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.

We are pleased to announce that we have recruited Eloise Tong to the role of Interim CEO at Hijinx. Eloise is currently Theatre and Arts Service Manager for Caerphilly County Borough Council where she manages the Arts Services and the Blackwood Miners’ Institute. Co-Chair of Hijinx’s Board of Trustees Selma Dimitrijevic comments:

“We are delighted to welcome Eloise to Hijinx. The interview panel was unanimous in seeing Eloise as the most authentic, skilled and knowledgeable fit for Hijinx and she really impressed at every stage of the process. We are all excited to start working with her and are confident she will steer the company through this transitional period with tenacity and compassion.”

Selma Dimitrijevic

Eloise will take on the role for a period of nine months from mid-July, but has kindly offered to volunteer and start meeting the team at Hijinx’s Unity Festival in Cardiff 3-7 July. Eloise comments:

“I have admired Hijinx’s work from afar for many years and believe their mission, to ensure more learning disabled and neurodivergent performers are represented on stage and screen, is vital. I am excited to work alongside the team to support them during this period of transition as Interim CEO. I cannot wait to get started!”

Eloise Tong

Arts Council Wales’ Investment Review Announcement.

We are happy to have received the news this week that following Arts Council of Wales’ Investment Review we have received an uplift in our multi-year funding for the three years from April 2024. This increased support represents a major development for learning disabled and neurodivergent artists in Wales and will help us to scale our work at a national level. 

We are very grateful for the Arts Council’s continued backing and recognition of our impact and commitment in driving change and working for a more inclusive sector; we are hugely excited for this next chapter for Hijinx. 

Hijinx is supported by a true family – from freelance creatives to volunteers, staff members to participants, trustees, and family members. We have built a reputation as a creative, agile, and bold collective, rising to the occasion, and making change for our community. We thank all of them for helping us to reach this point. 

Whilst we are delighted with this outcome for Hijinx – our hearts are with the organisations who have received difficult and disappointing news this week. Our door is always open, and we will continue to offer support and be open to creative conversations. 

Setting a New Standard for the Screen Industries: Hijinx’s New ReFocus Training Equips Cast & Crew to be Skilled & Confident Working with Learning Disabled and/or Autistic Adults on Set

Hijinx Theatre, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, has launched a new interactive training programme to help those working across the screen industry in the UK and beyond to enhance their skills and confidence when communicating with learning disabled and/or autistic adults on set, in development and behind the camera. It’s the first interactive, inclusivity training programme of its kind with the course co-facilitated by neurodivergent actors, putting them in the driving seat to enact industry change.

There is a significant shortfall in representation of learning disabled and/or autistic actors, TV and film crew in the screen industry. Latest figures from Diamond – The 5th Cut (from Creative Diversity Network) found that 6% of off-screen and 8.3% of on-screen contributions were made by disabled people – significantly lower than the 18% rate of disabled people in the UK population.

To address this problem, Hijinx has launched the ReFocus training programme; a one day course, starting in Cardiff and soon to roll out across the country, that will help people across the industry – from commissioners to camera and lighting teams, presenters, actors, catering staff, producers and make up and costume teams – to understand the experiences of Hijinx actors alongside other creative facilitators and learn new ways to confidently interact with adults who are neurodivergent and/or learning disabled. This innovative new approach means this will be the first experiential learning disability inclusion training of its kind, in which participants will learn in a relaxed and interactive environment to put their skills into practice and overcome stereotypical avoidance.

Sarah Horner, Hijinx’s Chief Executive said

“Our ambition is to address the significant gap in sector skills and we firmly believe a training course such as ReFocus should be a new industry standard for all those in the industry to attend. People are often unsure how to approach and communicate with colleagues who are neurodivergent and/or learning disabled, and through a fear of not doing or saying the right thing, often choose avoidance which results in a very isolating experience for that individual. It’s a human need to feel acknowledged and many of us take for granted a day at work being a chance to connect with others, to laugh with and learn from colleagues. We want to support those working across the industry with the confidence and skills to include rather than alienate those who are disabled.”

Hannah Thomas, Severn Screen, producer of Craith/Hidden has collaborated with Hijinx on numerous projects including recently working with Hijinx actor Justin Melluish, who has Down’s syndrome, when he recently starred in BBC’s crime drama Hidden.

Hannah said:

          ‘I honestly think it’s hugely important for us to increase our representation on screen. Working with Hijinx has made us want to do it again and again and again on every single production.’

