Imagine stepping inside an inflatable dome and entering a magical winter world filled with movement, sound, video and lots and lots of snow!
Brrr is a multi-sensory dance performance created especially for young people aged 10–18 with complex needs. With upcoming performances at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 18-22 August, 10.30am & 1pm at Nicolson Square Venues it offers families, schools and carers a unique opportunity to experience live performance in a welcoming and accessible environment.
A Winter Experience Designed for Everyone
The festive season can be exciting. However, for some young people, the noise, crowds and constant activity can quickly become overwhelming.
Brrr offers something different.
Set inside an inflatable dome, the performance takes audiences on a gentle journey through winter. Dance, music, video and sensory experiences combine to create an immersive world that can be explored at each young person’s own pace.
Rather than expecting audiences to experience the performance in a particular way, Brrr responds to them.
Young people have the freedom to watch, move, interact or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Their individual needs aren’t just accommodated – they’re an important part of the experience.
Created with Young People
Brrr has been developed in collaboration with young people and artists who specialise in inclusive practice.
Creative consultation has also taken place with learners at Isobel Mair, helping to ensure the experience reflects the needs of the audiences it was created for.
The performance is suitable for young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), as well as Autistic and neurodivergent young people.
Wheelchair users and those who use other mobility aids are also welcome.
In addition, Brrr uses minimal to no spoken language. This makes the experience accessible to non-verbal and Deaf audiences, as well as young people who don’t speak English.
Putting Young Audiences at the Heart of Performance
Brrr is created by award-winning Glasgow-based dance artist Hayley Earlam.
Hayley’s work focuses on sensory theatre for babies, young children and disabled audiences with complex needs. Her approach puts each audience member at the heart of the performance, creating opportunities for interaction, curiosity and joy.
For Brrr, Hayley is joined by performers Kiel Jonathan Clarke-Davis and Clare Adam.
The creative team also includes producer Isy Sharman, designer Jenny Booth, composer and sound artist Ollie Hawker, video designer Rob Willoughby and creative access consultant Kirstin Abraham.
Brrr is presented in association with Capital Theatres, with creative consultation from students at Isobel Mair.
A Magical and Inclusive Experience
Previous audiences and teachers have described Brrr as a particularly special experience.
One ASN teacher called it “the most inclusive and magical performance that I have ever been to!”
Another said:
“I haven’t experienced anything as perfect for our pupils and their needs. It was extremely inclusive and welcoming.”
At its heart, Brrr is about giving young people who may experience barriers to traditional theatre the opportunity to enjoy live performance on their own terms.
There is no right or wrong way to experience it. Instead, young people and their caring adults can explore, respond and enjoy the winter world together.
See Brrr
❄️ Dates: 18-22 August, 10.30am & 1pm
📍 Venue: Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Nicolson Square Venues
👥 Age: 10–18
🎭 Suitable for: Young people with complex needs, including PMLD, Autistic and neurodivergent audiences, wheelchair and mobility aid users, non-verbal and Deaf audiences.
🎟️ Tickets & booking: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/brrr
If you’re looking for an accessible and welcoming live performance this winter, step inside the world of Brrr and discover a winter experience designed to celebrate every audience member.
Early booking is recommended.
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