Hijinx Theatre and Blind Summit's 'Meet Fred' Returns for 10th Anniversary UK Tour

Hijinx Theatre and Blind Summit's production 'Meet Fred' is currently on a UK tour to mark its 10th anniversary, with performances scheduled until June 5, 2026. The show features Fred, a two-foot-tall puppet made of white cloth, who is operated by three performers using Bunraku-style puppetry. The narrative explores themes of care, autonomy, and bureaucratic systems, as Fred's Puppetry Living Allowance is threatened, leading to the loss of support and physical consequences. The puppetry is noted for its emotional range and precision, with Nicholas Halliwell providing the voice and head control. The production includes inclusive casting with performers with and without learning disabilities or autism, and features captions. It critiques disability support systems through satire, including a fictional Department of Work and Puppets. While praised for its craft and intent, some scenes are described as overlong or tonally uneven. The tour includes stops in York, Taunton, Havant, Dorchester, and Reading in April. The review highlights the relevance of the themes in contemporary England, where disability support faces scrutiny.