The Unexpected Gift celebrates the art of play and curiosity, taking ordinary objects and making them extraordinary and magical. This is a story reversing the idea that it is the wrapping paper, the cardboard boxes and ribbons that should be discarded, and reveals that playfulness, creativity and imagination are the true gifts. Bursting with energy, acrobatic dance, textures, sounds and colour to create a multi-sensory wonderland from the left-over boxes, ribbons and wrapping.

This highly interactive and inclusive dance-theatre performance is made especially for and with children with complex needs such as autism. Playfulness within the work creates space for live response between the audience and performers, with its adaptable approach allowing the individuality of each child to be celebrated. The Unexpected Gift is designed for a small audience to be able to accommodate and engage young people who experience the most barriers to access. It was inspired by Barrowland Ballet’s production The Gift, a co-commission by Aberdeen Performing Arts, Capital Theatres and Eden Court.

"The Gift is technically superb, narratively charming, beautifully staged, and genuinely funny." ★★★★★ - The Quinntessential Review

Access Information:

• Set design: Various sized presents, cardboard boxes, wrapping paper and streamers.
• Performers: 3 performers. 1 female portraying a young girl. She is in her pyjamas; 2 male portraying brothers dressed in costumes with elaborate ribbons.
• Lights: The lights will be low to allow you to see the performance better. 
• Experience: The show is mostly dancing and music with a few spoken words and a songs. The music is mostly gentle. It can sometimes get quite loud and rhythmic. The performers play with the cardboard and paper - creating characters, animals, different beats and sounds. At points throughout the show children will be invited into the performance space to dance and play.
• Capacity: 8 children, their carers and delegates (Total max: 30)