When thinking of shows for audiences with learning disabilities (in this case, profound and multiple learning disabilities = PMLD), a concept of a cocktail bar is most likely not on top of your list. That’s when Frozen Light team comes into play. And it’s no child’s play – it’s a proper party, a gig, and a sensory bar, all rolled into one. Plus, with its all-inclusive approach, it makes it fun for the audiences, as well as their carers and families, to jump into the Bar’s offering.
You wouldn’t feel awkward being any of the bar’s visitors – instead, you would be sipping a cocktail or a mocktail in an intimate, glittery space of a classy bar, while a rock band plays on the stage. It’s like watching a Pixar movie in the cinema, but in real life – whether you’re the a member of the audience or just accompanying a guest – you will have a fantastic time. And it’s just a solid, well-thought-through and researched experience.
After the show, I had a short chat with the creative minds behind the show, because I just had so many questions. Here’s a small summary of what you should know about “The Bar at the Edge of Time” – I think the 2 questions below will act as a good intro to the show’s concept, before we dive deeper into what I thought of the show.
What’s the essence of The Bar at the Edge of Time?
The Bar at the Edge of Time is a unique sensory adventure that transcends time, offering a cocktail of experiences and a gig tailored for adult audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities. This ground-breaking production seamlessly combines the worlds of gig and sensory theatre, immersing the audience in a captivating journey through a cocktail bar, and a live music performance.
What inspired its creation?
The inception of The Bar at the Edge of Time can be traced back to a lively party scene (or champagne bottle moment, as they described it) in Frozen Light’s production, “2065”. Witnessing the sheer joy forged by the audience while sharing drinks and dancing sparked the desire to craft a show with this communal spirit in mind. This production is a response to the aspiration of providing audiences, often excluded from such experiences, the opportunity to explore spaces like an exclusive cocktail bar and attend a gig, all within a framework that caters to their unique needs and ensures a secure environment.
And now let’s get into my thoughts about the show.
What to expect?
As much as I love experiencing the new ideas for sensory shows, so far all of them were children-targeted (including the immersive, 5-star scored Kinder, which is not targeted towards audiences with PMLD, just more of an accessible show). Bar at the Edge of Time turns everything you know about shows for audiences with PMLD on its head – in a fantastic way!
The experience is divided into segments: firstly, you get familiar with the bartenders/performers and get offered a drink of choice. You can order a cocktail, mocktail, or no drink at all, and straws and thickeners are available. Then, the actual performance starts, in the form of a short gig, mixed with a straightforward, simple story regarding the Bar’s staff.
At the end, the spotlight gets turned on the visitors and each guest gets serenaded by the bartender and gets to play with some sensory items, involving all senses.
Every activity is voluntary, and the staff is extremely polite – if someone doesn’t feel like joining in, or even responding, it’s always respected. Staff uses words but also Sign-along to communicate.
What was the experience like for me in November 2023 in Woolwich?
The experience was designed into a 1-hour sensory show/performance, and the time just flew by – especially since you’re encouraged to lose track of time by not looking at any time-pointing devices.
From the moment I entered the Woolwich Tramshed, I was well taken care of by the bar’s “staff”. The audience was shown to their seats or spots and everyone received a “token.” The token was like a buzzer, similar to the ones you get while having a meal in a food court, and buzzed in my hand whenever a new story within the play was starting.
Straight away, I noticed the stage set, and it was just absolutely over the top. I realised I was in for a proper ride! Intimate “lounges” were created using glittery tassel partitions, that did not just create beautiful spaces giving privacy, but also encouraged the audience to play with the “walls”. The discreet exit options acknowledged the need for quiet departures, ensuring a comfortable and unobtrusive experience for all participants. The sensory bar caddies, assigned to each lounge, enhanced the overall experience. The caddies revealed, one by one, some interesting ingredients and items everyone could interact with.
How were the performers?
The 3 bartenders/performers: Burhan Kathawala, Ethan Pascal Peters & Gaz Tomlinson, were just wonderful – the way they addressed every audience member by name, always asked for preferences and thanked for every interaction (verbally and visually), made me wish some real bars took notice and trained their staff into this level of customer focus.
The show’s commitment to delivering extraordinary sensory performances was showcased in its approach to individual experiences. While interacting with the audience, the performers kneel or sit, ensuring everyone shares the same level of eye contact. The focus remains on the guest, not their carer or family member, fostering a sense of autonomy and respect.
I want to emphasise the incredible energy that the performers brought to the show – from dancing and quick costume changes to singing and even mixing cocktails. It’s truly impressive, especially considering the intimate nature of the performance that brings the actors up close with the audience. In such a setting, any inconsistencies in portraying their quirky characters would be easily noticeable. However, what stands out here is the seamless, well-rounded performance. Beyond that, it genuinely appears that all three actors were having a blast on stage!
Anything else about The Bar At The Edge of Time?
And it’s not the first show in their portfolio: Frozen Light team has done this for many years, using each show they produced as a stepping stone and learning for another one. In the creative process, they include a 4-person Sensory Studio Artists, who help to give real feedback on all the ideas for the show, from the very beginning. Then the shows tour the country for months, additionally improving the performances as they move towards new cities.
The quality of the gig itself is outstanding, with inclusivity extending beyond the stage. Carers and other guests actively participate in the sensory delights, playing with bubbles and materials. Printed materials with a black background cater to those with visual impairments, demonstrating a thoughtful accommodation for diverse needs. Sign-along, akin to Makaton, visually supports speech, ensuring a more enriched experience for the audience.
To sum up, it’s an extraordinary sensory experience, something I will remember and recommend for months to come. If you know any organisation working with audiences with PMLD, pass them the link to this post, or send them directly to the website below – the more patrons visit the Bar At The End of Time, the more smiles we will see around, that’s guaranteed 🙂
The Bar at the Edge of Time
UK Tour ongoing to 1 June 2024
Running time: 60 mins, no interval
Ages: Over 16s
By Frozen Light Theatre
Original Concept: Lucy Garland &
Amber Onat Gregory
Director: Kate O’Connor
Set Design: Kat Heath
Composer & Sound Design: Sam
Halmarack
Costume Design: Maira Vazeou
Cocktail Choreographer: Katie Grace
Cocktail Consultant: Mella Faye
Cast: Burhan Kathawala, Ethan Pascal
Peters & Gaz Tomlinson
www.frozenlighttheatre.com
@frozentheatre
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