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Performances for autistic people | August 2025

A group of performers in yellow and orange costumes with pointed hats stand in a line on stage, holding hands and looking upward during a Brighton inclusive theatre performance.

Hunter Heartbeat

"The Hunter Heartbeat Method is a series of sensory drama games, which allow autistic people to share how it feels to be alive and celebrate their identity. I have created this award-winning methodology for and with autistic people across the world, playing with me over the last twenty five years." - Kelly Hunter

"We are beyond grateful for so much of your time, all the team, their skills, talent & compassion. You are all fabulous. The difference your workshops/ performances made to our autistic pupils in an hour was incredible. The confidence was visibly growing and children that don't use their voices were suddenly thrust into this sensory experience and shouting words! Truly remarkable. As you know, I was genuinely so moved & emotional to witness such a wonderful, positive reaction from the children. I cannot recommend this experience enough; Flute Theatre is a very special company that truly knows how special our children are and exactly where to meet them in their world. Every autistic child should have the opportunity to experience the magic of the Flute Theatre. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Gabrielle Ettridge Teacher, Tower Hamlets

Autistic teenager smiling and interacting during Flute Theatre’s Hunter Heartbeat Method workshop, using theatre games to build communication and connection.

The Hunter Heartbeat Method is a series of sensory games that I have created for autistic people to play, they are games of humanity that need only the human voice and body and another person to play with. These games are derived from Shakespeare’s poetic exploration of how it feels to be alive.

Teatrul Gong Sibiu Romania (2023)

Performers and participants at the Teatrul Gong in Sibiu in 2023 engaging in a collaborative movement workshop. They are gathered on a colourful circular stage, with some standing, crouching, and lying on the floor, creating an expressive and dynamic group formation

Documentary

  • Hunter Heartbeat Beginnings

    Hunter Heartbeat Beginnings

  • Catalonia Documentary

    Catalonia

  • Kourosh Documentary

    Kourosh


Autistic and neurotypical performers wearing yellow hats and colourful costumes standing in a line during a Hunter Heartbeat Method workshop by Flute Theatre, using Shakespeare to connect through rhythm, gesture, and play.

"Bonjour Kelly, I am not sure that I can find the words to convey my gratitude to yourself and the whole company for yesterday extraordinary experience. Aimé spoke for himself, and I am reluctant to try to express what I believe he went through. As for myself, you all touched my soul to the deepest. I think that what we were invited to be part of yesterday is what the ancient Greeks intended Theatre to be for humanity. I still feel it in my all “being” this morning waking up from a profound long rest."

Michéle Bosc - Parent of Aimé Bosc Nikolov

Filmed during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, I describe the “Conversation of the Body" and the “Choreography of Emotion” that underpins the Hunter Heartbeat games. The second half of the film is from our 2019community project with autistic children from Queensmsill School and their families at the Bush Theatre, London.

Hunter Heartbeat Method

Kelly Hunter discussing the hunter heartbeat method
A diverse group of performers energetically engage in a live Flute Theatre performance, using expressive gestures and movement on a dimly lit stage. The actors wear casual, comfortable clothing in natural tones, creating an inclusive and accessible environment tailored for autistic individuals. This performance, inspired by Shakespeare and adapted using the Hunter Heartbeat Method, highlights Flute Theatre’s commitment to neurodiverse storytelling. Audience members can be seen watching with interest in the background. Flute Theatre also offers training and courses for actors, educators, applied theatre students, and families to support autism-friendly performance practices.

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Funding for the arts is currently said to be at a ‘terminal decline’ but we will continue to create our life changing opportunities whatever the challenges.  Please help us continue with a one off donation or a monthly subscription. Your donations go directly toward our performances with marginalised people and always will.

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