The Collaborative Touring Network (CTN) believes in the power and possibility of live performance.

Established in 2013, CTN is growing collective of organisations based in Wigan, Torbay, Thanet, Peterborough, Gloucester, Scarborough, Bradford and Stoke-on-Trent. CTN work with artists and communities to make and tour life-affirming, soul-shaking, perspective-changing shows.

We joined the CTN in January 2023 and were super lucky to be able to work with disabled-led arts company Touretteshero, touring a new live and digital show nationally…..

Burnt Out in Biscuit Land

Three people shout in different directions with varying exaggerated expressions of rage, confusion and anticipation. They are all wearing black stab vests with the words ‘NO DNR’ stencilled onto the vests in white paint. — ***Credit: Ro Murphy***

“We refuse to give up our joy!”

Performed: 30th June 7pm & 1st July 2023

While the world outside is in chaos, three neurodiverse inhabitants of an apocalyptic bunker are doing their best to survive. Blending film, live performance and conversation, Touretteshero’s funny, surreal and moving show explores resistance and joy in the face of a crisis.

About Touretteshero

Founded in 2010, Touretteshero is a disabled-led arts organisation. Using Tourettes syndrome as a catalyst, their mission is to create an inclusive and socially just world for disabled and non-disabled people through their cultural practice.

Micro-commission - Postcards from Bed by Charlie Thorpe & Kayleigh Price

As part of this project, the CTN partnered with arts commissioning body Unlimited to offer micro-commissions for local artists on the tour to respond to the themes of Burnt Out in Biscuit Land. Unlimited commission extraordinary work from disabled artists that will change and challenge the world.

Local artists Charlie Thorpe and Kayleigh Price created and shared their new work ‘Postcards from Bed’ a combination of dance and creative writing.

Read Charlie’s writing HERE

“Charlie lives and writes in Staffordshire, where she works in community mental health. Her writing draws on lived experience to voice the things we struggle to talk about: mental health, disability and trauma. Kayleigh is a freelance dance artist, having trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Kayleigh creates autobiographical work using lived experience.This new collaboration seeks to make visible the invisible. Through creative writing and dance, ‘Postcards From Bed’ illuminates life with chronic pain, drawing on lived experience. We invite you to experience rest and renewal through creative storytelling.”

POSTCARDS FROM BED