Actor Bradley Riches Champions Neurodivergent Inclusivity in Theatre

Bradley Riches, a 23-year-old actor currently performing as Peter Pan at Buckinghamshire’s Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, where he sings songs like A Sky Full of Stars, was non-verbal until the age of 10. He now actively champions neurodivergent awareness, particularly in the context of the sensory challenges presented by the panto season. Following his autism diagnosis when he was nine, Riches began attending an after-school theatre club in Surrey, where he spent his formative years. He recounted his initial experience, stating, “When I first joined the group, I didn’t use words as a form of communication so I was just there pushing myself out of my comfort zone and being around people who couldn’t stop singing.” Riches further explained that portraying characters, including Fizzy in Bugsy Malone, helped him “found his voice.” He elaborated on this process, saying, “Watching American TV shows, I was able to impersonate the voice.” He continued, “I had a stammer because I’d never used that muscle before, but I was able to use characters to be like an extension of myself and then this art taught me how to weave that into me, and start speaking as Bradley as well.” While pursuing a musical theatre degree at the Emil Dale Academy, a Hertfordshire drama school, he focused his dissertation on the obstacles faced by neurodivergent performers, noting that these often begin during auditions. He commented on the audition process, stating, “Some directors don’t want to give you a lot [in advance] in order to see what you come with, but that’s not helpful for neurodiverse people.” Riches further explained, “You need to know what you’re doing, you need to get your brain around it… you just want to see what the room looks like and who you’re meeting.” He emphasized the simplicity of potential solutions, remarking, “Little things like that could be so easily managed, it’s not like we’re asking to change the world, it’s just asking to put different things in place to make things more accessible for everyone.” Additional difficulties he identified include the unpredictable nature of the industry, establishing a routine during periods of unemployment, and sensory elements such as the environment of a bustling rehearsal space. He noted that adapting to these challenges is possible over time, stating, “I think slowly once you understand the industry and get used to it you start understanding how you can cope with it.” Since his graduation in 2023, Riches has performed in the new musical Babies on the London stage, featured in Netflix’s LGBTQ drama Heartstopper, and participated in ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother. His role in Peter Pan marks his debut in pantomime, introducing a further dimension of unpredictability. Reflecting on the experience, he commented, “I’m shocked that I am excited for it but I think it’s just because it’s such a positive experience.” He added, “Everyone has got each other’s back, no one wants anything to go wrong and, obviously with time, with different interactions, you know your way out of it. There are worst-case scenario exits.” His personal experience with neurodivergence also provides him with insight into the requirements of individuals who find attending a theatre performance challenging. He highlighted the significance of relaxed performances, which involve keeping house lights dimmed and potentially omitting strobe lighting, loud noises, or explosions. He actively supports the Waterside’s initiatives aimed at making theatre accessible to all. Riches explained the core concern for many, stating, “I think the main thing that a lot of people feel is of being judged, especially if anything becomes too much.” He elaborated on the benefits of these performances, adding, “With relaxed performances there’s no judgement, anyone can get up from their seat, you can be as loud or as quiet as you want, you can leave and there’s a calm room.” Additionally, the theatre offers signed, captioned, and audio-described performances, which he considers vital for ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of pantomime and feel a sense of belonging. The Waterside provides sensory bags for all performances, containing items such as ear defenders, fidget toys, puzzles, and communication cards. For the current year, sign language has been incorporated into one of the pantomime songs, marking a first for the venue. Grant Brisland, the theatre director, stated that theatre leaders “must have the mindset of removing barriers and establishing initiatives to broaden access for all.” Brisland acknowledged Riches’ impact, saying, “Bradley’s been an inspiration and catalyst for us to unlock more conversations about what we can do to support our neurodiverse community.” He concluded, “Whilst we have a lot more to do, we’re headed in the right direction.”