Written by Robert Softley Gale
Directed by Joe Douglas
Original songs by Sally Clay
A commission for Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
What’s it like to be disabled in 2021 🧐 ?
Find out at The Super Special Disability Roadshow – coming to a school near you! Designed for all school students, this hilarious, energising, multi-media show looks at how we talk about disability today.
Roadshow hosts Rob and Sal are coming to the end of their schools tour, but are running late for the day’s gig. The audience is already waiting impatiently when they enter the stage, struggling with their touring kit. Opening with a cheery (some might say cheesy!) ditty, they launch into their show. Things are going pretty well, as Rob and Sal teach us what it’s like for disabled people in today’s world … until the younger generation decides to set them straight!
The Super Special Disability Roadshow is a commission for Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, created by BOP and directed by Joe Douglas, written and performed by Robert Softley Gale, co-starring and with original songs by Sally Clay, and introducing Oona Dooks and Oliver Martindale.
Drawing on stories and experiences of disabled children and adults, the show will explore what it means to be disabled and how we all feel about our identities, with characteristic humour, heart and honesty. The Super Special Disability Roadshow exemplifies our vision of a culture where disabled artists are recognised for the excellence of their work and celebrated for the stories they bring to the stage.
A quote from our Artistic Director, Robert Softley Gale about being part of the Ediburgh International Children’s Festival 2021:
“Birds of Paradise were delighted to be commissioned by Imaginate to take our approach of adult theatre to younger audiences. Working with young people in making this show has been incredible fun. We like being honest and so do they! We are excited to bring conversations about disability into schools because we’ve been doing it far too long for adults and the world isn’t changing fast enough! Maybe the future will be accessible? We think we have made something that will make everyone laugh and think – and leave with a better understanding of disability.”
You can find out more about Ediburgh International Children’s Festival 2021 here.
MEET THE TEAM:
The Cast
| Robert Gale | Performer |
| Sally Clay | Performer |
| Oona Dooks | Performer |
| Oliver Martindale | Performer |
| Natalie MacDonald | BSL Interpreter / Performer |
The Creative Team
| Robert Gale | Writer |
| Joe Douglas | Director |
| Sally Clay | Composer |
| Lewis den Hertog | AV Design |
| Ali Maclaurin | Set & Costume Design |
| Natalie MacDonald | BSL Interpreter |
| NovaSound | Sound Design & Production |
The Production Team
| Niall Black | Production Manager |
| Avalon Hernandez | Stage Manager |
| Siobhán Scott | Stage Manager (on book) |
| Andy Reid | AV Technician |
| Guy Coletta | Production Sound Engineer |
| Urban Croft | Film Makers |
| Niall Walker | Marketing Consultant |
For BOP
| Robert Softley Gale | Artistic Director |
| Mairi Taylor | Executive Producer |
| Michelle Rolfe | Producer |
| Callum Madge | Engagement Manager |
| Morna McGeoch | Development Officer |
ACCESS:
The Super Special Disability Roadshow film comes with BSL interpretation, Audio Description and Captions.
More details about how to select these access options when booking the show will be available soon.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
This show is suitable for all ages and has running time of approximately 40 minutes. More information will be published soon.
BOOKING FOR FAMILIES:
The show is not yet available for family bookings, but when it is, bookings will be made via the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival website.
BOOKING FOR SCHOOLS:
Booking for schools is open.
If you represent a school and would like to book the show thenplease follow this link to the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, schools booking page.
RESOURCES:
Check back here for resources to help you take conversations about disability equality forward and to think what you can do to make the world more accessible for everyone.
March 2020 development call out
CALL OUT
We are seeking young disabled people to assist in the creative development of this production
Who do we want to work with?
We would like to work with disabled young people who are open to talking about and able to reflect on what it is like to be a young disabled person today. It is a while since Robert was a young disabled person (!) and he would like to talk about how what he experienced compares to your experience. We think this means working with anyone 12 – 20 years old – but this is only a guideline.
What will happen?
You will come along to a small relaxed session of about one and a half hours. There will be some chatting and some creative activities. We will be looking at ways we can tell our stories.
Who will be there?
Robert and Mairi from BOP will be there and Alex Byrne who makes theatre for young people with the company New International Experiences. You are welcome to bring a parent or PA but we may ask them to observe and not take part.
When will it happen?
- Monday 24th February, 6pm – 7:30pm at Inclusion Scotland, Edinburgh
- Tuesday 25th February, 5:30pm – 7pm at Scottish Youth Theatre, Glasgow
What will it cost?
The session is free and we will cover any travel expenses. Some light refreshments will be served.
What will happen afterwards?
We would like to stay in touch and there may be other opportunities to work together as we develop the show.
How do I get involved?
If you would like to get involved please email all@boptheatre.co.uk or call 0141 552 1725
We will ask you to provide some contact and access requirement information.