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Mark Thomas performs unique accessible performance in Stockton

ByEmily

Oct 27, 2016

It is the only date on the tour of his new show, The Red Shed, that will be BSL interpreted. It will also be a relaxed performance, meaning it is suitable for people with additional access requirements and autism.

Known for his political views, his Dispatches programmes for Channel 4, and for being credited for changing the law on tax avoidance, Mark Thomas is on a mission to change the world for the better.

He has stopped arms deals, created a manifesto and brought the winning policy to parliament, he has walked the entire length of the Israeli wall in the West Bank, has filmed his own Channel 4 series, written books, held Guinness World Records and has become an iconic comedic force to be reckoned with.

His new show is based on celebrating the 50th anniversary of Wakefield Labour Club’s iconic Red Shed.

It’s the story of the place where Mark started to perform stand up in public and where he politically came of age as a student when he was involved in the miners’ strike.

Interviewing old friends and comrades, Mark pieces together the club’s history and works alongside it to campaign with some of the poorest workers in the country. It is the story of the battle for hope and the survival of a community. It is a tale of strikes, fights, dinner ladies, crap beer, good beer, pickets, placards, friendship, love, history, dreams and, above all, remembering.

Speaking ahead of his accessible performance at ARC, Mark said:

I am so pleased that my performance of The Red Shed will be a BSL signed performance. I am delighted that this is becoming more commonplace. 

This show will also be the third relaxed performance this year too, a show that encourages and accommodates people with learning difficulties, with Autism Spectrum Condition and other people who will benefit from a more relaxed setting for the show. 

Theatre has often talked about being inclusive and encouraging people into theatre who might not normally attend but as often as not they fail to go the extra mile to be truly inclusive. 

But there is a movement to change this and it is great to see and be a small part in a turning point for theatre. Credit to ARC for encouraging this and bring it on this is going to be a great night.” 

The Red Shed won him is third Scotsman Fringe First this year, and every one of his previous solo shows sold out their Edinburgh runs.

The show will take place on Tuesday 1 November at 8pm. Tickets are priced £16 and £12 for concessions.

By Emily