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:

Hijinx Actors had their busiest ever month as working actors in March! From touring theatre productions to soap acting workshops at the BBC, street theatre performances in Asia to communications training work, Hijinx actors were out there excelling in exciting and varied jobs.

Wiliam Young continued his 3-month tour as Lennie in Of Mice and Men, a Derby Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre by the Lake Production. The production has toured to all co-production theatres and heads to the final one, Theatre by the Lake, later this month. One reviewer, who saw the play in Derby, said:

“My enjoyment of this play was greatly influenced by the absolute talent that is Wiliam Young. I have reviewed numerous plays and I can honestly say he is among the best I have seen on stage. His skill, timing and delivery is first class, as his final scene ended and he took a bow there were tears from the audience.” 

North Wales-based actor Justin Melluish worked with dance theatre company Humans Move on the research and development of a show happening later this year called Let Life Dance. He said:

“I have been looking forward to bringing Humans Move to audiences since being involved in the R&D process in 2023.”

10 actors from our South and West Wales Academies filmed at Dragon Studios, Pencoed for a fantastic disabled-led short film.

Hijinx actors Aaron Relf, Cameron Hayden, Adan C Webb, Iwan Jones, Victoria Walters, Gareth Hopkins all helped facilitate our Beyond Words communications training for the events sector in locations across Wales. One participant of the training described the actors as a “joy to work with” and many expressed the value they found in the actors’ experiences shaping the roleplay scenarios.

Cameron and Aaron also worked as roleplay actors for our Cardiff School of Pharmacy training, in addition to Jacques Colgate and Tommy Rhys-Powell, working through roleplay scenarios with students to strengthen their communication skills in pharmacy settings.

Gareth Hopkins had a great day with BBC Studios in Cardiff on their Soap Acting Workshop.

Richard Newnham, Lindsay Spellman, Gareth John and Matthew Mullins have been touring in Housemates, which has also featured another 20+ of our actors in the community cast. They’ve performed at Aberystwyth Arts Centre and the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven. The recent Observer review of Housemates described the “superb performances” of the cast and mentioned Gareth’s “determined Alan” who, with Peter Mooney’s Jim, have a connection that “radiates from the stage”.

Matthew Davison, Tommy Rhys-Powell and Ffion Gwyther took street theatre show Enter the Robots to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan where they performed to an audience of delegates, invited by the British Embassy in Kyrgyzstan. They also performed to the public in the capital in a busy shopping centre.

In addition to these jobs, Hijinx actors had more than 30 auditions in March and successfully booked in another 7 jobs for the first week of April! Da iawn pawb!

Take a look at our casting platform, www.hijinxactors.co.uk or find our actors on Spotlight.

We need a cup of tea and a lie down after all that!

behind the scenes in Seoul with Meet Fred

We’re thrilled to update you on our exciting collaboration with the Wooran Foundation in Seoul! Meet Fred, a show that began on a shoestring budget in Ammanford back in 2016, continues to evolve and surprise us. After touring nearly 300 shows across 131 cities in 19 countries, Fred has truly become a global sensation.

This isn’t Fred’s first appearance in South Korea either. Back in January 2019, the original production headlined the opening season of Korea’s Disability Arts & Culture Center. Now, we’re returning with a groundbreaking purpose: to work with the Wooran Foundation in creating a fully Korean version of the show. We are incredibly honoured by the opportunity and humbled by the many adventures this little puppet has taken us on.

For those unfamiliar with Meet Fred, the show tells the story of a two-foot-tall cloth puppet named Fred, who struggles to retain control of his life as he faces the challenges of living in a world that treats him as nothing more than fabric. With humour, heart, and a touch of absurdity, Meet Fred explores what it means to be ‘different’ in a world that values conformity. Through Fred’s journey, the audience is invited to reflect on wider issues of human dignity, independence, and the bureaucratic hurdles disabled people encounter.

