What People Say about Flute

"The works is the embodiment of serious play, generosity of spirit and community. The participants come alive with joy when their names are sung.”

"The Flute Theatre's interpretation of Shakespeare’s Pericles is by far the most touching and empowering performance I have ever seen. Over the four days that the Flute spent working with Ukrainian families in Sofia, we cried and laughed together with the children, we played and sang, we opened up our hearts and got carried away by the magic of the theatre, we forgot all our troubles, even if for a little while, and felt alive again. Playing together with the Flute was a transformative experience for all of us: children, parents, educators, students, and psychologists. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, and the actors’ energy was so powerful and magnetic, that we all felt an irresistible appeal of playing together. Seeing how parents' faces relaxed, how their smiles widened, and their eyes started shining with a mixture of surprise and pride was a pure and genuine pleasure. But, of course, the children were the true kings and queens of this enchanted castle. Though some of them were a bit shy at first and even reluctant to participate, by the end of the performance all of them joined in. They obviously loved playing along and were having a lot of fun, not only because the actors were brilliant and ultimately dedicated to what they were doing, not only because the performance was perfectly thought-out and the games had been developed to suit the needs of the audience that is struggling with the trauma of fleeing from the war, but also because these young individuals and their desire to play were taken seriously.

The children were seen, heard, appreciated, and accepted. They were encouraged to assert themselves in the most creative and productive ways. They felt respected and valued. What is more, at times they even felt in charge and started helping the actors with the pronunciation of the trickiest words and names. Oh, how happy and proud they looked!

Flute's performances are a safe space where children and adults can play seriously, be in the moment and feel alive, learn to respect and appreciate each other, and allow the power of the theatre to help them discover their better and happier selves. This amazing project has shown that the theatre can truly make a difference even in the darkest times. Maybe, the darkest times are the times when we need the magic and the healing power of the theatre most urgently."

"When the show ended I was crying so much. My two handkerchiefs were soaked. I perfectly remember what I said to the actors and actresses at the end of the show - I said 'if you ever wondered why you are doing this job, its precisely for moments like this."

"Today I took Arlo to see Pericles for Autistic Individuals by @flutetheatre at @riversidestudioslondon and we had the most incredible experience. I wasn’t sure about it when I booked, because I didn’t know if Arlo would engage with it at all, but they said that it was totally interactive and tailored to the needs of the participants, however complex, so I gave it a go. From the moment the actors arrived to meet us in the cafe I knew it was going to be very special. With rhythmic singing and engagement movements, they totally met each participant at their level. Arlo was quickly scooped up by someone and spun around, the actor working with him seemed to instinctively know what he liked and what he needed. So often, even the most “inclusive” experiences ask autistic kids to fit into the world as we want it, this was a show that was very much in Arlo’s world. And different kids had different worlds - all were included. Greta also joined in and she was included alongside the participants. It was very relaxed. Sometimes I joined in alongside them, sometimes I say and watched. At different points both kids needed me for different reasons and that was totally fine. I’ve honestly never experienced anything like it. They do it every school holidays with different performances tailored to different age groups, and it costs a fiver per family. It’s just amazing. We will be back in October but if you can’t wait till then, it’s on tomorrow for the last time this summer. If you have an autistic child you need to go. Thank you so much to @flutetheatre for creating it and to @riversidestudioslondon for supporting it - I can’t tell you how much it means to our family."

"When I was 2, my brother was diagnosed with severe autism, and my journey trying to understand him began. Throughtout my directing career, I have searched for a process of connect the intimacy of theatre to the rigidity of his autism. Kelly Hunter has found that process. There is no more effective way to teach social skills, promote inclusion, and awaken the soul than the Hunter Heartbeat method. The program changed my life, and ever since I started teaching it, it has changed the lives of the hundreds of individuals who have experienced the awakening it provides."

"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."