Robert Softley Gale is a distinguished Scottish theatre-maker, actor, writer, and director, known for his commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the arts. Robert graduated from Glasgow University with an MSc (Hons) in Business and Management and he joined Birds of Paradise as Artistic Director in November 2012. With a career spanning over two decades, he has worked to ensure that the voices and stories of disabled individuals are both represented and celebrated. In 2025 Robert received an Honorary Doctorate (D. Litt) from the University of Glasgow for his work in theatre.

Professional Journey

Robert’s professional debut in the arts commenced in 2002 with Edinburgh’s Theatre Workshop. His early roles included notable productions such as ‘Nothing Burns Down by Itself’ and ‘The Threepenny Opera’ at the Tramway. In 2012, Robert’s solo performance in ‘If These Spasms Could Speak’ marked a significant milestone in his career. The production, which delved into the lived experiences of disabled individuals, received critical acclaim and toured internationally, reaching audiences in Brazil, Estonia, Ireland, and India. His 2020 monologue for BBC America, ‘Hamish’ by Jack Thorne, was nominated for a Bafta award as well as for the Royal Television Society’s Breakthrough Award.

Leadership at Birds of Paradise Theatre Company

After worked for the Scottish Arts Council as their Equalities Officer (Disability) from 2008 to 2010, Robert assumed the role of Artistic Director and CEO at Birds of Paradise Theatre Company (BOP), Scotland’s premier inclusive touring theatre company. He has been a driving force behind several groundbreaking productions. His inaugural project, ‘Wendy Hoose’ co-created with Johnny McKnight, was a critically acclaimed sex comedy that toured internationally between 2014 and 2016. This was followed by ‘Purposeless Movements’ a dance theatre piece co-created with Rachel Drazek exploring the experiences of men with cerebral palsy, for which he received a nomination for a Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) Best Director award. Robert also wrote and performed in ‘Blanche & Butch’ a camp musical comedy centred around disabled drag queens.

One of his most lauded works, ‘My Left / Right Foot – The Musical’ premiered at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The production garnered both a Fringe First and a Herald Angel award and subsequently toured to Japan.

Advocacy and Impact

Beyond his artistic endeavours, Robert has been a steadfast advocate for disability rights and inclusivity. He has delivered equalities training on an international scale and has been instrumental in organisational development programs across the UK. His leadership extends to his role on the board of the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, where he influences policy and practice.