The show is a co-production between Hijinx and Blind Summit Theatre, featuring a unique blend of puppetry and theatre that brings Fred’s trials and triumphs to life. Fred’s plight to maintain his dignity and independence is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, but also a poignant message that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Earlier this year, in February, a small team—alongside Blind Summit’s Artistic Director and co-founder Mark Down—travelled to South Korea to run workshop auditions. Mark led three days of focused puppetry workshops, while Ben ran two days of theatre workshops. The aim was not only to assess technical skills but also to find individuals with the right personal qualities—patience, empathy, and the ability to collaborate in a supportive and inclusive environment. This balance of practical ability and emotional intelligence was crucial in ensuring the cast could work together to bring this unique production to life.

If you happen to be in Seoul between 19–31 October, make sure you catch Meet Fred at Art Scape 2!

Tickets are available here.

Keep reading for updates & travel pics from the team.

Week 1

It’s around 22 hours and 5,584 miles from Hijinx HQ to Wooran Foundation in Seoul, so Ben & Dan were grateful for such a warm and friendly welcome on their arrival. The production team’s attention to detail has been extraordinary, and it’s clear that lot of care has gone into the fabrication of Fred’s world, from the intricate chalkboard set to the many props and costumes that bring the show to life. It’s like stepping into a paralell universe, where everything is familiar, but slightly different.

The pair acclimatised quickly, though jet lag has been unforgiving. Working in a new language—despite the support of an amazing interpreter—has been mentally draining, consuming brain power and energy faster than expected. It’s particularly hard to keep a strong connection with home, due to a +8hr time difference, so we are especially grateful for being included in social events with our new friends and colleagues, and it’s starting to feel like one team, built on mutual respect, patience, and hard work.

Having Dan, one of the original creators and the voice of Fred, in the room has been invaluable. He’s passing the torch to the talented puppeteers, particularly Hyun-jin, who’s finding Fred a new voice for this Korean production. With the groundwork complete, Dan returns to the UK.

Week 2

Ben is now navigating things solo. While it’s been an intense experience, strong friendships have already been formed, and the relationships with the cast and crew are solid. Special thanks go to ‘Cathy’, our incredible translator, whose patience and perfect intuition make the entire process so much smoother. It’s hard to imagine how we’d have kept up without her.

This week also marked the arrival of a new and fascinating aspect of the production: the sign language interpreters. At Wooran Foundation, they are providing support for 8 out of the 10 performances, which is a significant step forward in accessibility for theatre here in Seoul, where it’s all just starting to gain momentum. This has been beautifully spearheaded by another familiar face. Wooran commissioned the very same interpreter who supported our English-language performances in Seoul back in 2019. Having worked closely with us before, she already had a deep understanding of the show, which allowed her to envision how it could be enhanced for deaf audiences in this new setting. Her expertise has been invaluable in ensuring that the integration is not just functional but an intrinsic part of the experience.

In this production, each actor is paired with a dedicated interpreter who performs alongside them, translating their every word and action into sign language. This one-on-one dynamic brings a unique depth to the show, creating a richer, more inclusive experience for all our audiences.

This is an incredible luxury, and something we’d rarely (if ever!) get to implement in productions back home. However, it comes with its own unique challenges. Essentially, we’ve doubled our cast size, and the interpreters aren’t just standing by; they’re shadowing their characters on stage, moving with them, becoming part of the action.

There’s a moment in Meet Fred where Fred breaks the fourth wall and tells the audience, “Don’t worry about these guys, they sort of fade into the background after a while”—referring to his puppeteers. Now, Ben’s task is to make the interpreters “fade into the background” too, all while ensuring that their presence enhances accessibility for audience members who need it. Ben has risen to the challenge with his usual playful approach, and while it changes the original production, it adds tender, funny, and charming new layers to the show.

At Wooran Foundation, we’re also working with their associate director, Jason, and his assistant, Young-So. On top of that, the interpreters have their own dedicated director! Even for Hijinx, with our collaborative nature and experience working alongside co-producers and directors, this is a lot of voices in the room. Thankfully, there’s no power struggle—just a lot of creative input, which Ben has handled with grace. Every voice has been heard and respected as we reshape this production to suit our Korean cast and crew.

The puppeteers, who are on stage from beginning to end, have been absolute troopers. They’ve put in long days, even sacrificing public holidays to ensure the show is ready. And by the end of week two, we’re there—a complete run-through of Meet Fred. Ben can finally sleep a little easier (jet lag permitting), feeling like, “We might actually pull this off!”

