice is heard. That spirit was everywhere we went: from Tokyo to Tottori, from dinner tables to dressing rooms.

Fred’s already asking when we can go back. To be honest, so am I!

— Ellis

Supported by Arts Council of Wales / Wales Arts International, British Council and Welsh Government through the Wales and Japan 2025 Cultural Fund.

助成：アーツ・カウンシル・オブ・ウェールズ、ブリティッシュ・カウンシル、ウェールズ・アーツ・インターナショナル、ウェールズ政府（「日本におけるウェールズ年2025」記念事業)

The Colwinston Charitable Trust has helped us make history by supporting the first Hijinx Ensemble cohort.

The Colwinston Charitable Trust has helped us make history by supporting the first Hijinx Ensemble cohort (2025–2027) – Wales’ first national Ensemble of actors with learning disabilities and/or autism. With the support of Colwinston and the ongoing commitment of Arts Council Wales, 8 Hijinx actors are moving beyond our performance training Academies into paid, sustained professional development. 

Working with leading creatives, they have embarked on ambitious R&D collaborations — from developing Hijinx’s first-ever musical with Seiriol Davies, to exploring storytelling for younger audiences with Theatr Iolo…and this is only the beginning! 

Along the way, the Ensemble are gaining insight into the whole life of the theatre industry — from rehearsal and touring, to production planning, fundraising, and audience engagement — building the skills and confidence to thrive as professional artists. 

With this vital support, the Ensemble are shaping bold, inclusive theatre that puts learning disabled and autistic voices at the heart of the stage and opens a new chapter for Welsh theatre. 

Learn more about the Ensemble here: The Hijinx Ensemble – Hijinx 

Diolch yn fawr, Colwinston Charitable Trust and Arts Council Wales, for making this milestone possible. 

Hijinx’s Aberystwyth-based Academy Thanks Top Volunteer Oliver for a Year of Support

As part of Volunteers’ Week 2025, inclusive theatre company Hijinx would like to celebrate the work of their volunteers both within sessions and behind the scenes.  

Hijinx are one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies working to pioneer, produce and promote opportunities for actors with learning disabilities and/or autism. Hijinx’s five Academies across Wales provide professional performance training for learning disabled and/or autistic actors. Hijinx then represent the actors via their casting platform Hijinx Actors, helping to find them work in theatre and film.  

One of these Academies, the Mid Academy, takes place in Aberystwyth Arts Centre, where they are lucky to have the support of regular volunteer Oliver Riordan, who joins the group most Mondays. Oliver helps support the Academy actors during sessions and enjoys taking part in the warmups, games, drama activities, training and even performances too. 

Cath Rigler, a Tutor at Mid Academy, explains more: 

“Hijinx Theatre produce high-quality inclusive professional theatre work; they also run Academies where adults who identify as neurodivergent / learning disabled and/or autistic can train as professional actors. Hijinx Mid Academy meets every Monday at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, and it is fantastic to have Oliver with us as a regular volunteer. He is a really valued member of our group, having him with us makes a real difference to our actors – and it is clear he totally enjoys himself too!” 

Oliver agrees: 

“[Hijinx are] a very important theatre company; there are very few companies specialising in neurodivergent actor training. The group is very welcoming, and they are a wonderful bunch to work with, total professionals – I love it here! I feel like I’m improving my own personal training and practices even while I’m mostly focusing on the support I can give to the actors.” 

If you would like to find out more about Hijinx and the volunteering opportunities they provide, then please contact Jacqui Onions at jacqui.onions@hijinx.org.uk, or fill in the form on the Hijinx website.  

Hijinx’s Mid Academy also has spaces for new people to join. If you or someone you know has a learning disability and/or autism and is looking for an opportunity for professional performance training, please contact Cath on cath.rigler@hijinx.org.uk to find out more and arrange a taster session with the group. 

Attending ITC’s 50th birthday (AGM & Conference)

All aboard the Hijinx express!

A short blog to bring you news from our recent trip to London’s bustling arts scene for the Independent Theatre Council’s (ITC) 50th Anniversary AGM and Conference. Hijinx was proudly represented by Interim CEO Eloise, South Academy Actor Geraint, and Senior Producer Ellis, who was also re-elected to the ITC Board during the conference.

Stepping into Soho Theatre, we were immediately enveloped in its buzzing, rebellious energy—a fitting backdrop for ITC’s golden jubilee. The space, a hub for bold and boundary-pushing theatre, set the perfect tone for a day of passionate discussion, reflection, and celebration. From the get-go, the room was alive with chatter about fair work, funding challenges, and the future of independent theatre, all underscored by the undeniable sense of camaraderie that comes from being part of this incredible sector.

A Timely Reminder from Shami Chakrabarti

Shami had some pretty powerful things to say about why the arts have to speak up, especially in the face of people like Trump. Basically, she argued that his rise to power is proof that the arts aren’t just a nice extra—they’re essential for challenging authority and giving a voice to those who might otherwise be ignored.

She pointed out that the arts have always been a space to question power and hold up a mirror to society, and right now, that’s more important than ever. It’s not just about making great theatre, film, or music; it’s about using those platforms to resist authoritarianism and fight for democracy.

And she’s not the only one thinking this way. We’ve seen artists take real action—like Lin-Manuel Miranda pulling Hamilton from the Kennedy Center after Trump stacked its board with his people. And then there’s the 400+ artists pushing back against the new rules on arts funding in the U.S., which basically block support for work that promotes diversity and inclusion.

Shami’s point? The arts have always been political. And when people in power try to shut them down, that’s when we need to be the loudest.

Homeward bound with full minds and hearts

The conference featured a series of thought-provoking discussions and workshops, addressing critical topics such as fair work practices, sustainable funding models, and the evolving landscape of theatre in the digital age. These sessions provided invaluable insights and fostered meaningful dialogues among attendees, reinforcing the collective commitment to a vibrant and inclusive theatre community.​

Geraint shared his reflections during the train journey home, capturing the essence of the experience. He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fellow artists and industry leaders, emphasising the importance of listening to each other. Full video and transcript is below.​

Hijinx extends heartfelt gratitude to the ITC and Soho Theatre for hosting such a brilliant event. Their support and dedication to the arts have been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic theatre landscape and as we reflect on the conference’s success, we join the broader theatre community in celebrating ITC’s 50th anniversary. May the next fifty years be filled with continued innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence. Diolch yn fawr.

Video and Transcript: