Housemates

About

A rip-roaring true story of friendship, rebellion and a revolutionary experiment that changed the world. Housemates is a joyful, funny and deeply moving play packed with70s classics performed by a live band.

In the 1970s, Alan, a young man with Down's syndrome, crashed into the life of university student Jim. Alan had lived as a resident in Ely Hospital since childhood. All he wanted was to live in a house and be in a band. Jim wanted to make a difference in the world but didn't yet know how.

Together with their friends, they embarked on an experiment that challenged the system and helped spark the movement away from institutional care towards Supported Living. What began as an act of friendship became a global turning point in disability rights, transforming lives and changing how society thought about independence, choice and belonging.

Performed by a cast of neurodivergent and neurotypical actor-musicians, Housemates is an exhilarating celebration of courage, community and the ordinary people who changed history. Full of heart, humour and the spirit of rock 'n' roll, don't miss the return of one of the year's most talked-about theatre experiences.