Autism is a developmental disability that impacts how someone might communicate, perceive situations, react to stimuli such as bright lights and loud sounds, anxiety levels – particularly when in unknown situations, take longer to process information and repeat certain actions or thoughts over again (NHS). Autism, or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a spectrum, with experiences different dependent on the person. An exploration of the journey taken to learn how best to care for and support a family member with ASD, Rachel Hammond presents Joshua (and Me), a vital, hearty production placing Joshua’s experience with ASD at the fore.

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Be warned, this is not a play for non-white people. I should have known that from the clickbait lead image featuring an old white man, Louis Theroux vibes (a fellow Quent), standing in front of a tank decorated by brown men in thoubs, because that is all they are in this docu-play. Afghan people are objectified to add colour to a play which was set in Afghanistan before Henry Naylor had set foot in the actual country.

Courtesy of Steve Ullathorne.

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As we step into Web 3.0, we’ll increasingly experience metaverses and decentralised platforms alike. The gaming realm a perfect opportunity to encourage interconnectivity and the chance to build new. Channeling into this reality, Kakilang present Home X, a fusion of gaming, virtual reality, breakdance and testimonies questioning the meaning of home.

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The 23rd February just recently marked the 3rd anniversary of Ahmaud ‘Maud’ Arbery’s tragic passing, a 25 year old aspiring football player who was out on his usual run, something that he enjoyed to do and something his mother recalls in memoriam of his legacy before being shot in a racially aggravated attack. 3 years on and three defendants have since been prosecuted for that fateful day. We’ve seen the world rocked by protest and calls for change, especially in light of subsequent events that year, with this particular case having seen the first hate crimes bill drafted in Georgia. But there’s still a lengthy way to go. Drawing on this harrowing incident, writer Jeffrey Miller crafts the show Maud, a decades-long look at the prevalent issue of race within the US, centred on Ahmaud ‘Maud’ Arbery’s death, described by his family as a modern day lynching.

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When two worlds collide – that of a struggling escort and high flying businessman, their weeklong encounter takes on a whole new different meaning than initially once thought. J.F. Lawton‘s romantic 1990 comedy Pretty Woman a film that would become an instant hit, making both Richard Gere and Julia Roberts household names. More so of a drama in tone, the much loved film has taken to the stage, having enjoyed a 5 year run initially in the US, before landing here in the UK at the Savoy Theatre. Taking on a more musical tone, Vivian and Edward’s love story continues.

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The Gate Theatre are sending a clear signal across the theatre industry with award-winning Bootycandyopening their first ever season at their new home in Camden. There is little regard for the Western three-act structure as the play hurtles in and out of a new world full of life, colour and laughter by Gate Theatre Associate Artist Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu who directed sold-out runs of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Contemplate Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy.

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Home to some of the most iconic musical talent within our modern music era, Chicago has birthed many well known musical styles, rhythms and cultural defining moments, a long list of artists having started life there and gone onto to achieve great things! Having contributed heavily to the Blues scene, musician L.T. Beauchamp has enjoyed a varied career spanning over 50 years – his early years, being taught how to tap dance by legendary Afro-Cuban dancer Jimmy Payne and later on in life, going on to become a significant contributor to the Certain Blacks’ album by the Art Ensemble of Chicago amongst many other musical collaborations, and receiving recognition for his contributions, becoming a recipient of the 2016 Reykjavik Blues Society Honorary Membership Award. For one night only, as part of Certain Blacks’ Heroes Festival, Beauchamp returns years after his last visit to present a lively, warmly received set!

Courtesy of Sarah Hickson.

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For some, birthdays are a time of celebration, for others, not so much! Our youth obsessed culture one that tends to ignore the value of wisdom accumulated amongst the years. Drawing on this societal norm in a one woman show Degenerate, this is not a test and Maria Teresa Creasey present the work in progress as part of this year’s Vault Festival.

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Being tasked with the running of a nation is no mean feat, taking on the responsibility of a premiership, one not be taken lightly! I’m sure we all have ideas as to how to run society in ways beneficial to the many, agendas that’ll move the world forward for the better. Picture, however, waking up and assuming your day will be yet another typical one, only to find out that the premiership has been bestowed onto you, and that you’ve now become your nation’s lead. Taking on this year’s Vault Festival at the Cage venue, Thick ‘N’ Fast present General Secretary.

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