Three people stand on a circular stage. One person in the centre wears a large, shiny, gold inflatable suit, while the others wear metallic costumes. The background is dark and stage props are visible.

Three clowns in costumes; one hangs upside down on a pole, while two stand holding lanterns on either side.

Two performers in colourful robes and blue circular props around their heads act on a dark stage.

Gaggle

Sat 24 - Sun 25 Oct 2026

Venue: Studio Theatre

Gaggle is a theatre performance featuring physical comedy, circus and live music, from the team that created MESS.

About the show

Share 3 days and 3 nights with 3 lighthouse keepers. During the day, they work, watch and wait, whatever the weather. At night, the beacon is lit, and that’s when things can get weird, wonderful, and a wee bit wild!

A joyful, immersive theatre experience where no two performances are the same. Blending physical comedy, live music, and circus, performers respond in real time to audience input, creating a unique, shared event.

Gaggle is made especially for audiences of young people with complex additional support needs (ASN), and their families.

Gaggle is most suitable for teenagers with complex ASN, and can also be enjoyed by children age 5+ with ASN. The production is a non-verbal, highly sensory, stimulating experience. It is very funny! There are frequent moments of stillness and silence to offer the audience time to process, engage and respond in their own ways. It has minimal/no language – suitable for non-verbal, Deaf and non-English speaking audiences.

Bookings by phone

Booking for this production is via phone call or through our box office counter so we can help ensure this show is the right fit for you. You can get in touch with us by phone on 0131 529 6000, Mon to Sat, 11am – 3pm; or in person at the Festival Theatre box office on Nicolson Street, Mon to Sat 11am – 3pm.

Each show can hold up to 6 families, with one child and two adults included. Additional sibling tickets available at £9.

“I’ve never seen theatre like that. I’ve seen relaxed performances but not something as inclusive as that.”

“We all loved the sensory experience which we could all enjoy together. It was a truly inclusive experience.”

Three actors in shiny costumes perform on a circular stage; one raises colourful strings above their head.

Four performers in clown costumes stand on a stage with black curtains. One climbs a pole with a circular frame at the top, reaching towards a spotlight. The others watch and gesture. Props and instruments are visible. — © Eoin Carey

Three actors in colourful costumes pose playfully on and around a pole on a circular stage.

A person wearing a pink helmet, elbow pads, and red dungarees holds a large, glowing pink plastic tub while making a determined facial expression on a dark stage. — © Eoin Carey

Two people in colourful, whimsical costumes perform on a dark stage, one standing front and centre.

An actor in costume holds a large ring, performing to children in a dimly lit theatre.

Three performers in costumes; one is spinning mid-air on a pole, two hold hoops on either side under stage lights.

Three performers in shiny costumes pose on a blue stage with lanterns, one balanced upside down.

Three performers in white costumes and hats stand on stage, one at the front gesturing with arms wide open.

Three clowns with lanterns surround a circus tent; one clown perches on a pole inside the tent.

Performer in bright costume dances on a lit round stage, with two people watching in the background.

Three people in fancy dress and hats hold glowing lanterns against a dark background, faces lit by the light.

Four costumed performers stand on stage; one centre figure poses with arms raised, draped in a blue starry cape.

Performance details

Running time: 35 minutes, no interval
Age suitability: 5+
Additional information: Gaggle has been specially designed for young people with ASN and their families.

Discounts

Sibling tickets £9 for additional siblings.

Accessibility information

Relaxed performance Sat 24 October, 2pm Sat 24 October, 4pm Sun 25 October, 11am Sun 25 October, 12.30pm

Booking for this production is only by phone, if you’d like further advice about the show when booking or planning your trip, please contact our box office team for further assistance.

You can find detailed access information for the Studio Theatre below.

More access information

Coming to see Gaggle? Here’s some useful info for you.

Before the show

Read the sensory story

When you arrive at the venue

A member of Tenterhooks will be at the venue to greet you. You are welcome to share your access needs with them. Shows begin at the advertised time. You are welcome to arrive early to get settled and see the performance space before the show begins.

If you have questions about coming to the show, please email admin@tenterhooks.org

During the show

There are 4 performers in Gaggle: 3 lighthouse keepers and 1 musician. They will interact with the audience throughout, as long as the audience member is happy with interaction. You are welcome to come and go during the show if you need to. For example, if a young person becomes over-stimulated or unsure. The performers expect noise and movement from the audience. The performers will welcome and include any and all responses.

Parents/carers are responsible for their child(ren)’s safety throughout the performance.

There is a 3.5metre circus pole on stage which performers will climb. Whilst audience members are free to move around the space throughout the performance, it is not permitted for audience members to climb the pole. If your child will need to climb the pole, please keep scrolling for information about our workshop for climbers.

It is not permitted to take photos or videos during the performance.

Gaggle contains

Non-verbal performance
Slapstick comedy
Mild peril
Circus pole acrobatics
Amplified sound
Live singing
Lighting effects (torches, lanterns). There are no flashing lights.
Sensory props (giant seashells that vibrate and make sounds)

After the show

The performers will lead you out of the performance space. You are welcome to take photographs with the performers after the show.

Important information for climbers

We know that some young people will be fascinated by the circus pole on stage, and will feel a strong desire to climb it. Instead of tickets to a performance of Gaggle, we can offer you a circus pole workshop. Workshops last up to 20 minutes and are for one family at a time. They are facilitated by the Gaggle cast, and take place directly after a Gaggle performance. During the workshop, your child(ren) will be supported to climb the pole and play on it. These sessions must be booked in advance and require a parent/carer to be present throughout. A safety briefing will be given to parents/carers upon arrival. If this sounds like something your child needs, please email admin@tenterhooks.org