Another Hijinx actor, Tommy Rhys-Powell, who starred in Glitch added:

“Working as a professional actor feels like inspiration. Helping other people to admire our work. It helps me to express my feelings to the world. ReFocus will help give other learning-disabled actors that chance, too.”

Recognising its significance to the industry and society as a whole, ReFocus has received funding support from Welsh Government via Creative Wales’s new Creative Skills Fund. This enables Hijinx to roll-out various subsidised pricing including some free places, to ensure cost is not a barrier to participants.

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, said:

“One of the key purposes of the new Creative Wales Creative Skills Fund was to identify and tackle challenges in the creative industries. Research undertaken shows that there is more work to be done in representation of learning disabled and/or autistic people on screen and behind the camera, so I am delighted that we are able to support Hijinx’s ReFocus project, which will help Wales lead the way in addressing this issue and create more opportunities for people.

Booking is now live for ReFocus training and anyone working in the screen industry (TV, film, gaming) is welcomed. The first two dates available are 26 + 27 September 2023, taking place at the Tramshed Tech in Grangetown, with many more dates planned through the year.

Pricing for the one day course is £26 for those working in small organisations (less than 25 staff) and £72 for larger organisations. Bookings are made online at https://www.hijinx.org.uk/refocus/

A limited number of free spaces will be made available to freelancers or those working in micro organisations. To find out more please email zade.campbell-davies@hijinx.org.uk.

Notes to editors

Media enquiries: Angharad Davies, AMD Communications, angharadcomms@gmail.com, +44 7838 394161.

Image credit: Jonathan Dunn

ReFocus Training

When:

26th September

27th September

Where: Tramshed Tech in Grangetown. https://www.tramshedcardiff.com/venue-information/

To book: https://www.hijinx.org.uk/refocus/

Hijinx

Hijinx is one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, striving for equal representation and equity on stage, on screen and in life for learning disabled and/or autistic people, locally, nationally, and internationally for Wales and for the world.

The company’s acclaimed work is original, surprising, edgy, and funny and in huge demand across the globe, with productions including Meet Fred, The Flop and Into the Light travelling to over 20 countries in recent years.

Embracing the power of digital creation as a response to Covid isolation, Hijinx have continued to innovate with Are You OK? with Hong Kong Arts Festival No Limits, Metamorphosis, which won two awards at the Good Theatre Festival Awards: ‘Best Direction’ and ‘Most Innovative Use of Technology’, and digital hybrid theatre experience the_crash.test.

Around Wales Hijinx Academies provide professional drama training for 70 uniquely talented actors. These Hijinx Actors, who have conditions such as Down’s Syndrome and Autism, are at the heart of the company’s work in productions, in businesses and in community projects. They are promoted to the wider theatre, TV and film industries on www.hijinxactors.co.uk, the UK’s largest casting platform dedicated to actors with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Hijinx’s aim to see more actors with learning disabilities and/or autism on TV and film, as well as on stage. Hijinx Films produces stunning short films to raise the profile and impact of the unique talents of Hijinx actors, and in 2018, the company published recommendations for new screen industry standards for casting learning-disabled (neurodivergent) actors. Hijinx PAWB offers a Wales-wide network of community drama courses for everyone who wants to act, regardless of ability or experience.

Alongside, Hijinx offers an award-winning, specialist training programme, which empowersstaff in a wide range of businesses with the confidence and skills to communicate more effectively.

Hijinx are a part of Arts Council Wales National Portfolio and receive funding from a range of generous supporters including the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Rayne Foundation, CreativeWales, Simon Gibson Charitable Trust, Moondance Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund and Genesis Foundation.

For the latest Hijinx news and updates, see the website http://www.hijinx.org.uk. Follow Hijinx on Twitter and Instagram @HijinxTheatre or Facebook.com/HijinxTheatre

Hijinx actors Faye Wiggan and Wiliam Young have recently landed exciting stage roles with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Birmingham Rep, as more theatre venues are looking to cast authentically and inclusively.

Since 2017, Hijinx Actors has been the casting arm of Hijinx, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies.

Hijinx actor Faye Wiggan has been cast as Debbie in VILLAGE IDIOT, alongside Mark Benton (Early Doors, Waterloo Road) and Eileen Nicholas (Trainspotting). VILLAGE IDIOT is a brand-new production presented by Theatre Royal Stratford East, Nottingham Playhouse and Ramps on the Moon.

On landing the role and starting rehearsals in London, Faye expressed her excitement as she says she feels “shocked”.

