Playmakers Deaf | 2026

This January to April, Year 2 to Year 8 students from three London schools took to devising their own BSL – interpreted plays through our Playmakers Deaf programme!

Over five in-school sessions Facilitators Charly Arrowsmith, Cherie Gordon and Marian Hoddy supported young people as they generated ideas and developed their very own plays incorporating British Sign Language (BSL). Through interactive and inclusive workshops, the students explored each part of the playwrighting process including setting, character and plot, co- led by a hearing and Deaf facilitator to support total communication in the space. The young people were also visited by one of the actors, who would later perform their plays, giving them the chance to collaborate directly and meet more Deaf creative professionals.

Thanks to our generous funders, the students also watched a BSL – Interpreted performance with one school watching Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo’s Child at the Lyric Theatre and the other two schools watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Unicorn Theatre.

The project culminated on Friday 17 April, when the students from all three schools gathered together at The Other Palace to see their work performed live by a professional cast of Deaf and hearing actors: Mark Donald, Cherie Gordon, Zoë McWhinney and Jude Powell. 

The showcase was performed using BSL, voice – overed by interpreters Louise Mitcham and Tom Simper, and directed by Deaf creative Charly Arrowsmith.

The students then engaged in a Q&A with the cast – giving the young people the opportunity to ask about the process of compiling all their ideas into short plays and gain insight into the wider theatre industry.

Students were asked for a short sentence that described their experience and what they enjoyed most about taking part in the programme:

“My favourite part was watching the final show. I was excited because I helped create it.”

“I liked working with everyone and sharing my ideas. It helped me feel more confident.”

“I loved drawing and being creative. We loved watching the actors perform our play, our play was really funny!”

“I would like to do something like this again because it was fun and different.”

Teacher feedback was incredibly positive and highlights how important programmes like this are:

“One of the most memorable aspects of the project was seeing how all the deaf pupils, including those with additional needs, were able to fully participate. The programme was beautifully adapted to suit their individual communication and learning needs. A standout moment was when a phrase one pupil repeatedly used was incorporated into the final showcase; seeing his joy at recognising his own contribution was incredibly rewarding. It highlighted the importance of giving deaf pupils ownership and a clear voice.”

“Creating the story was wonderful. Watching them communicate, take turns, share and create, building on each others ideas was lovely, they showed much better team work.”

The Playmakers Deaf programme empowered the students, achieving remarkable gains in literacy, confidence, creative expression and collaboration; with 100% of students reporting increased confidence and with 100% of participants eager to return to the theatre, the impact was profound. Teachers praised the project for creating a meaningful experience that their pupils will ‘remember for a long time’.

We would like to thank our funders, Lehman Brothers Foundation Europe, St James’s Place Charitable Foundation and Investec, for making this programme possible.

Donate today to help ensure every child, regardless of background, has the chance to experience the transformative power of live theatre and open doors for the next generation.

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 Photos: @charlieflintphotography