Challenging Assumptions Through Humour: (We indulge in) a bit of roll play Review

★★★★

Disability-led theatre company Birds of Paradise’s latest production (We indulge in) a bit of roll play challenges misconceptions about disability and intimacy. Written by Hana Pascal Keegan, Gabriella Sloss and Robert Softley Gale, the play follows Ben (Ed Larkin), a disabled university student who secretly creates OnlyFans content in his bedroom with some help from his friend/ex-girlfriend Amy (Ava Duncan). When his parents Maggie (Zoe Hunter) and Dave (Alan Mackenzie) snoop through his laptop and find a folder of password-protected videos, and messages from the mysterious CripGod (Rosie Jones), Ben is forced to reveal the truth and face his fears head on.

To kick off the show, Jones introduces sign language performers Jamie Rae and Yvonne Strain and explains the premise of the show. The segment is packed with her signature humour, and she bounces off Strain well, but it does drag on for too long. Once the show settles, however, a compelling and well-written story emerges, complete with quick-witted humour and relatable, loveable characters. The family dynamics are well thought-out and detailed, from worrywart Maggie’s overprotective ways, to the emotionally avoidant Dave using ChatGPT to draft “realistic” responses to CripGod when they snoop through his computer.

The concept of CripGod is also a creative addition. Although there isn’t always a clear line between the character and Jones’ personality, she excels in the role, particularly shining in the show’s more chaotic moments. Her tough love approach towards Ben is a refreshing change to the infantilization of disabled people that is still a common experience for many. She is able to articulate what he cannot, such as how Amy’s well-meaning platitudes make him feel worse.

Towards the end of the show, the stage transforms into club Reasonable Adjustments, and the group congregate on the floor, joining us as the audience for the performance artists. Myla Corvidae, Eilidh Ellery, Freak the Clown, Roxy Nova and Indrid Heron put on an incredibly strong showcase of burlesque, lip-sync and circus tricks. The explicit dancing may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s impossible not to be impressed by their talents and stage presence.

The accessibility measures that the company have taken are outstanding. There are captions throughout the performance and the BSL interpreters fit into the production seamlessly. It’s a relaxed performance where the audience is encouraged to stim and move as needed, as long as they don’t distract others from the performance. Most impressively, there is a trigger warning for strobe lights and loud music displayed on the set’s multimedia screens five minutes before it takes place. It’s a minor detail for those who don’t need it, but extremely helpful for those who are sensitive to sound or light. (We indulge in) a bit of roll play is a prime example of what theatre should look like in 2026.

There is a certain irony that it is mostly able-bodied people that discuss having sex, but perhaps this makes a bigger statement. As a bit of roll play points out, there are millions of Bens out there, and it is not their job to educate others or serve as inspirational stories. Overall, it is a bold, high-energy performance that challenges assumptions about disability while delivering plenty of laughs.

(We indulge in) a bit of roll play was performed at Tramway, Glasgow from 19-21 February.

Words by Ellen Leslie

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