About us

The Misfits Theatre Company UK (Misfits) are a unique Bristol-based theatre group, led by our members People with Learning Disabilities (PWLD). We evolved from a drama group at a local day centre, formed in 2000, to an established CIO in 2016. 

Our creative practice brings to life our mission – preventing social exclusion of PWLD and challenging perceptions through creative activities. We engage 65+ regular weekly members, through delivery of 4 affordable weekly workshops facilitated by experienced freelance artists. These span drama, poetry, movement and wellbeing as well as guest facilitators delivering puppetry, prop making and print.

Through our creative projects members create poignant, funny, powerful work showcasing their unique perspectives. Ideas emerge from our facilitated sessions, where members are then supported to create their own pieces or create together as a group. We offer a platform for this work to be performed and exhibited widely, spanning poetry, film, print and performance, raising awareness of PWLD to over 1000+ members of public (2024).

Since 2005, we have also provided unique and creative training/performances for the NHS, Universities and Councils. Our performing group rehearses once a week and tackles difficult issues, from relationships to inclusion in the workplace, describing how PWLD want to be treated by the services they use and the professionals they meet.

Our excellent track record and reputation are demonstrated by our 2012 UK Museum & Heritage Award for Education for ‘All the Kings Fools’ and our National Lottery Good Causes Award for the Nation’s Favourite Arts Project in 2013. We also received an honorific mention at the Arts & Health Southwest Awards 2015 for our film ‘Confidential Inquiry into Premature Deaths of People With Learning Disabilities’ presenting the Norah Fry Research Centre findings. This film has over 19,000 views and is used by the Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Paediatrics, and the NHS as part of their training and ‘Patient Stories Week of Action’. ‘Health is Everybody’s Responsibility’ 2017 film (13,600 views) is also used as a regular training resource. By 2019 our performing group was delivering commissioned face-to-face training to 2,500 medical students and professionals a year in the Bristol area.

Misfits are also widely known for running Bristol’s only monthly club night for PWLD – Rhythm of the Night. It started in 2004 when our members told us they needed a safe space where PWLD could dance, socialise, and have fun. The ROTN has an average of 100 PWLD plus their friends/family at each event, held at The Trinity Centre, Bristol.

We want to change the world! And have fun while we do it! 

To see our work in action view our showreel below:

What our audience says about us:

“Every week I bring AJ from Gloucester, a return journey of 75miles. At first, I thought it was a complete waste of time […] Then I saw the hard work that was put in every week in the movement workshop. I attended the AGM and began to realise what The Misfits is all about.

It is an organisation which gives genuine dignity and respect to people who society avoids and it provides a ‘family’ for people who often have no family. I cannot praise them enough.“

Kevin Roche – Key Worker

“Being one of the Misfits has been one of the most significant parts of our daughter’s life over the past three or four years.  She might have had fun and made great friends going to any well-led activity but through the Misfits she has also learnt lots about expressing herself effectively; she’s been empowered to explain issues faced by people with learning disabilities; she’s had brilliant opportunities to show she can act, help train medical staff, co- operate, be organized, fund-raise, be interviewed on the radio – all useful experiences and skills to use on her CV. She has had support to deal with tricky social predicaments from friendly staff who know her well. Her friends and acquaintances have observed this has given her lots to be proud of.“

Parent of member of the Misfits