Double Act Disability Theatre is a partnership between two Dorset community theatre groups - DATco (people with sensory or physical disabilities) and TOPS (people with learning disabilities). 

Until 2008,the partnership was previously known as The Next Stage.

Double Act provides high quality and life long learning opportunities for disabled adults to participate in theatre activities. The project is managed by a Board of Trustees and a Steering Group.

Double Act works with the best professional theatre practitioners, from disability theatre and mainstream backgrounds towards:

• devising original and scripted plays
• touring productions to primary and secondary schools, community and arts centres
• acting as mentors and co-leading workshops with disabled and non-disabled young people and adults

Double Act is committed to challenging sterotypical attitudes to disability and working towards equality of opporunity for disabled people.

Double Act artists:

Core artists: Tony Horitz (Artistic Director), Michele O'Brien (theatre practitioner)

Disabled artists and groups include: Jamie Beddard, Mat Fraser, Anjali, Graeae, The Shysters, StopGap, Sign Dance Collective

Other artists include:  Helen Porter (Counterparts, musician/singer), Lee Hart (physical theatre facilitator), Sarah Archdeacon, Gareth Malone, Heidi Steller

The project began in Bournemouth in 1998 through a partnership between Bournemouth Theatre in Education and Bournemouth Arts Development (Bournermouth Borough Council).

Double Act Theatre Company is now an independent charity (Registered Charity number 1126452).

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it        mobile: 07972 480967

Current Projects

DATco and TOPS are planning independent productions over the coming year.  Please contact for more information.

Double Act's current show is Whirling Dog Superstars Cabaret

This show was performed in schools and community venues (Sturminster Memorial Hall; Bridport Arts Centre), during Autumn 2009 and Winter 2010.

Whirling Dog Superstars is available to book. For fees and other information, please contact Double Act.

Whirling Dogs Slideshow