This episode explores how Bamboozle Theatre creates accessible, immersive experiences for learning disabled and autistic children and their families. Host Jason Clothier speaks with Christopher Davis, Artistic Director at Bamboozle, about building safety, belonging, and agency through theatre—and how a £5,000 donation from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons supports that work.
Christopher shares how Bamboozle’s approach helps young people communicate in ways that suit them, why time and space matter, and how the company’s work spans local family sessions and international touring.
Key topics
How Bamboozle creates “enabled spaces” where young people can find their voice and have it heard.
Making theatre accessible for autistic and learning disabled children who may not be able to access traditional performance settings.
Designing performances for dynamic audiences, with actors adapting to movement, sound, and individual responses.
The difference between praise and value—and why space to explore and succeed independently matters.
Amy’s story, which shows how Bamboozle noticed and supported communication that others had overlooked.
The Backyard, Bamboozle’s outdoor provision, created during COVID and now in high demand from families.
How donations support family sessions, workshops, and new work such as Traces, an outdoor show for autistic audiences.
How Bamboozle’s approach has influenced schools, including one school that adopted a “no praise” approach.
The company’s international work, including touring in Shanghai and collaborating with theatre companies in Italy.
Bamboozle’s mission to help every learning disabled and autistic child in England find their voice and have it heard.
Timestamps
00:00 — Opening and mission of Square Talk
01:52 — Introducing Christopher Davis and Bamboozle Theatre
03:30 — What Bamboozle does and who it serves
04:25 — Family and teacher reflections on feeling accepted
06:53 — How Bamboozle got its name
08:53 — What immersive, accessible theatre looks like in practice
10:20 — Small audiences, movement, and flexible performance design
11:46 — Creating ease for non-verbal and sensory-sensitive children
14:26 — The Bamboozle approach and its core principles
15:24 — Amy’s story and discovering hidden communication
18:13 — Safety, trust, respect, and belonging
19:51 — Why Bamboozle questions praise-based motivation
22:16 — High artistic standards and adapting to dynamic audiences
23:42 — Inviting participation without pressure or reward
24:41 — The impact of the £5,000 donation
25:40 — Making Traces with Italian theatre partners
28:48 — How international touring supports local family work
30:15 — Bamboozle at Home and in-family sessions
31:11 — Abby’s story and making music together
33:08 — What children and families have taught Bamboozle about communication
35:03 — The need for more support and provision
36:02 — The Backyard outdoor space and why it was created
37:23 — Why families value spaces where they do not have to apologize
39:32 — Slowing down to give young people time to respond
40:01 — What’s next for Bamboozle
41:29 — How to support disability arts and accessible theatre
43:14 — Challenges in grant funding and the value of regular giving
44:43 — Communication strategies across settings and countries
46:37 — A school transformed by the Bamboozle approach
48:06 — Thanking donors and describing the value of support
49:34 — The Backyard image and Bamboozle’s mission
