Touring stage adaptation of a true 1970s story about friendship and disability rights, performed by actor-musicians with a live band.
Housemates comes to Salisbury Playhouse from 13 to 15 May 2027, as part of a wider UK tour. It's a stage adaptation of a true story from the 1970s: Alan, a young man with Down's syndrome who'd lived at Ely Hospital since childhood, befriended Jim, a Cardiff University student. Together they launched an experiment that challenged institutional care and helped spark the move towards Supported Living, a global turning point in disability rights. The play is described as a story of friendship and rebellion.
It's a Hijinx and Sherman Theatre co-production, written by Tim Green and co-directed by Ben Pettitt-Wade and Joe Murphy. The cast is made up of learning disabled, neurodivergent and neurotypical actor-musicians, with Gareth John playing Alan. There's a live band on stage playing 70s classics, so the music is a proper part of the show rather than just background. Set and costumes are by Carl Davies.
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This isn't a new production. It first opened in 2023 and was revived in 2025, picking up five-star reviews from The Observer, The Stage and The Morning Star along the way. The 2027 tour is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, the Arts Council of England and Innovate Trust, and Salisbury is one of several stops: it also plays Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, Ffwrnes in Llanelli, Leeds Playhouse, Exeter Northcott, Derby Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. It's a joyful, funny and moving play about friendship and disability rights, performed by actor-musicians. It runs at the Playhouse from 13 to 15 May.
