2065, a futuristic sensory extravaganza from Norwich-based Frozen Light Theatre, is a story of rebellion set in the not-too-distant future, created specially for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
A six-month national tour opens at Salford’s Lowry from January 18-22, with other dates including Cast in Doncaster (February 25-26); Northern Stage, Newcastle (March 22-23); Derby Theatre (April 15-16); Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (May 10-11); Chester Storyhouse (May 12-13); The Civic, Barnsley (May 17-18) and Lakeside Arts, Nottingham (May 19-21). Frozen Light is renowned for its engaging, high-quality theatre for audiences with PMLD combining multi-sensory moments, live music, signing and poetic language.
The company explored the show's sensory environment before developing the story and characters, adding technological and industrial multi-sensory props, experienced one-to-one between performer and audience.
The soundscape has bass beats and vibrations the audience can feel as well as hear, synthesiser sounds and a live brass duo. The company’s techniques are designed to allow audiences – including families and carers – to be fully included in the work.
Artistic director Amber Onat Gregory said: “For many of our audience members with profound learning disabilities it will be the first time they have returned to live events since the start of the pandemic. It's been very exciting for the company and the venues we've toured to, finally returning to theatres at what is an incredibly hard time for the industry.”
Artistic director Lucy Garland added: “Though set in a Dystopian world, 2065 is ultimately a story of the power of people to change the world for the better. It holds a lot of joy and celebratory moments.”
The show has been designed for audiences aged 13 and up, though doesn't contain material inappropriate for younger audiences.
Founded in 2013, Frozen Light has created six shows that have toured to over 70 venues across the UK. In 2016 it was the first company to take a show specifically for audiences with PMLD to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, to which it returned in 2017 as part of the British Council Showcase.
In 2019 the company was invited to New Zealand to work with Touch Compass Dance, supporting the development of the country’s first show for audiences with PMLD.
More info and tickets here (pick theatre and follow the link)