Birds of Paradise’s Bold New Play Explores Sex, Disability & Assumptions

Acclaimed disability-led theatre company Birds of Paradise are taking a fearless look at sex and  disability in their new accessible production (We indulge in) a bit of roll play. Starring Ed Larkin (The Little Big Things, West End; Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers), what begins as a sharp domestic

comedy evolves into a daring blend of theatre with no apologies.(We indulge in) a bit of roll  playoffers a bold and witty look into our perceptions around intimacy and disabled lives,  confronting assumptions with originality and honesty. 

Larkin, the first wheelchair user to lead a West End musical, joins Birds of Paradise for this  unflinching show and comments,I’m really excited to be working with BOP and I cannot wait to  share what we create. BOP are always looking at creating and putting on work that’s pushing  the boundaries of what’s expected, in doing so, telling real and authentic stories with disability,  and the disabled experience at its heart. 

This story of a young disabled man’s experience follows Ben, who juggles living at home with his  parents, university and his sometimes girlfriend, and the limitations and expectations that come  with this. Carrying a secret or two, Ben’s journey takes him from the isolation of his bedroom to a world of unmediated desires where he can stop asking for permission and start taking space. 

Written by Hana Pascal Keegan (Beyond Her Years, Almeida Theatre;Secret Garden, Open Air  Regents Park; shortlisted for The Evening Standard’s Emerging Director Award 2021), Gabriella  Sloss (GOOD SEX AFTER BAD SEX, Assembly Roxy;787 Blinks, Traverse Theatre;Jammed,EHFM) 

and Robert Softley Gale (writer,My Left Foot – The Musical; director,Don’t. Make. Tea.; The List  100 2024),(We indulge in) a bit of roll playprovokes crucial and open discussions around explicit storytelling and disabled narratives. Ittakes the audience on a funny, honest journey through  the realms of disability and sex, from the stand-up stage to the family kitchen table, the online  world and beyond. 

In platforming sensitive themes around sex, disability and family life, Birds of Paradise continue to approach all material with transparency and care, aligning with their core ethos. Working with renowned Intimacy Coordinator Vanessa Coffey (House of the Dragon, HBO;Outlander, Netflix/Sony;Vikings: Valhalla), this production presents a window into disabled lives that sensitively restructures audience perceptions. 

Featured Image: design by Laura Whitehouse

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