The Ramps Cymru (working title) partnership is delighted to be welcoming Birds of Paradise Theatre from Glasgow to an event on Thursday 18th April from 10am to 1pm at the Sherman Theatre.
Join us as we discuss the development of Ramps Cymru, celebrate the inclusive work currently happening in Wales and learn about the production models used by Birds of Paradise to create exciting, accessible theatre.
Book your ticket online or by calling the Sherman Box Office team on 029 2064 6900. Please state any access requirements at time of booking.
Schedule:
10am Coffee
10.30 – 11.30am Session 1
Speakers:
Peter Gregory, Arts Council Wales
Sarah Holmes, Ramps on the Moon
Robert Softley-Gale, Birds of Paradise Theatre Company
Sara Beer, Ramps Cymru
11:30am – 12pm Coffee break
12 – 1pm Session 2
Presentations and discussion with Deaf and disabled creatives on the work being created at the moment in Wales and Scotland and what difference they hope the Ramps initiative will bring.
Panel members: Robert Softley-Gale, theatre makers Jonny Cotsen and Jake Sawyers, designer Rosanna Haigh and members of Taking Flight.
1pm Networking lunch
Tickets: Free (including lunch)
BSL by Cathryn McShane and Claire Anderson
Sarah Holmes
Sarah is Project Lead for Ramps on the Moon. She has worked in British Theatre for more than 40 years and has championed changes in the industry to enable greater inclusivity, innovation and partnership working. In 2023 UK Theatres presented her with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre’ award. Sarah was recently Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich for 22 years. Sarah also led Ramps on the Moon, with Michèle Taylor, in its first seven years; her tenacity, drive, huge sense of fun and infectious appetite for change has been key to the success of the project.
Robert Softley-Gale
Birds of Paradise has been making ground-breaking work in Scotland since 1993. Artistic Director, Robert Softley-Gale is recognised as a key player in the disability arts scene in the UK and on the world stage and his presence gives an authority to Birds of Paradise’s status as Scotland’s premier disability-led theatre company. Robert will be talking about the production models the company uses to make their unique style of inclusive theatre.
Birds of Paradise will be performing their dark comedy, Don’t.Make.Tea by Rob Drummond on Friday 19th April at Theatr Ffrwnes in Llanelli.
BOP is marking its 30th anniversary with a UK tour of the dark comedy thriller Don’t.Make.Tea. A witty ridiculing of the welfare state, the show explores a futuristic benefits regime through the assessment of Chris as she is forced to claim benefits. With bitingly satirical dialogue, and cutting-edge accessible staging interwoven through the show, Don’t.Make.Tea. confronts the lengths disabled people must go to in order to preserve themselves in an unjust system.