Animal – Tobacco Factory Theatres Bristol

• Animal is on at Tobacco Factory Theatres in Bristol this April

David is gay, disabled and ‘profoundly horny’. Despite requiring carer support with things like eating, drinking or showering, he’s not about to let that get in the way of navigating Grindr, hooking up or romance.

Brand new play Animal, explores exactly this and how it impacts upon navigating relationships around the practical needs and social barriers experienced by disabled people.

It’s been written by Jon Bradfield with development by Josh Hepple, a disability activist and equality trainer. Josh has cerebral palsy and relies on personal assistants, bringing his lived experience to Jon Bradfield’s writing.

“I wouldn’t be the right person to attempt an issue play “about disability”, but with Josh as my guide and collaborator I’ve loved crafting this distinctive story and creating a central character I hope will prove memorable, complex, funny and empathetic,” Bradfield says.

Writing about how sex and sexual currency and how they intersect with social barriers encountered by people with impairments has been ‘eye-opening and world-expanding’ he says.

Actor Christopher John-Slater plays David. He’s known for a variety of work including The Dumping Ground, Tracy Beaker Returns as well as film work and All of Us at the National Theatre.

Animal opened to acclaim at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester earlier this month. It’s in Bristol for four nights only before heading to the Park Theatre in London.

The show runs at two hours and is recommended for ages 16 years upwards due to content.

All audiences are welcomed with accessibility being at the heart of the show.

Cast
David – Christopher John-Slater
Liam – Joshua Liburd
Jill – Amy Loughton
Derek/Nuno – Matt Ayleigh
Mani/Michael – Harry Singh
Rob/Ray/Alan/Dad – William Oxborrow

Creatives
Writer: Jon Bradfield
Story: Jon Bradfield, Josh Hepple
Director: Bronagh Lagan
Producer: Daniel Cooper
Set and Costume Designer: Gregor Donnelly
Video Designer: Matt Powell
Producer: Hope Mill Theatre & Park Theatre

Animal will be at the Factory Theatre from 12 -15 April 2023

Further information and booking: https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/animal/

For access information: https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/access/

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