Square Talk

This episode explores how Bamboozle Theatre creates accessible, immersive experiences for learning disabled and autistic children and their families. Host Jason Clothier speaks with Christopher Davis, Artistic Director at Bamboozle, about building safety, belonging, and agency through theatre—and how a £5,000 donation from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons supports that work.

Christopher shares how Bamboozle’s approach helps young people communicate in ways that suit them, why time and space matter, and how the company’s work spans local family sessions and international touring.

Key topics

How Bamboozle creates “enabled spaces” where young people can find their voice and have it heard.

Making theatre accessible for autistic and learning disabled children who may not be able to access traditional performance settings.

Designing performances for dynamic audiences, with actors adapting to movement, sound, and individual responses.

The difference between praise and value—and why space to explore and succeed independently matters.

Amy’s story, which shows how Bamboozle noticed and supported communication that others had overlooked.

The Backyard, Bamboozle’s outdoor provision, created during COVID and now in high demand from families.

How donations support family sessions, workshops, and new work such as Traces, an outdoor show for autistic audiences.

How Bamboozle’s approach has influenced schools, including one school that adopted a “no praise” approach.

The company’s international work, including touring in Shanghai and collaborating with theatre companies in Italy.

Bamboozle’s mission to help every learning disabled and autistic child in England find their voice and have it heard.

Timestamps

00:00 — Opening and mission of Square Talk

01:52 — Introducing Christopher Davis and Bamboozle Theatre

03:30 — What Bamboozle does and who it serves

04:25 — Family and teacher reflections on feeling accepted

06:53 — How Bamboozle got its name

08:53 — What immersive, accessible theatre looks like in practice

10:20 — Small audiences, movement, and flexible performance design

11:46 — Creating ease for non-verbal and sensory-sensitive children

14:26 — The Bamboozle approach and its core principles

15:24 — Amy’s story and discovering hidden communication

18:13 — Safety, trust, respect, and belonging

19:51 — Why Bamboozle questions praise-based motivation

22:16 — High artistic standards and adapting to dynamic audiences

23:42 — Inviting participation without pressure or reward

24:41 — The impact of the £5,000 donation

25:40 — Making Traces with Italian theatre partners

28:48 — How international touring supports local family work

30:15 — Bamboozle at Home and in-family sessions

31:11 — Abby’s story and making music together

33:08 — What children and families have taught Bamboozle about communication

35:03 — The need for more support and provision

36:02 — The Backyard outdoor space and why it was created

37:23 — Why families value spaces where they do not have to apologize

39:32 — Slowing down to give young people time to respond

40:01 — What’s next for Bamboozle

41:29 — How to support disability arts and accessible theatre

43:14 — Challenges in grant funding and the value of regular giving

44:43 — Communication strategies across settings and countries

46:37 — A school transformed by the Bamboozle approach

48:06 — Thanking donors and describing the value of support

49:34 — The Backyard image and Bamboozle’s mission

In this episode of Square Talk, host Jason Clothier sits down with Peter Kinder, Provincial Grand Master, and Noel Manby, Grand Superintendent for Leicestershire and Rutland, to discuss Archway — the new national initiative designed to strengthen the connection between Craft Freemasonry and the Royal Arch.

Together, they explore how Archway supports brethren in understanding the deeper links between the two, why it matters to the Masonic journey, and how it’s being implemented here in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Whether you’re a Freemason curious about taking your next step, or simply interested in learning more about the Craft and its traditions, this conversation offers an open and insightful look into how Freemasonry continues to evolve and connect.

https://b.ugle.org.uk/membership/archway  

https://www.leicestershire-rutlandfreemasons.org.uk/ 

https://www.leicestershire-rutlandfreemasons.org.uk/royal-arch 

In this episode of Square Talk, we dive into the heart of Masonic charity in Leicestershire and Rutland. Far from being just about writing cheques, charity within Freemasonry often begins as a spark — a simple idea, a heartfelt conversation, or a small gesture that can grow into something life-changing.

Host Jason Clothier is joined by Mark Pierpoint and Steve Skidmore, who share their experiences of nurturing those sparks into meaningful projects. Together, they reveal the stories behind Masonic charity: the inspiration, the challenges, and the lives touched along the way.

Whether you’re curious about Freemasonry, passionate about community work, or simply love hearing stories of people making a difference, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of how charity becomes more than just giving — it becomes living.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
•  Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust
• Heroes Walk - Leicester Hospitals Charity

We take a look back at the successful Open Day held this May at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester — where we opened our doors to the public for a rare glimpse inside. I had the pleasure of speaking with a wide range of visitors and participants, including curious members of the public, brethren from the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, and members of Women’s Freemasonry. It was a fantastic day of conversation, openness, and shared curiosity about who we are and what we do.

Before we dive in, a quick note — you may notice that the sound quality in this episode isn’t quite perfect. As this is our very first podcast, I’m still learning the ropes when it comes to production and editing. But stick with me — the quality will only improve from here, and I appreciate your patience and support as we grow.

In episode 21 we look back at an interview i conducted last week in front of an audience of people who are thinking about joining the Freemasons.

In this episode we look through a paper written in 1968 by W.H.Russell for the Lodge of Research No.2429 in Leicester. www.research2429.org.uk

In this episode, we talk to Peter Kinder and Paul Wallace to check on the plans for Freemasonry in the current lockdown in England, and their plans for Christmas and the New Year.

How do masonic halls operate? and in particular, how do the kitchens work to feed the many members day in day out. In this episode we discuss the operation in Leicester's busy Freemasons' Hall with Nicola Holyoake and chef Greg Prangnell.

I am joined by Peter Kinder and Dale Page as we listen to the stories and achievements of Roger Dakin, the renowned MC and After Dinner Speaker.

In this episode, we look at the role of Membership Officer, at both Lodge and provincial level, and to see the work being undertaken to promote the work Freemasonry plays within the community. We also examine the role of Lodge Mentor's play in ensuring that our new members are looked after.