Perfect Show for Rachel

Zoo Co/Improbable

— ,The Pit

Step into Rachel's world as this ★★★★★ (Guardian) show returns following a sold-out run. Discover how a learning disabled artist has the power to lead the creation of her ‘Perfect Show’.

Rachel is a theatre-loving, enigmatic 33 year-old who loves Kylie Minogue, heckling from the front row and seeing people falling over. She is a learning disabled care-home resident, and sister to Flo, Zoo Co’s Artistic Director.

Sitting on-stage on a throne with her custom-built tech desk, Rachel takes charge as the director of every unique performance in real-time. A touch of a button can trigger live music, theatrical scenes and dynamic choreography, brought to life instantly by performers. 

Perfect Show for Rachel was developed with Rachel, to create a show on her own terms. It explores who defines artistic taste, and questions who that currently excludes. Created by Zoo Co Theatre, a multi award-winning company creating theatre that loudly champions access, with Improbable, a pioneering company of improvisers and theatre-makers. 

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Young Barbican

Running time: 1 hour and 15 minutes, no interval

Age guidance: 14+ (strong language)

Please note: flashing lights may be used during this performance

Post-show talk, Thu 30 May
Free to same-day ticket holders.

Buddy scheme
If you’re coming to see the show alone, Zoo Co are running a buddy scheme so they can pair you with a friendly Zoo Co ‘buddy’. You can meet them beforehand, watch the show together and maybe chat about it after. Just email hannah@wearezooco.co.uk and she’ll pair you up.

Access performances 
All performances include a mixture of creative captioning, live captioning and integrated BSL meaning it will be accessible for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. Due to the improvised nature of some parts of the show, some scenes may just have creative captions or integrated BSL.

Audio described performances:
Sat 1 Jun, 2pm 
Touch Tour 12.30pm (meeting point in The Pit foyer on Level -2)

Thu 6 Jun, 7pm
Touch Tour 5.30pm (meeting point in The Pit foyer on Level -2)

Visual story
Read our visual story.

Introductory notes
Read our introductory notes.
Listen to the audio introductory notes.

Communication cards
Use our communication cards on site if you need assistance. 

All performances are Relaxed Performances. Find out more here.

Take a look at our Accessible Events page to find out more about the accessibility of our venues.

Seating information
The seating in The Pit theatre is raked with no arm rests and the seats flip-up (they are 50cm wide and 53cm deep).  

 

Presented by the Barbican

Co-produced by Zoo Co and Improbable 

Supported by Arts Council England & Esmee Fairbairn

The original production of Perfect Show For Rachel, winner of the 2022 Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award, was supported by the Trust and the Barbican.

Appearance of individual performers not guaranteed.

Images by Ikin Yum.
Poster image of Rachel on her throne by Holly Revell Photography and Madison Coby (designer).

 

Creative team

Rachel O’Mahony Director
Stella Backman Set and Costume Designer
Rachel Sampley Lighting and Video Designer
Han Sayles Assistant LX and Video Designer
Simeon Campbell Choreographer

Cast

Flo O’Mahony Performer, Lead Artist and Artistic Director, Zoo Co
Lee Simpson Performer, Lead Artist and Artistic Director (Improbable)
Fleur Rooth, also Creative Access Director, Zoo Co Performer and Creative Access Director
Joshua Goodman Performer and Musical Director
Nick Gilbert Performer and Sound Designer
Show more
‘a total delight... devised with deep affection and attention to detail‘
Guardian
‘A disarming labour of love ‘
The Times

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Relaxed performances

All performances of Perfect Show for Rachel are Relaxed Performances as standard, meaning the usual rules of being in a theatre audience are relaxed, and you are warmly invited to respond to the show however is natural for you.

For this production:

  • The house will be opened early to allow you more time to find your seats.
  • A member of the cast will lead a pre-show welcome talk.
  • The Front of House team are briefed on providing a more informal service and relaxing the standards in regard to audience behaviour during the performance.
  • Latecomer and re-admittance points will be relaxed to allow people to leave and re-enter the auditorium more freely. 
  • There will be low level lighting throughout the performance to ensure your safety if you need to move about.
  • The cast and creative team warmly welcome you to move around or make noise however you may need to.
  • A quiet chill out space is provided with comfortable seating.
  • Ear defenders are available if you need them.

There will still be sound and lighting effects in the show according to Rachel's creative vision. There are some flashing lights during the performance but no sudden loud noises.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to discuss further before making a booking.  Contact the Theatre team at theatre@barbican.org.uk or 020 7638 4141 extention 7434.

Take a look at our Accessible Events page to find out more about the accessibility of our venues.

£6 Young Barbican exhibition tickets

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