The Last Freak Show is based on an original play by well-known contemporary playwright Mike Kenny. It tells the story of a group of disabled people who are used as circus exhibits. Through dark comedy it explores the themes of individuality and difference, inviting the audience to question their easy perceptions.

DATCO, The Disabled Actors Theatre Company, was founded in 1998, by a partnership between Bournemouth Borough council’s theatre in Education and Arts, Libraries and Museums teams, as part of an ongoing programme of developing inclusive arts and lifelong learning in the area. The group is committed to challenging stereotyped attitudes to disability and disabled people’s potential. All DATco members have physical /sensory impairments or mental health problems.

The Last Freak Show is an exciting departure for DATco. Previous productions have been devised and directed by members of the group working with Tony Horitz from Bournemouth Theatre in Education.

But now the company’s ambition of inviting a disabled guest-director to work with them has finally been realised. Jamie Beddard, Associate Director of the UK’s leading professional disabled Theatre Company, Graeae, is working with DATco on their first scripted text.

Graeae have been prominent in the Disability Arts movement for over 20 years and their work is renowned overseas as well as at home. The collaboration between the two companies will help plant DATco’s policy of equal social inclusion in the arts and education circles on the national agenda.

The tour of schools will be accompanied by an educational workshop to support young people’s learning about citizenship, disability and inclusion.

The Last Freak Show will tour from October 2004 and will visit local schools and other community venues throughout Dorset and Hampshire, including Lighthouse and Dorchester Arts Centre.