Week 3

This week Tom, our Production Manager, and Ellis, the Senior Producer, arrived in Seoul. Ben was visibly relieved to have some familiar faces around—company and a bit of home is always a good boost when working abroad for an extended period.

Tom, who has more than 200 Meet Fred performances under his belt, immediately hit the ground running. The technical team at Wooran Foundation is impressively efficient. When Tom arrived, the lighting plan was already pre-rigged, and the set was, of course, in full use. To an outsider, everything looked perfectly in place. But Tom knows Meet Fred like no one else, and there were subtle, essential touches to the sound and lighting that only his expertise could bring out.

Another key aspect was updating the blocking. The company had been rehearsing from archival footage and the script, but Tom has seen the show evolve in ways that can’t always be captured in those materials. Over time, the UK touring cast has introduced small changes—improvements that enhance the pacing or comedic timing—and these were incorporated into the Korean version as well.

However, not everything can be directly transplanted from one production to another. There are local nuances and cultural etiquettes to consider. Some gestures or interactions that seem harmless in the UK could carry different meanings in Korea. This is where Jason, our associate director, and Hyeri, Wooran’s producer, were invaluable. Their insights ensured that the right messages were conveyed, both in terms of cultural relevance and maintaining the heart of the story for a local audience.

One thing we’ve been constantly grateful for is working with such a well-resourced venue. During one of our tech sessions, we counted 28 members of the Wooran team present! Each person has a specific role, and no one steps outside their designated responsibilities. Others always defer to the person in charge of a particular task, creating a seamless, highly efficient workflow. It’s a bit intimidating at times to have so many eyes and hands involved, but the efficiency is undeniable.

The space we’re working in, Art Scape 2 at Wooran’s HQ, is simply beautiful. If you’re curious, you can check it out here: Wooran Foundation Space.

We’re thrilled to update you on our exciting collaboration with the Wooran Foundation in Seoul! Meet Fred, a show that began on a shoestring budget in Ammanford back in 2016, continues to evolve and surprise us. After touring nearly 300 shows across 131 cities in 19 countries, Fred has truly become a global sensation.

This isn’t Fred’s first appearance in South Korea either. Back in January 2019, the original production headlined the opening season of Korea’s Disability Arts & Culture Center. Now, we’re returning with a groundbreaking purpose: to work with the Wooran Foundation in creating a fully Korean version of the show. We are incredibly honoured by the opportunity and humbled by the many adventures this little puppet has taken us on.

For those unfamiliar with Meet Fred, the show tells the story of a two-foot-tall cloth puppet named Fred, who struggles to retain control of his life as he faces the challenges of living in a world that treats him as nothing more than fabric. With humour, heart, and a touch of absurdity, Meet Fred explores what it means to be ‘different’ in a world that values conformity. Through Fred’s journey, the audience is invited to reflect on wider issues of human dignity, independence, and the bureaucratic hurdles people with disabilities encounter.

The show is a co-production between Hijinx and Blind Summit Theatre, featuring a unique blend of puppetry and theatre that brings Fred’s trials and triumphs to life. Fred’s plight to maintain his dignity and independence is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, but also a poignant message that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Earlier this year, in February, a small team—alongside Blind Summit’s Artistic Director and co-founder Mark Down—travelled to South Korea to run workshop auditions. The talent we encountered was simply outstanding, and we were able to easily find our cast, including three roles filled by actors with learning disabilities. It was an inspiring process, and we’re excited to see this talented group bring Fred’s story to life for a Korean audience.

This month, Ben is leading rehearsals with the new ensemble, accompanied by Dan McGowan, the original voice of Fred. They’ll soon be joined by producer Ellis Wrightbrook and production manager Tom Ayres, as the team prepares for the upcoming performances in Seoul.

We can’t wait to share this next chapter of Fred’s story with you. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we’re beyond excited about this new venture in collaboration with the Wooran Foundation. Keep an eye on our social media channels for behind-the-scenes updates and news on the project. And if you happen to be in Seoul between 19–31 October, make sure you catch Meet Fred at Art Scape 2!

Tickets are available here.