Accessible Picks

While disabled access at the Fringe is still not perfect, it has come a long way. Here are some top shows from companies that champion or incorporate access in their work

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Published 14 Jul 2018
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The Flop

Inclusive theatre company Hijinx, who had a hit with puppetry show Meet Fred at last year's Fringe, are back with this collaboration with clowning supremos Spymonkey. Telling the true story of a 17th-century aristocrat who can't get it up, The Flop is guaranteed to shatter any preconceptions audiences might harbour about the work of disabled artists. 

Summerhall, 3-26 Aug, not 13, 20, 4:55pm

Sirens

Three Greek sirens find themselves washed up on Hastings beach in this devised piece from award-winning theatre company The Zoo. Featuring a cast of deaf and hearing actors, creative captioning—where captions are worked into the aesthetic of the show—and British Sign Language, Sirens is a great example of a promising new wave of inclusive theatre breaking over the British arts scene. 

Pleasance Courtyard, 1-27 Aug, not 13, 20, 3:35pm

Lost Voice Guy: Inspiration Porn

Back in 2016, Lee Ridley (aka Lost Voice Guy) was still sending out his own press releases. Not so anymore: Ridley became a household name this year as the winner of Britain's Got Talent. Incredibly, Ridley cannot talk, so his jokes are truly as inclusive and accessible as comedy can possibly be. Oh, and really funny, too.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1–26 Aug, not 13, 4pm

Singing Hands Summer Spectactular

Suzanne and Tracy, the duo behind Singing Hands are, it seems, a bit of a thing online. Their stock-in-trade is family-focused songs and dances involving Makaton signing, and an anything-goes approach to creativity designed to ensure that no one misses out. Both have childen with communication needs, so sing joyfully with the voice of experience.

Gilded Balloon at the Museum, 17–19 Aug, 12pm