Big Hat Cabaret

Reach Inclusive Arts are bringing The Big Hat Cabaret back to STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway on Friday 27 November, their first edition since 2023. It's an inclusive cabaret night with dance, song, poetry, drama and comedy, all performed by disabled artists.

The line-up is a big one. Reach Inclusive Arts are joined by Partners Theatre Company, Right Time for Art and Neon Lights, with Crowdy's Hill School Choir, Momentum Dance, Salto Adults, Centre Stage, The Big Sing Thing and Inspire Enrichment also on the bill. Rebecca Rocker provides the poetry, and comedian Georgia Scott comperes the night.

Reach Inclusive Arts is a Swindon and Wiltshire charity that's been running for over 40 years, creating accessible artistic opportunities for people of all ages experiencing disability, illness, disadvantage or social isolation. Their projects are led by professional directors, artists and performers, and they run three community groups: Partners Theatre Company, weekly drama for adults; Right Time for Art, visual art; and Neon Lights, drama for young people aged 16 to 25. The Big Hat Cabaret is their annual celebration, and it's been off since 2023 when it stopped due to a lack of funding. It's back now with support from The Julia Rausing Trust, Columbia Threadneedle and Arts Council England. The charity describes it as a midway celebration and a reminder to champion visibility and belonging for people with disabilities and additional needs.

The show is fully accessible, with signed interpretation, lighting and sound kept at comfortable levels and a chill-out space on hand. It starts at 7:00 PM at STEAM.