Springboard is a platform for neurodivergent performers of all kinds to share their work, experiment and try out new ideas in front of a friendly and supportive crowd, and for audiences to enjoy a night of exciting performance in an accessible and inclusive space - all whilst supporting and celebrating neurodiversity in the arts.
Check out the social story above to find out how to get to the venue, what will happen on the night, who’s performing and any potential sensory or other triggers in their acts. We’ll also have ear defenders available on the night for anyone who wants to lower the sound levels a bit.
Featuring…
Zack McGuinness
Zack is a neurodivergent queer performance artist at the beginning of their solo career having worked in collectives and in works by Martin O'Brien and Sheree Rose. They are currently exploring presence/visibility and how to conjure ways of un/becoming, as well as intuitive knowledge and the unutterable.
The act: Zack is performing an action based disruption to embody some of what it means for them to be neurodivergent, queer, and seen. Where can the neurodivergent fit in? Can we find a way of being present but unseen? What are the repercussions of wanting to be un/seen and un/heard?
Rona Topaz
Singer, songwriter and actress Rona Topaz settled here from New York over 30 years ago. She has appeared in Les Miserables (London Palladium), Liberty (Deptford International Festival) and other films and shows in the UK and Europe. As a singer she has supported artists including Billy Bragg and John Cooper Clarke, and will be seen at Legends and Legacies Christmas Ball at the Southbank Centre this month. She is a two-time stroke survivor and is involved with the Neurodiverse charity, Fastminds.
The act: Rona Topaz shares her view of the world through the medium of electronic pop.
Michael Mendones - A Soothing Song For A Distressed Internet Friend
Michael is a bipolar musician, poet and producer who works in mental health and uses creative outlets to deal with strong emotions and traumatic life experiences.
The act: A searing, epic poem written in different styles about women's mental health, social media and ways to cope.
M.J. Gardner - They Put Me In This Room (performed by Rona Topaz)
M.J.Gardner's playwriting credits include: When We Came Here (Cuckoo Bang - White Bear Theatre), The Hopeful (Hidden Theatre Company - Water Rats), The System (Young Agitators - Royal Court), Journey (The Writers Of The Unexplored - Royal Court), Dreams (RIFT 90s season - RIFT/STYX), Fantasy (Rich Creative - Cockpit Theatre)
The act: 'In 2007, I was separated from the class because I didn't get on with others. In 2012 I was diagnosed with Asperger's. This is the story of what happened, and how this makes someone feel.'
Chris Pike
Chris is an autistic stand-up comedian living and working in London having recently returned from a year in China.
The act: Chris will be talking about the funny side of navigating the world we live in while autistic.
Annie Harris
Annie Harris is a queer, disabled, neurodiverse performer from Brighton. She trained in musical theatre at the London College of Music, but after she was diagnosed with chronic illness she fell in love with comedy and improv. She lives with fibromyalgia and ADHD, but doesn't let that get in the way of what she wants to do - sing, and make people laugh.
The act: Annie mixes comedy, music, character comedy and improv in her acts, so you never really know where you're going to end up. However, it's always fun. Promise.
Tinny Potty Din Dinz - The Nativity
We are a clowning, drumming (on tins and pots), singing (usually in gibberish), musical comical silly duo. We enjoy pairing odd rhythms together that wouldn't normally go, and being very silly. We use tins, pots, puppets, food, and our voices.
The act: Tinny Potty Din Dinz re-tells the famous Christmas story that we all thought we knew. Expect carols, Five Kings, noise, (optional) audience participation, fun and silliness.
