Winner of the inaugural Through the Mill Prize and shortlisted for the Papatango Prize, Park Theatre and Hope Mill Theatre present brand-new play Animal, which explores how disability, sexuality and lust co-exist for people who require round the clock assistance.
Written by Jon Bradfield and developed by disability activist Josh Hepple, Animal is a hilarious but heart-breaking look at hook-up culture, navigating relationships and how they intersect with practical needs and social barriers for disabled people. The play tours to Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre (March 9-April 2), as well as the Tobacco Factory in Bristol and Park Theatre in London.
Christopher John-Slater (All of Us, National Theatre) plays David – gay, disabled and profoundly horny. David can’t eat, drink or shower by himself without an assistant. Totally inexperienced and refusing to let his impairment stop him, he embarks on a sexual and romantic odyssey, armed with wit, charm and impressive pictures - even though someone else had to take them.
Can David juggle the uncertainty of romance, the crudeness of sexting and navigating Grindr, all whilst relying on assistance? Or in the end, maybe prejudice is the biggest disability of all?
Writer Jon Bradfield comments, It’s a dream for a writer to have someone bring them such an
affecting, provocative and indeed fun subject, and an honour that Josh thought I had the voice to
tell such a story."
Additional wheelchair spaces will be available at each performance and specific relaxed or semi-relaxed performances will be available at all venues, along with advance notice of any sensory triggers. There will also be audio-described, captioned and touch-tour performances.
More info and tickets here