Awesometistic CIC in partnership with Queen’s Hall Hexham and Live Theatre presents
HIDDEN BISCUIT
Created by RICHIE BOW-GRACE
Co-written & Directed by ALI PRITCHARD
Performed by PAULA PENMAN, WILF STONE & ZOE LAMBERT
Dramaturgy by TAMSIN REES
Featuring live music
“Imagine compressing your whole self into a ‘freak drawer’ for 40 years — labelled ‘too much’ and ‘not enough’ at the same time. Decades spent hiding, shrinking, surviving. Abuse, adoption, misunderstanding… shaped by silence and rejection. This is the moment I stop hiding. I’m ready to share what that really felt like — and show who I truly am.”
Hidden Biscuit is a bold, unflinching, and ultimately uplifting new play about truth, resilience, and the power of perspective. Inspired by a true story, it follows one neurodivergent individual’s journey through trauma, misunderstanding, and isolation — and how, against the odds, he emerges triumphant.
This is not just a story. It’s a challenge. To see the world a little differently. To rethink snap judgements. To choose compassion over assumption.
With humour, heart, and a healthy dose of chaos, Hidden Biscuit explores the extremes of everyday life — from the absurd to the heartbreaking — all through the lens of someone who’s spent decades feeling like they didn’t belong. It’s about identity, the long road to self-acceptance, and how the world has grown up around him — and how he’s grown with it.
Launching in time for World Autism Awareness Day, Hidden Biscuit is a vivid, emotionally charged journey through misunderstanding, resilience, and radical honesty. It swings between heartbreak and humour, tenderness and fury — a full-spectrum experience that invites audiences to feel, reflect, and rethink.
This production reimagines theatre through sound — creating an immersive, emotionally resonant experience accessible to diverse audiences. The script is entirely audio-based, centering sound as the primary storytelling tool, while we explore other sensory experiences.
Everyone experiences the world differently — and for many neurodivergent people, audio stimulation is especially powerful. Hidden Biscuit is built by a majority neurospicy creative team, determined to make work that’s inclusive, inventive, and deeply felt.
Hidden Biscuit is a story for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider — and for everyone ready to listen. Are you ready to take the biscuit? Or just nibble on the crumbs?
Created by a majority neurodivergent team, including award-winning writer/director Ali Pritchard, whose previous work has been described as:
“A testament to the power of storytelling… heartfelt, important… something wonderful.” ★★★★★ Theatre & Tonic on Present (2024)
“Big-hearted show laced with humour and charm.” ★★★★ The Stage on Nurse’s Station (2024)
“Provokes thoughts about social media, generational divides and the nature of memory, reality and experience.” ★★★★ The Evening Chronicle on Opolis (2022)
In 2022, Richie Bow-Grace was recognised as a Platinum Champion for their outstanding contribution as a volunteer during Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
This research and development has been generously funded by Arts Council England.
Workshops and Learning Opportunities
Alongside the performance of Hidden Biscuit, Awesometistic CIC are offering workshops and learning opportunities designed and delivered by Lindsay Nicholson, informed by the story and tailored for secondary schools, colleges, and businesses. These sessions focus on:
- Autism and neurodivergence awareness
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training
For more information, please contact Richie Bow-Grace at Awesometistic CIC.
