You’re Invited: Mind the Gap’s New Immersive Show ‘The Invite’ Premieres at Lister Park

Bradford-based theatre company Mind the Gap is throwing a party like no other – and you’re on the guest list.

This September, Mind The Gap will premiere its brand-new immersive theatre experience, The Invite, at The Beacon in Lister Park, as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Blending live music, movement and storytelling, The Invite invites audiences into a surprise birthday celebration set in a pub, where six friends gather for a night of honesty, humour, and heartfelt reflection. Inspired by real stories and lived experiences, the show explores what it truly means to be seen.

Running from the 17th to the 20th September 2025, The Invite is co-created and performed by artists with learning disabilities and/or autism from Mind the Gap, England’s leading learning disability arts organisation. Directed by Rich Rusk, the show promises an engaging, inclusive and thought-provoking night of theatre that’s both entertaining and meaningful.

Speaking about the show, director David Rusk said:

“This show is bold and immersive and showcases the talents of our learning disabled and/or autistic cast who have co-created The Invite alongside myself and the team at Mind the Gap. The Invite draws on the real stories and experiences of performers and is excitingly accessible – a truly inclusive experience that will invite and encourage audience participation on the night. We can’t wait to premiere this new work.”

Charli Ward, Creative Director at Mind the Gap went on to add:

“This new, immersive show reflects a new approach for Mind the Gap, building on our many years of experience of working with and listening to people with learning disabilities and/or autism. The Invite is an opportunity for us to showcase our pioneering inclusive practice and continue to ensure that people with learning disabilities and autism are centre stage, making and sharing high quality theatre.”

Speaking about the collaboration with mind the gap, Jenny Harris, Director of Producing at Bradford 2025, said:

“Bradford 2025 is proud to collaborate with Bradford’s own Mind the Gap, a national leader in disability performance and inclusion, to present this new commission at The Beacon in Lister Park. Centring the diverse voices and stories of learning disabled and / or autistic members of our community, and co-created with a brilliant team of learning disabled and / or autistic artists, The Invite is one party you definitely won’t want to miss.”

Performance details:

The Beacon, Lister Park, Bradford, BD9 4NS

Evening shows: 7:30pm – 8:30pm – (17th to the 20th of September)
Matinee: 2:00pm – 3:00pm – (Saturday the 20th of September)

Tickets: £10 | Ages 14+ | Under 18s must be accompanied
https://bradford2025.co.uk/event/the-invite/

Access Information:
Wheelchair accessible, relaxed environment, audio described, and BSL interpreted.

Don’t miss your chance to take part in this immersive, moving and joyful night at the theatre – The Invite is waiting.

Image Credits: Images Courtesy of David Rusk.