Flute Theatre

Performances for autistic people | August 2025

Two performers in dramatic lighting during a theatrical scene; one holds a dagger to the other, who remains calm and composed under a blue-lit stone arch backdrop.

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Actors perform on a dimly lit stage with a draped backdrop during the premiere of a Shakespeare adaptation at the Craiova Shakespeare Festival in Romania, first performed on May 22nd, 2022.

First performed Craiova Shakespeare Festival Romania May 22nd 2022

Actors performing a vibrant and expressive scene from a Flute Theatre production of Pericles, with colourful costumes and dynamic physical theatre, set against a backdrop of ancient stone arches.

Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

Actress expressing deep emotion with hands clasped above her head during a sensory-sensitive scene in Flute Theatre’s Shakespeare production.

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Actor delivering a powerful monologue under stage lights in Flute Theatre’s immersive Shakespeare performance of Pericles tailored for main stage production

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Performer lifts a fellow cast member during a dynamic moment from Flute Theatre’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s plays for Pericles.

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A powerful moment from Pericles on the main stage, showing a bare-chested actor drenched in water, raising a soaked cloth and shouting with raw emotion. This intense performance captures the physical and emotional depth of Flute Theatre’s sensory Shakespeare adaptations for autistic individuals.

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A large inclusive group of actors, participants, and facilitators from Flute Theatre gather on stage after a performance. The group, including autistic individuals and neurodivergent families, smiles and poses together in a celebratory moment following an interactive Shakespeare adaptation.

Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

Kelly Hunter MBE smiling warmly in sunlight, seated outdoors with her hand to her face. Founder of Flute Theatre, she develops groundbreaking Shakespeare adaptations for autistic individuals and neurodivergent audiences.

Kelly directing in Barcelona (2017)

The ensemble of Flute Theatre stands arm-in-arm on a red carpet, bowing to a full house after an inclusive adaptation of Shakespeare. The diverse cast, lit warmly from behind, is silhouetted against an applauding audience. This image captures the culmination of a sensory-rich performance designed for autistic individuals and their families, using the Hunter Heartbeat Method to create meaningful, interactive theatre experiences.

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A heartwarming moment from a Flute Theatre production shows a group of actors and an older autistic participant wearing matching yellow hats and costumes. They are smiling and holding hands in a shared moment of joy. This sensory-friendly Shakespeare adaptation uses the Hunter Heartbeat Method to foster emotional connection and inclusion, welcoming autistic individuals of all ages into the performance experience.

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First performed Craiova Shakespeare Festival Romania May 22nd 2022

Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

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Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

Kelly directing in Barcelona (2017)

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The Courtyard Theatre (2014)

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First performed Craiova Shakespeare Festival Romania May 22nd 2022

Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

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mid-summer

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Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

Kelly directing in Barcelona (2017)

pillars

The Courtyard Theatre (2014)

Image Gallery

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First performed Craiova Shakespeare Festival Romania May 22nd 2022

Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

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mid-summer

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Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

Kelly directing in Barcelona (2017)

pillars

The Courtyard Theatre (2014)

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First performed Craiova Shakespeare Festival Romania May 22nd 2022

Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

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mid-summer

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Mercury Theatre, Colchester (2023)

Kelly directing in Barcelona (2017)

pillars

The Courtyard Theatre (2014)