Since 1988, Mind the Gap has been at the forefront of inclusive theatre, collaborating with learning disabled and/or autistic artists to create original work.
1988
Mind the Gap is founded by Susan Brown and Tim Wheeler.
Launch of MTG’s journey.
1993
Wake Up! National Tour
Followed by The Plot (1994), Harry Heads for Las Vegas (1995), The Big Picture (1998), Neville’s Advocate (1999)
First venture into national touring with a production devised and performed by learning disabled performers.
1998
Launch of Making Waves training programme
MTG consolidates its training for learning disabled and/or autistic aspiring artists through launch of this flagship 3-year programme, funded through National Lottery Arts 4 Everyone.
2000
Of Mice & Men National Tour
Followed by Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde (2001), Pygmalion (2002), Don Quixote (2003), Cyrano (2004), Animal Farm (2005), Of Mice & Men revivals (2005 and 2011), Stig of the Dump (2011), Treasure Island (2013)
MTG first venture into adapting existing plays/stories from a learning disability and autism perspective. This adaptation by award-winning Mike Kenny, directed by Tim Wheeler and performed by an integrated cast; Kevin Pringle, Jez Colborne and Jessica Buxton.
2001
Launch of Making Theatre training programme
New training programme built on learning from the Making Waves pioneering course, so more learning disabled, and/or autistic artists can learn new skills and pursue their creative ambitions.
2001
Making Waves artists graduate, and form a MTG ensemble under the banner Special Effects Theatre Company
First UK company to form an artist led ensemble, which explored all aspects of running their own company – later became the Acting Company.
2004
Launch of Staging Change advanced training programme
National vocational training opportunity for 8 learning disabled artists, run in partnership with 4 national drama schools including Arts Educational Schools and Guildford Conservatoire.
2008
Opening of MTG Studios in Lister Mills Manningham – marked by the Moth Ball event, celebrating its history as a former Silk Warehouse
Moth Ball was later revived in Hong Kong, through a collaboration with Mok Chiu. MTG delivers the £2.4m capital project, with Bradford Council, thanks to investment from Arts Council England, ERDF and other funders.
2010
Irresistible led by Jez Colborne and produced by Mind the Gap, site sensitive event at Cow & Calf Ilkley
A work in progress event on a WILD October night!
MTG supports Jez Colborne to secure an Arts Council England Unlimited commission to create a piece for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
2015
2016
Daughters of Fortune – launch of new project starting with Forum Theatre workshop Anna
MTG begins a 5-year journey exploring learning disability and parenthood, inspired by a chance conversation with a MTG artist about her sister’s experiences.
2019
ZARA presented in Halifax and London, reaching audiences of 8000+
MTG’s biggest project to date culminates in large scale events created in collaboration with Walk the Plank in Halifax and London
2019-2020
A Little Space launches its first leg of national tour
A new collaboration project with physical theatre company Gecko, enabling performers to gain new skills, and MTG to reach new audiences
2024
Performance Academy students graduate at York Minster
The first cohort of Performance Academy students is awarded a Certificate of Education in Performing Arts level 4, by York St John University.
2024
New co-leadership team takes the helm