joshua (and me)

Mission statement: understand Joshua’s world.  Hannah lives by the seaside with Mum, Dad, and two brothers, Ben and Joshua. The brothers are very different. Ben lets Hannah in his room, they play spies together, and, sometimes, he even gives her a hug. These things aren't possible with Joshua. It’s like he speaks a different language.

We have to learn about each other’s worlds, says Mum.

Mission accepted.

Full of laughter, love, and original music, Joshua (and me) explores what it's like to grow up in a house where, however loved you are, your needs are not your family's first concern. As Hannah grows, so does her understanding of Joshua. We journey with her from seven to eighteen, when it’s time to leave home. But Hannah’s life has been moulded around the needs of her brother: “I don’t know who I am if I’m not his sister”. How can she find her way in a world where no-one knows, or cares, what it’s like to be Joshua’s sister?

Based on Rachel Hammond’s own life, alongside stories from other siblings of individuals with additional needs, Joshua (and me) provides permission and space for siblings to honestly and openly explore their experiences, too.

Autism Advisory Team The Autism Advisory Team is a group of autistic individuals, siblings, and parents who provide feedback for Rachel, as she develops the show. The team was created to ensure the autistic voice is not silenced in the creation of this piece. The team are: Ju Blencowe, Carrie Grant, David Grant, Sophie Toms, Joseph Hammond, Elliott McDowell, Ellen Cupples, Laura Jeffries, Sasha Harden, Sally Hammond, Mark Hammond, and Olive Gray.

Running time: approximately 75 minutes

Latecomers may not be admitted. Please arrive in good time for the start time of 7:45pm. Under 18s are not permitted into the theatre for this performance.  No re-admittance once the performance has commenced. Refunds and exchanges are not available.