A Queer Collision

This work began with a question: how can audio description be embedded from the outset of the creative process?

Navigating Covid-19 and lockdowns, the project evolved, gaining momentum and support. The team expanded and the show developed into a touring work that disrupted venues and spaces with a radically intersectionally-disabled team.

A Queer Collision actively engaged queer and disabled communities through innovative approaches - collaborating with local champions, activists, artists, and charities across the UK to create opportunities and attract new audiences to venues and workshops.

The work was made possible through a co-creation model and support from Arts Council England, The Place, The Wellcome Collection, FABRIC, Pavilion Dance South West, East Sussex Partnerships, Eastbourne Alive (Turner Prize), South East Dance, and Brighton Festival.

A Queer Collision Audio Described Trailer

  • "An evening of community, visibility, honesty, and joyous togetherness… as well as being incredibly talented, all of these performers never let us forget that they are just people… some queer, disabled, neurodivergent people, expressing themselves and who they are in a way that they love, and in a way that can be shared with their whole community."

    Neurodiverse Review

  • "A Queer Collision is a rich and joyful show with an approach to deep inclusivity and with embedded access at its heart."

    Eastbourne Alive

  • "A Queer Collision serves as a wonderful example of the sort of work Stuart is contributing to in so many communities."

    Dance Art Journal

  • “ I do not think I have ever seen a production that is so inclusive and accessible with constant sign language interpreters, audio descriptions throughout and showcasing absolutely fantastic and visually impaired talent!”

    www.getthechance.wales

  • "A heart-warming and heart-wrenching evening of entertainment, stories and histories”

    Sitting on the Fourth Wall

Community engagement and wraparound activity

A Queer Collision’s community and wrap-around activity engagement is a bold, access-led residency model, centring queer and disabled visibility.

Rooted in lived experience, it holds an atmosphere that’s fun, sensory-friendly and mentally safe - featuring exhibitions, talks and performance. The model integrates deeply with local communities so their voices are present at their local event.

The practice invites queer and disabled artists into the cast, front-of-house and care teams of local therapists and access providers. Workshops, training and digital exhibitions engage new audiences, whilst partnerships with local organisations leave lasting impact.

Designed to bring communities together with the energy of a night out, this inclusive, playful experience invites co-creation, celebration and cultural exchange. More than a show - it's a movement.

Watch two of the photo exhibition films below:

Audience Feedback

“I am used to not being welcome. I exist in a hetro-normative world and I am queer. And when I do venture into the Gay scene I do not feel comfortable - I am not young, I don’t have the right body, I feel even more out of place. But here... what you have created... it is the first time I have felt truly welcome. This is great! I want more.”
“Deeply moving. Deeply human. Honest story telling and seamless choreography, put together in a performance that engages and includes you. Lovely!”
“There’s a real need for this work. You should feel really proud.”
“I’m in awe along with the rest of the audience. Totally enthralled!”
“Master of your artform, Stuart, honestly - bravo.”
“Was an absolute pleasure to see this show last night. Each performance, and performer, felt so special.”
“I just wanted to say thank you and congratulations for last night. Bloody brilliant. Generous, honest, raw, from the heart every moment, and joyful.”

How A Queer Collision was Built

I was a Choreodrome artist in 2021 and, in partnership with the Wellcome Collection, laid the foundations for A Queer Collision.

This initial research brought together myself, Willie Elliott and Tom Roden to explore how audio description can be embedded into script and live storytelling.

Building on a foundation of embedded audio description, A Queer Collision evolved into a time-travelling performance which framed historic queer narratives whilst zooming in and out of key moments in mine and Willie's lives.

The work further explored questions of masculinity within a queer context.

Please get in touch if you’re interested in booking A Queer Collision or finding out more about elements of the show.

A full, edited version is available to watch, filmed during a performance at The Place in February 2024.