A grieving widow and a queer millennial discover the power of finding family in unexpected places. This poignant and funny new play explores the heartaches and joys of aging child-free.
Join Old Bird Theatre for an immersive theatre experience and soundscape mixed with real life stories. Otherhood switches between the here and now and an audio storytelling realm where we travel in time to an imagined fantastical Bradford.
Children or no children, we all matter, and we all leave a meaningful mark.
Writer Emma Adams and Director Deborah Pakkar-Hull set up Old Bird in January 2025 to create disobedient, playful and relevant work inspired by their home city of Bradford and the people within it, to surprise, delight, inspire and connect.
Deborah is a Bradford-based Director, Theatre Maker and Researcher, specialising in small-scale, collaborative touring work. She was previously the Artistic Director of Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah, The Birmingham Play House and the York Mystery Plays and has recently worked with Libellule Theatre and Victoria Firth and Company.
Emma is a queer, neurodiverse playwright and screenwriter from Bradford. She’s written plays to be performed in houses, libraries, swimming pools and graveyards (and on stages too). Emma has worked with Leeds Playhouse, Opera North, Red Ladder, Slung Low, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Theatre 503, Freedom Studios, Ovalhouse, Paines Plough, Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah, Bradford City of Culture 2025 programme launch, Longboat Pictures, Shiny Button, ITV and CBBC
"Zara successfully challenges assumptions, and boldly and creatively gives a voice to parents with learning disabilities."
"The company that's raised the bar for theatre with learning-disabled artists."
"A true jewel in the city's crown."
Mind the Gap are pivotal to our cultural landscape, both in Bradford and West Yorkshire, and beyond.