Rock’n’roll and revolution in 70s Cardiff.
Housemates is back!
Our co-production with the Sherman Theatre will be back at the Sherman February 22 February – 8 March 2025.
Book TicketsIn the 1970s, just a few metres from the Sherman’s doors, a revolution started. It was a revolution that rocked the world.
It began when Alan, a young man born with Down’s syndrome, crashed into the life of Cardiff University student Jim. Alan had lived as a resident in Ely Hospital since childhood; all he wanted was to live in a house and be in a band. Jim wanted to make a difference in the world, but didn’t know how. Together with their friends, they embarked on an experiment that transformed how things were done, how people were treated and who got to tell you how to live. This was the beginning of the end of institutionalized care and the birth of Supported Living.
Performed by a cast of neurodivergent and neurotypical actor-musicians, Housemates packs a punch and touches the heart.
Written by: Tim Green.
Directed by: Joe Murphy and Ben Pettitt-Wade.
Housemates is supported by funding from Arts Council of Wales.
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The Stage
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The Morning Star
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Buzz
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Get the Chance
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The Reviews Hub
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Theatre and Tonic
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The Guardian
Housemates 2025.
Saturday 22 February – Saturday 8 February @ Sherman Theatre
Access:
BSL by Tony Evans:
24th February 6.30pm
3rd March 6.30pm
4th March 7.30pm
5th March 7.30pm
8th March 2pm
Audio Description by Ellen Groves:
1st March 7.30pm
8th March 2pm
Chilled performances:
Audience members are free to make noise, move around the auditorium and can leave and come back at any point. There is a chill out space outside of the auditorium. During the performance the audience lights will be off but ushers will be on hand throughout. The show features loud music; speak to one of the Sherman Theatre ushers if you’d like to borrow some ear defenders.
Chilled performances are different to relaxed performances in that there is a more casual approach to noise and movement in the auditorium, but there are no changes to the performance itself, unlike in a relaxed performance.
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Housemates will tour to Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Torch Theatre, Milford Haven following its run at the Sherman.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre: Thursday 27 March 2025 – Saturday 29 March 2025
Torch Theatre – Milford Haven: Wednesday 2 April – Friday 4 April 2025
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An astounding story, entertainingly and movingly realised.
Arifa Akbar, The Guardian
…this invigorating testament to the value of challenging the status quo and fighting for the rights of the unjustly marginalised, is also a rollicking evening’s entertainment.
Ben Woolhead, Buzz
A gloriously uplifting play, in a production that radiates warmth, wit and humanity.
Nicholas Davies, The Stage
Cast and Creative Team Interviews.
Trailer.
Cast.
Emily Ivana Hawkins
(Sally)
Lindsay Spellman
(Heather)
James Ifan
(Birch)
Gareth John
(Alan)
Caitlin Lavagna
(Sian)
Peter Mooney
(Jim)
Matthew Mullins
(John)
Richard Newnham
(Dr Cooper)
Eve Tudball
(Julie)
Creative Team.
Tim Green
Writer
Joe Murphy
Director
Ben Petitt-Wade
Director
Carl Davies
Designer
Tic Ashfield
Arranger & Sound Designer
James Ifan
Musical Director
Chris Laurich
Sound Engineer
Rachel Mortimer
Lighting Designer