Welcome to Firebird Theatre

Firebird Theatre is a Company of Learning Disabled artists based in Bristol.
The company is supported by Bristol Old Vic.

Firebird Theatre work as an ensemble. We are experienced, Learning Disabled performers/actors with a consistent track record and history of making plays and performances together for over thirty years. We used to be called the Portway Players but we changed our name to Firebird Theatre when we became an independent Company in 2005.

We want to make art and tell stories that will stay in people’s heads long after they leave and go home.

Firebird Theatre is proud to have Olivier Award winner, Kathryn Hunter, as its patron.

“We are a family of actors who like different audiences.
We want them to be happy and see good theatre: our theatre!”

Our job is to make art and performances that are for everyone no matter who they are and where they come from. We want to give new meanings and understandings to the stories we tell. What our art does is tackle life and that is what we want to share with other people: that is what Firebird Theatre does.

“Along with people struggling to make their minds up on disability benefits, A Spark and a Beating Heart is also vital viewing for those who consider the arts, including theatre, a simple indulgence.”
– Exeunt review of A Spark and a Beating Heart, 2017

We have been supported by Bristol Old Vic since our inception and were associate artists from 2011 - 2024. We have presented 12 productions with Bristol Old Vic including: Sharing the Stars, The Lying Doctors, The Clowns, The Chalk Circle, The Boy with a Cart, Faustus, The Tempest, The Nine Lessons of Caliban, The Breadhorse, Prospero, Duke of Milan and Spark and a Beating Heart.

Firebird’s Instagram account

Check out our Instagram account for all Firebird latest news and announcements!