“I can’t believe I made it all the way to a city…I have no words. I don’t feel like I want to give up, because look where I am!”

Director Nadia Fall said, 

“I’d never read anything quite like Village Idiot: it’s audacious, made me laugh out loud and gave me a window into country life that those of us from towns and cities just don’t get to see. And what’s particularly exciting to me is that this is the first Ramps show that is a new play, written by a neurodivergent writer.”

VILLAGE IDIOT will run 11 – 25 March at Nottingham Playhouse, 29 March – 1 April at the New Wolsey, Ipswich and 13 April – 6 May at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Alongside Tom McCall (RSC/Bristol Old Vic) as George, Hijinx Actor Wiliam Young has been cast as Lennie in Of Mice and Men at Birmingham Rep, a role he is reprising after playing Lennie in 2017 with August 012. Wiliam said:

“I’m ecstatic to be playing Lennie again. He reminds me of Roald Dahl’s BFG. I’m doing this for all the other people with learning difficulties/disabilities who love to act but haven’t had the opportunity to land any professional roles yet.”

Director Iqbal Khan said,

“I’m so excited to be working with a great and diverse company on this timeless parable from Steinbeck. I look forward to creating a beautiful and generous production, that embraces all who experience exclusion in challenging times.”

Of Mice and Men is presented by The Rep, Leeds Playhouse and Fiery Angel, in arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd and will run from 18 March – 8 April at The Rep.

Hijinx has been working with learning disabled actors for more than 20 years, and for the past decade has produced award-winning shows which cast disabled and non-disabled actors side by side.

The unique casting platform, Hijinx Actors, represents over 60 professionally trained actors with learning disabilities and/or autism from around Wales, and has the wider goal of increasing inclusivity in casting within the stage and screen industries. Collectively, Hijinx actors have worked on over 35 stage and screen opportunities external to Hijinx.

Olivia Harris, Head of Business Development: Casting at Hijinx, says,

“One of the main motivations for setting up the casting arm of Hijinx was to champion and support the wealth of talent we see every day with the actors we work with, so we are delighted that Wiliam and Faye have been cast in these major theatre productions across the UK.”

Discover more about the casting platform Hijinx Actors: www.hijinxactors.co.uk.

Image by Kris Askey.

Hijinx’s Global Smash Hit Meet Fred Comes to the Memo Arts Centre, Barry on 3^rd March 

Hijinx are taking their award-winning smash hit Meet Fred to the Barry Memo on 3 March, before the show embarks on the final leg of a 52-date French tour. The performance in Barry is a rare chance to catch Meet Fred on Welsh soil.  

Hijinx is one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, creating outstanding performances with learning disabled and/or autistic artists on stage and on screen, for Wales and for the world. 

Fred is a two-foot-tall cloth puppet that fights prejudice every day. He just wants to be a regular guy, part of the real world, to get a job and meet a girl, but when threatened with losing his PLA (Puppetry Living Allowance), Fred’s life begins to spiral out of his control. 

Meet Fred, produced by Hijinx in association with Blind Summit, was met with rave reviews following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016, which led to international appearances including at the World Puppet Theatre Festival in Charleville-Mézières, France.  

It has continued to tour and now, in its eighth year, Meet Fred has been performed over 250 times, seen by over 25,000 people and visited 19 countries throughout Europe and beyond, notably including the USA, China, and South Korea. 

Hijinx Actor Lindsay Foster, who hails from Barry, is the only remaining original member of the cast and continues to tour with the show. Lindsay says, 

“My experience with Meet Fred has been both chaotic and fun. Travelling to new places I’d dare not go myself. It has at times also been sad, as the only original member from the beginning of the tour. I’ve seen old cast step back as new members stepped in, all bringing their own energy to the show. I can’t wait to tour in France again. The land of cheese and croissants!” 

On performing in Barry for the first time, Lindsay says it is “Exciting. It’s closer to home. And my family are coming to see it!” 

Lindsay attends one of Hijinx’s professional performance training Academies for learning disabled and/or autistic actors and is represented by the Hijinx casting arm, Hijinx Actors. Hijinx Actors represents over 60 professionally trained actors with learning disabilities and/or autism from around Wales and has the wider goal of increasing inclusivity in casting within the stage and screen industries.  

Meet Fred will be performed at the Memo Arts Centre, Barry, on Friday 3 March, 7.30pm. Suitable for ages 14+. Contains strong language and puppet nudity.