Surrey Sensory theatre charity set to send audiences clucking for more at England’s largest Arts Festival

Head2Head Sensory theatre, disabilities theatre charity in Surrey, is set to perform for the first time at the Brighton Fringe - the largest annual arts festival in England.

The Chicken Circus, a Makaton Friendly multi-sensory show, is flapping its way to Brighton’s Memorial Hall, 3 Old London Road, Patcham, BN1 8XR on 20 & 21 May 2023.

Anni Rhodes-Steere, Head2Head Sensory Theatre’s Founder, said:” It has always been our ambition to take Head2Head to The Fringe. We are thrilled to be able to bring this marvellous story to life at such a huge creative showcase.”

A spokesperson for Brighton Fringe said: “We are delighted to have Head2Head Sensory Theatre and their event Chicken Circus take part in Brighton Fringe 2023. We are always excited to have such innovative and specialised children’s theatre as part of our programme, especially as we know there is a high demand for sensory theatre for SEND audiences in Brighton.”

A sensory adaptation of the Animal Tales children's story by the late Terry Jones, Chicken Circus is the colourful tale of Mr Fox who steals chickens so he can train them as circus performers.

The Makaton Friendly show is an inclusive, high energy, interactive sensory performance written especially for a special needs and disabilities (SEND) audience. A hilarious and very popular show using bright sets, puppetry, music, sensory props and costumes that stimulate and encourage participation.

Anni continues: “'Chicken Circus' came about when we performed in a library and chose 'Animal Tales' as our story book. The 'Chicken Circus' tale went down so well that families were scrambling to the shelves to borrow the book.

“We would like to dedicate this special performance to Terry Jones. Not only was he an outstanding Patron from the inception of our charity but he also attended many of our performances and gave us permission for some of his stories to be adapted for audiences with special needs. When news of his death was announced in 2020 Head2Head was performing 'Chicken Circus', a fitting tribute to a remarkable man.”

Head2Head Sensory Theatre is a special needs charity at the forefront of creating inclusive theatre opportunities for children and young people with a wide range of disabilities.

Brighton Fringe is the largest annual open-access, multi-arts festival in England. Next year’s festival will take place from 5 May – 4 June 2023 and is a celebration of music, theatre, dance, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and community events in venues and locations across Brighton, Hove and Sussex.

The event is free ticketed visit https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/chicken-circus/ or alternatively call our box office on 01273 917 272 (opening hours at present 14.00-17.00 Tuesday to Friday)

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