“Brrr offers a gentle and responsive space where the audience has the choice to respond in their own way. We hope Brrr can offer a restorative and inclusive theatrical experience of winter.”
Hayley Earlam, Choreographer
Brrr is a new sensory installation and live performance by choreographer Hayley Earlam, made for audiences with complex needs aged 10-18. An immersive exploration of winter, Brrr features dance, sound, video, and lots and lots of snow!
Brrr has been created in association with Capital Theatres, with support from Creative Scotland, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Innovation Studio, and The Work Room’s Residency Programme. Previous developments of the work have been supported by Imaginate, Scottish Dance Theatre, and the Love Dance Scotland bursary.
With thanks to the students and staff of Isobel Mair School and Kingspark School for their creative consultation towards the creation of Brrr. Brrr is now available for touring, contact us to find out more!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A model for the entire industry” Corr Blimey
Brrr team
Creative and Production Team
Hayley Earlam - Choreographer & Performer
Isy Sharman - Producer
Jenny Booth - Designer
Ollie Hawker - Composer & Sound Artist
Rob Willoughby - Video Designer
Clare Adam - Performer
Kiel Jonathan Clarke-Davis - Performer
Courtland Evje - Production Manager
Craig McNeill - Technical Stage Manager
Kirstin Abraham - Creative Access Consultant
Marc Brew - Choreographic Mentor
Victoria Brown - Costume Supervisor
Rachel Amey - BSL Interpreter
Maya Rose Edwards - Graphic Designer
Lewis Landini - Filmmaker
Brian Hartley - Photographer
Holly Baxter-Weir & Gillian Pew - Set Coverings
Marmoset Construction & New Wolf Productions - Set Construction
Discover Brrr’s Social Story & Soundtrack
Click the images below & find out more
Choreographer's Note
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read about Brrr. As its creator, I am deeply passionate about this work, so much so that I dedicated my Master’s thesis to it. Rather than ask you to wade through 16,000 words, I’d like to share just a few thoughts below on how Brrr came to be.
Hayley
Choreographer of Brrr
How to say Brrr
Firstly, if you are wondering how to say the name of the show – it is the onomatopoeic sound you make when you are cold. Everyone will have their own way to say or gesture Brrr, so please don’t worry!
Why winter?
Brrr was created in response to the turbulence of winter. For many, winter is a disruptive time of year marked by changes in routine, overstimulating festive events, heightened holiday energy, and unpredictable weather, all of which can make daily life challenging.
I wanted to imagine a different kind of winter, one where audiences could slow down, unwind, and experience a season that felt welcoming and accessible. Abstract by design, Brrr is a sensory installation with live dance performance, inviting each audience member to discover their own journey through the wintry world of Brrr.
Accessibility matters
No two performances of Brrr are ever the same; the show is adaptive and responsive to its audience. The modular set features a variety of sensory seating options, allowing us to adjust the space based on who is present. Some audience members use our hoist to transfer onto a memory foam mattress wrapped in cosy Sherpa fleece, while others might choose an inflatable seat and stimulate their vestibular senses. The door stays open throughout the performance, so you are free to come and go as you wish.
For those who prefer a quieter experience, the Dip-Out space offers a live feed of the show and the chance to explore Brrr’s sensory world independently.
Making work for and with the audience
As a sensory choreographer, I created Brrr both for and with the audience. The research and development of the work took place in two Scottish ASN schools, where we collaborated closely with disabled young people and their caring adults. Their responses and feedback were instrumental in shaping Brrr into the show it is today.
Tuning in
If you are attending Brrr, I encourage you to tune into your senses, find a cosy place to settle, or follow your curiosity and explore. Most importantly, enjoy being in the company of one of the most spectacular audiences!